寇姓
The Kou surname, pronounced "kòu", originates from the ancient official title "Sikou" held by figures like Su Fensheng, from the Ji surname, and from Xianbei and Wuhuan ethnic tribes. Historically prominent in commanderies like Fengyi and Shanggu, it is not among China's top 100 surnames today.
The Kou Family
Surname: Kou, pronounced as “kòu”
Distribution of the Kou Family
- Fengyi Commandery: Established in the first year of the Taichu era during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han. The Wei state of the Three Kingdoms period set up a commandery here, with its administrative center in Linjin, which is now located in Dali County, Shaanxi Province.
- Henan Commandery: Established by Emperor Gao of Han. It was located in the area around present-day Luoyang, Henan Province.
- Shanggu Commandery: Established in 222 BCE after the Qin state conquered the Zhao state. It corresponded to the northwestern part of present-day Hebei Province, with its administrative center in Juyang, now in Huailai County, Hebei Province.
- Shangdang Commandery: Established during the Qin dynasty; its location was in the area east of present-day Qingshui, Shanxi Province.
Origins of the Kou Surname
The Kou surname has three possible origins:
- From an official title: During the ancient Zhou dynasty, a descendant of the Kunwu people named Su Fensheng served as the “Sikou” (Minister of Justice) for King Wu of Zhou. His descendants adopted the title as their surname.
- From the Ji surname: During the Spring and Autumn period, Wei Kangshu also held the position of Sikou. His descendants adopted the title as their surname.
- From ancient ethnic minorities: During the Southern and Northern Dynasties, the Xianbei tribe in the Northern Wei dynasty adopted the surname “Kou.” The Xianbei had the surname “Kouyin,” which was later changed to the similar-sounding “Kou” during sinicization. Additionally, the Wuhuan tribe in Liaodong also used the surname “Kou.”
Ancestor of the Kou Surname: Su Fensheng is considered the progenitor of the Kou family. According to historical records, Su Fensheng, a descendant of Wei Linggong, adopted the title of Sikou and passed it down as his surname. The position of Sikou existed in the Xia and Yin dynasties and was responsible for judicial affairs, similar to a modern judicial official. This title was abolished during the Spring and Autumn period.
Historical Notes: The Kou family has been prominent in the regions of Shanggu (now Changping County, Hebei Province) and Fengyi Commandery (now Dali County, Shaanxi Province). They also had significant influence in various dynasties across China.
The Kou surname has not made it into the top 100 most common surnames in mainland China or Taiwan. The position of Sikou was established in various dynasties to oversee public order, criminal laws, and judicial affairs. Many members of the Kou family descended from individuals who held this position, which is how the surname originated.