Cui Surname

Surname Overview

Cui is a surname used by the Han, Korean, and other ethnic groups. Linzi, Shandong (Zibo), is identified as its place of origin; it ranked 189th in the Song edition of the Hundred Family Surnames.

Reference: 崔氏家谱网 提供14个省区市的81部崔氏家谱、崔氏族谱

Origins

In the Spring and Autumn period, Qi had a settlement called Cui, and the surname may have originated from that place name. Some Cui families resulted from surname changes among Manchu, Hui, and other ethnic groups. One Jiang-surname branch came from the fief of Jizi, the eldest son of Qi Dinggong of Western Zhou Qi, and took the fief name as its surname.

Reference: 崔姓起源分布与家谱家族

Historical Records

Classical Records

The Yuanhe Xingzuan records that Shu Yi, descended from Jiang Taigong and born to Qi Dinggong Ji, relinquished the state and settled in Cuiyi, thereafter taking Cui as his surname.

Reference: 崔氏家谱网 提供14个省区市的81部崔氏家谱、崔氏族谱

Commanderies and Clan Halls

Commanderies and Hall Names

The Cui surname has the commanderies of Boling and Qinghe. Existing genealogies include the hall names Dexing, Dunxu, Sanji, Moyin, Chongzhi, and Zhengde.

Reference: 崔姓起源分布与家谱家族

Migration and Distribution

Before the Qin dynasty, the Cui surname was mainly active in Shandong. During the Qin and Han periods, it became a prominent clan in Hebei and spread outward from there. During the Ming dynasty, population movement shifted from the north toward the southeast, forming concentrations in Lu-Ji-Jin and Jiangsu.

Reference: 崔姓起源分布与家谱家族

Notable People

Historical Figures and Clans

The Boling Cui clan produced many notable figures from the Eastern Han onward; Cui Yin, Cui Yuan, and Cui Shi were renowned for their writings, and more than ten chancellors came from the clan during the Tang dynasty. The Qinghe Cui clan reached its height under Northern Wei and was one of the five surnames and seven prestigious houses of eastern China during the Sui and Tang periods.

Reference: 崔姓起源分布与家谱家族