Gu (family)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
There are several different Gu family names in use in China.
The largest family Gu 顾 [[meaning to care for]]], is ranked around #80 on the list of top Chinese family names.
This family traces its ancestral roots to the ancient Chinese Kingdom of Gu, which existed as a tributary Kingdom Northeast of China in current day Henan province, during the Xia Dynasty, around 2200 B.C. This Kingdom of Gu was destroyed when the Shang Dynasty overthrew the Xia Dynasty. The survivors of this Kingdom adopted the name, and became the Northern lineage of the family Gu.
A second, Southern, lineage of the family Gu came about around the Warring Nations Period. They adopted this name from a city named Gu around that time. Their original family name is unknown.
This family name can be found mostly in Eastern and Southern Chinese Provinces, especially in Jiangsu and Northern Zhejiang, and around the City of Shanghai. Also, because of its Northern Chinese influence, there are Korean families with the same last name.
In Cantonese, this name is typically pronounced and spelled, Koo.
The second family name Gu 谷 [[meaning valley]]], came about when a noble family of the Chou Dynasty was rewarded a property in a valley area. The descendants of the family adopted the name to link their lineage to that history.
The third family name Gu 古 [[meaning ancient]]], is extremely rare in China.
The fourth family name Gu 骨 [[meaning bone]]], is even more rare.
