Guo Family Surname#

The surname is Guo, pronounced as guó.

Distribution of the Guo Family Surname#

During the Eastern Han Dynasty, in the 15th year of the Yongping era (72 AD), the Linhuai Commandery was renamed the Xipi State, which was later changed back to Xipi Commandery during the Southern Song Dynasty. This corresponds to the area in the northwest of present-day Jiangsu Province.

Origin of the Guo Family Surname#

There are three theories regarding the origin of the Guo surname:

1. It originates from the Ji surname, with the family name being derived from the ancestral name. According to the Yuanhe Xing Zuan, during the Spring and Autumn period, Duke Mu of Zheng had a son named Gongzi Fa, whose courtesy name was Ziguo. Ziguo’s son, Gongsun Qiao (courtesy name Zichan), ruled Zheng for more than thirty years and was a renowned statesman of that time. Zichan’s descendants adopted their grandfather’s name as their family name.
2. It originates from the Jiang surname, with the family name being granted as an honor. According to the Guangyun, Xing Shi Kao Lue, and Xing Yuan, during the Spring and Autumn period, there was a high-ranking official in the state of Qi named Guoshi. This official was personally appointed by the Son of Heaven as the Chief Advisor to the State, and the ruler of Qi bestowed upon him the surname Guo, symbolizing the highest respect for the state. His descendants then adopted this surname.
3. It also originates from one of the eight prominent families of the ancient Baekje kingdom, which later adopted the surname Guo.

Distribution of the Guo Family Surname#

The Guo surname is not among the top 100 most common surnames in either mainland China or Taiwan. The Guangyun cites the Xing Yuan to suggest that the Guo family is a descendant of Jiang Taigong. The Xing Shi Kao Lue supports this theory as well. However, the Yuanhe Xing Zuan proposes another theory: Gongzi Fa (courtesy name Ziguo) of Zheng had descendants who adopted the character “Wang” as their family name, which also resulted in the Guo surname. Additionally, the Xing Shi Kao Lue mentions that the Wei and Baekje noble families also had members with the Guo surname.

The Guo family has not made it into the top 100 most common surnames in either mainland China or Taiwan. According to the Guangyun, which cites the Xing Yuan, the Guo family is a descendant of Jiang Taigong. The Xing Shi Kao Lue agrees with this view. The Yuanhe Xing Zuan offers a different theory, stating that Gongzi Fa’s descendants adopted the character “Wang” as their family name. Furthermore, the Xing Shi Kao Lue indicates that the Wei and Baekje noble families also had members with the Guo surname. This shows the complex origins of the Guo surname. It is very difficult for people with the Guo surname in China to determine their specific branch of the family. The prominent members of the Guo family lived in the Xipi Commandery (now the ancient city of Xipi, Pizhou County, Jiangsu Province).

Hall Names#

The hall name for the Guo family is Gongjian Tang (Hall of Respect and Frugality). During the Three Kingdoms period, there was a man named Guo Yuan from the state of Wei who studied under the great scholar Zheng Xuan. Zheng Xuan praised him as a man with the potential to govern a country. During the reign of Emperor Wu of Wei, Guo Yuan was appointed as an official and later rose to the position of Grand Steward. He was known for his humility and frugality, which led to the selection of Gongjian Tang as the hall name for his family.

Common Couplets for the Guo Family Ancestral Hall

Four-character Couplets#

• Originating from Xipi; Descending from the Guo family’s illustrious lineage. (Written by an anonymous author) This couplet refers to the origins and historical significance of the Guo surname.
• Proceed with diligence in rituals; The benevolence of the past is unforgettable. (Written by an anonymous author) This couplet commemorates the statesmen of the Qi and Zheng dynasties, such as Guo Zhuangzi and Gongsun Qiao, who brought about significant reforms in their respective states.
• Zi Ni was promoted to Grand Steward; Guo Zhu brought glory as the military commander. (Written by an anonymous author) This couplet highlights the achievements of Guo Yuan and Guo Zhu in different historical periods.

Six-character Couplets#

• Zi Ni, honored as Grand Steward; Guo Zhu, brilliant as the military commander. (Written by an anonymous author) This couplet emphasizes the achievements of Guo Yuan and Guo Zhu in their respective roles.
• A scholar of great knowledge and benevolence. (Written by an anonymous author) This couplet praises the wisdom and kindness of the Guo family members.

Seven-character Couplets#

• A rare talent among the noble scholars of old; A brave and generous leader. (Written by an anonymous author) This couplet acknowledges the dual qualities of the Guo family members.
• The ancestor of the Guo family was a brilliant scholar; His benevolence has endured through the ages. (Written by an anonymous author) This couplet honors the historical significance of the Guo family’s founder, Guo Ai.