The Kuí Clan#

Clan Name: Kuí, pronounced as “kuí”

Distribution of the Kuí Clan#

Jingzhao: Also known as Jingzhao Commandery or Jingzhao Yin, it was not actually a commandery in the traditional sense, but rather a regional administrative area where the central government was located. The title “Yin” referred to the governor of this area. In the first year of the Taichu era of the Western Han Dynasty (104 BCE), the position of Jingzhao Yin was established, making it one of the three important administrative regions (Sanfu), with its administrative center in Chang’an (present-day Xi’an, Shaanxi).

Origins of the Kuí Clan#

The Kuí clan has the following origins:

1. It originates from the Yiwei clan, specifically from Kuí, the music director during the reigns of Emperors Yao and Shun, and takes its name from a prominent ancestor.
2. It originates from the Mi clan, descending from the royal family of the Chu state during the Spring and Autumn period, and takes its name from the name of the state.
3. It also has Mongolian origins, resulting from sinicization of surnames.

Founder of the Clan: Xiong Zhi. The Kuí clan name is derived from the state of Kuí during the Zhou Dynasty. According to the “Tongzhi·Shizú Lüè,” it originated from Xiong Zhi, a ruler of the Chu state during the Spring and Autumn period. The ancient city of Kuízi, located two miles east of Guizhou, is considered the birthplace of the Kuí clan. In the 26th year of Duke Xi’s reign, the Chu state conquered Kuí, and its descendants adopted the name of their former state as their surname. Additionally, according to the “Baijia Zhu,” the Kuí clan is said to have originated in ancient times, with legends suggesting it descended from Kuí, the music director during the reign of Emperor Yao. Descendants of the Chu state were granted the land of Kuí, which is in the present-day Zigui, Hubei. The prominent members of the clan came from the Jingzhao Commandery, which is east of present-day Xi’an, Shaanxi. The descendants of the Kuí clan regard Xiong Zhi as their founding ancestor.

Migration and Spread: The Kuí clan is an ancient one with multiple origins across different ethnic groups. However, its total population does not rank among the top 300 surnames in mainland China or Taiwan Province. In the Song Dynasty version of the “Baijia Xin,” it was ranked 367th. There is a legend from ancient times that this musician had only one leg, which led to the nickname “Kuí Yizú” (Kuí with One Foot). The ancient text “Lüshi Chunqiu” mentions that a ruler of the Lu state consulted Confucius about the authenticity of this story. Confucius explained that during the reign of Emperor Shun, music was used to promote peace, and Kuí was appointed to oversee this aspect. Kuí created excellent musical compositions, leading Emperor Shun to believe that one such capable person was sufficient to achieve his goals. Over time, the name “Kuí Yizú” became widespread, although this was a misinterpretation of his role. The origin of the Kuí clan can be traced back to the reigns of Emperors Yao and Shun. The character “Kuí” originally referred to a dragon-like creature and is thought to be a branch of the dragon totem of the Yellow Emperor’s clan. During the Spring and Autumn period, there was a city in the Chu state named Kuicheng, probably named after Kuí, as the character symbolized strength and power. A descendant of a Chu ruler was granted control over Kuicheng, and his descendants adopted the Kuí surname.

Clan Halls:

• Jingzhao Hall: Established based on the clan’s historical connections in Jingzhao.
• Xianghan Hall: Named after Kuí An, a chancellor during the Later Zhao period who was highly intelligent, capable, and virtuous.
• Genghuan Hall: Further information on this hall is needed.

Notable Figures with the Kuí Surname:

• Kuí An: A chancellor under Shi Hu, the founder of the Later Zhao dynasty during the Northern and Southern Dynasties. He was exceptionally intelligent and virtuous, managing the state effectively and excelling in military command.
• Kuí Xin: A scholar from the Ming Dynasty who served as the governor of Yudu and was ranked first in performance evaluations.