Interpretation of the Gu (谷) Surname Totem

【Meaning】

The original meaning of 谷 (Gu) is a valley—a long, narrow strip of land between two mountains that has an outlet. In Oracle Bone Script, the character resembles water flowing abundantly out of a mountain's "mouth" (opening), symbolizing the natural conduits of the earth.

【Origins】

1. From the Ying (嬴) Surname: The Gu clan shares the same ancestral root as the Zhao and Qin clans. They are all descendants of the Yellow Emperor. During the reign of Emperor Shun, the ancestral line was bestowed with the surname Ying.

2. The Feudal Connection: A descendant of the Ying clan named Feizi was exceptionally skilled at horse breeding. Consequently, King Xiao of Zhou enfeoffed him in the land of Qin (present-day Tianshui, Gansu).

3. The State of Gu: From this lineage emerged the State of Qin (ranked as a Duchy) and the State of Gu (ranked as a Barony, located in present-day Gucheng, Hubei).

4. Adoption of the Surname: During the Spring and Autumn period, the descendants of the State of Gu began using "Gu" as their surname. After the State of Gu was eventually annexed by the State of Chu, the royal descendants officially adopted the name of their fallen country to preserve their heritage.

Historical & Demographic Profile

Category

Details

Founding Ancestors

Feizi (Minister to King Xiao of Zhou), Bo Yi

Ancestral Homelands

Tianshui, Gansu; Gucheng, Hubei

Prefectural Mansion

Shanggu (Upper Valley)

Notable Hall Name

Enwei Hall (Hall of Grace and Majesty)

Modern Ranking / Population

Ranked 158th / Approx. 990,000 people

Song Dynasty Ranking

Beyond the top 300 in the Hundred Family Surnames

Extant Genealogies

18 volumes currently preser