The Rui Genealogy#

Surname: Rui, pronounced as “ruì”

Distribution of the Rui Surname#

According to the book “Junwang Baijiaxing” (The Genealogies of Hundred Families from Various Regions), the Rui family originated from Pingyuan Commandery. The book “Xingshimeilüe” (A Brief Examination of Surnames) also mentions that the Rui family has its roots in Fufeng.

1. Pingyuan Commandery: This commandery was established in the early Western Han Dynasty and is located in the area around present-day Pingyuan County, Shandong Province.
2. Fufeng Commandery: Fufeng was first established during the Han Dynasty and was later renamed Fufeng Commandery in the Wei state during the Three Kingdoms period. It is situated to the west of present-day Chang’an County, Shaanxi Province.

Origin of the Rui Surname#

The Rui surname originates from the Ji clan. It was adopted as a surname based on the name of a former state. In the 11th century BCE, King Wu of Zhou appointed his minister, Rui Liangfu, to govern the state of Rui (located in present-day Ruicheng County, Shanxi Province; another theory suggests it was south of present-day Chaoyi County, Shaanxi Province). During the reign of King Cheng of Zhou, Rui was elevated to the status of a vassal state and Rui Liangfu served as the Minister of Works (Situ). During the Spring and Autumn period, the state of Rui was conquered by the state of Jin. Afterwards, the people of Rui adopted the name of their former state as their surname.

Hall Names (Tanghao):

“Sangrou Hall”: During the reign of King Li of Zhou, Rui Liangfu was a high-ranking official. King Li was unjust and favored the treacherous minister Rong Yigong. Rui Liangfu wrote the poem “Sangrou” to criticize King Li’s actions, which led to the downfall of the state. This poem is included in the “Book of Songs: Daya.” Enraged by Rui Liangfu’s criticism, King Li exiled him to the town of Zhi. Eventually, King Li himself had to flee due to the pressure of his loyal ministers and died in Zhi.

Ancestor of the Surname:

A certain Rui individual moved from the Rui family’s lands in Changchaoshan to the Ding family in Wuxing during the early Qing Dynasty and subsequently adopted the Ding surname. This information is recorded in the Qing Dynasty’s “Ding Family Genealogy,” which consists of two volumes.

Migration and Distribution:

The prominent Rui families lived in Fufeng (east of present-day Xianyang, Shaanxi) and Pingyuan (20 miles south of present-day Pingyuan County, Shandong). The Rui surname has a wide distribution across China and a long history. Historical records indicate that the Rui family originated from the Ji clan and emerged from the state of Rui in Shanxi. Initially, the surname was based on the name of the state; however, after defeats in battles, the descendants of Rui adopted the names of the territories they were granted. The main settlements of the Rui family throughout history were in Xianyang, Shaanxi, and Pingyuan County, Shandong. Today, the Rui surname can be found throughout China, from north to south.