kuí 夔

Migration and Distribution (Not available) The Kui surname is not listed among the top 100 surnames in the Chinese Hundred Family Surnames in both the Chinese mainland and Taiwan. In ancient times, there was a music official named Kui during the reigns of Emperors Yao and Shun. There was an ancient legend that this music official had only one leg, and he was called "Kui with one leg" (Kui Yizu). The ancient book "Lu Shi Chun Qiu" records that the Duke of Lu asked Confucius whether the story of "Kui with one leg" was true. Confucius said that in ancient times, Emperor Shun wanted to use music as an aid to bring peace to the world, so he appointed Kui to be in charge of this aspect of affairs. Kui then formulated the musical scales and did an excellent job. So Emperor Shun said that with a capable person like Kui, one was enough to get the job done. Later, people misinterpreted it and thought that this music official was called "Kui with one leg" and had only one leg. The origin of the Kui surname dates back to the era of Emperors Yao and Shun. Originally, "Kui" referred to a dragon-shaped animal, presumably a branch of the dragon totem of the Huangdi clan. During the Spring and Autumn Period, there was also a city named Kui in the State of Chu, presumably because "Kui" symbolized strength, so it was used as a place name. A descendant of the monarch of the State of Chu was enfeoffed as the leader of Kui City, and his descendants also formed the Kui surname.