Explore the historical origins of Chinese surnames

Surname Story

Origin and History of the Surname 古

The surname "Gu" (古) has a deep historical background in Chinese culture. Derived from the ancient times, it is believed to originate from the name of an ancient state during the Zhou Dynasty called "Gu". Over time, descendants of the rulers and nobles of this state took "Gu" as their surname, forming one of the branches of the Chinese surname family.

In history, there have been many notable figures with the surname "Gu". One famous example is Gu Yingzhang, a military strategist and politician during the Ming Dynasty. He was known for his wise counsel and significant contributions to the stability and prosperity of the dynasty.

Another illustrious figure is Gu Hongming, a philosopher, translator, and sinologist who lived during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China. He is renowned for introducing Chinese culture and philosophy to the West through his translations and writings, bridging the cultural gap between East and West.

These individuals, among others, represent the rich historical and cultural heritage associated with the surname "Gu" in China.