Origins
Descendants of Heguanzi
One branch originated from the Mi lineage and descended from Heguanzi, a learned man of Chu during the Warring States period, adopting an ancestor's epithet as the surname Guan.
Reference: 冠姓_冠姓的来源和历史_百家姓
Origin from Guanshi Settlement
One branch arose from Guanshi settlement in the state of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period. A Jin official held the settlement as a fief, and descendants took Guan from their place of residence; this origin is distinct from the later Shandong Guan County.
Reference: 冠姓_冠姓的来源和历史_百家姓
Origin from the Champion Marquis Title
One branch is recorded as originating from the Ji lineage: among Huo Qubing's descendants and soldiers, some adopted Guan, the first character of his title Champion Marquis, out of respect for him.
Reference: 冠姓_冠姓的来源和历史_百家姓
Historical Records
Two Pronunciations
Guan is a relatively rare surname with two pronunciations, guān and guàn. The surname section of Zheng Tong Zhi classifies them under the level and departing tones, respectively.
Reference: 冠姓_冠姓的来源和历史_百家姓
Commanderies and Clan Halls
Commandery and Hall Names
The Guan surname's commandery affiliation is Chu Commandery. Its hall names include Guanshi Hall and Chujun Hall; Chujun Hall is also called Dachu Hall or Jingchu Hall, and these halls were named for the commandery affiliation.
Reference: 冠姓_冠姓的来源和历史_百家姓
Migration and Distribution
Distribution and Guan Wei
The Guan surname is found in Fenyang in Shanxi, Xiangtan in Hunan, Taipei, Kaohsiung and Hualien in Taiwan, Wuji in Hebei, Jiangyin in Jiangsu, Xinzheng in Henan, and other places. Guan Wei was a general under Liu Cong of Former Zhao near the end of the Eastern Jin and served as Supervisor of the Eastern Palace.
Reference: 冠姓_冠姓的来源和历史_百家姓
