Interpretation of the Guan (官) Clan Totem

【Meaning】

Guan (官) refers to an official or mandarin—those responsible for serving the monarch and governing the people. In Oracle Bone and Bronze Scripts, the character depicts a "roof" over what resembles "two mounds of earth," symbolizing "a multitude of people." The original meaning of Guan was a hostel or official residence where ministers and officials resided while performing their duties.

【Origin】

The surname originates from the Ji (姬) surname. During the Spring and Autumn period, there was a high-ranking official of the Zhou court named Liu Dinggong (given name Xia). He held the position of Guan Shi (the Chief of Officials). His descendants adopted his title as their surname, originally as "Guanshi," which was later simplified to the single character Guan (官).

Clan Heritage Profile

Category

Details

First Ancestor (Patriarch)

Liu Dingzhi (Liu Dinggong)

Ancestral Homelands

Yanshi and Luoyang (Henan Province)

Prefectural Seats & Hall Names

Dongyang; Dongyang Hall, Jinhua Hall

Modern Ranking / Population

Ranked 257th / Approx. 310,000

Song Dynasty "Hundred Family Surnames" Rank

Unknown / Not listed

Extant Genealogies

16 volumes