Origins
Fief-Based and Adopted Origins
One branch took its surname from Gou, a Zhou-era fief of a high official, located southeast of present-day Yanshi, Henan. Another arose when the Northern Wei compound surname Kehou was changed to Gou.
Reference: 缑姓_缑姓的来源和历史_百家姓
Occupational Origin
In the Qin and Han periods, kuaigou workers, also called gou craftsmen, specialized in wrapping and decorating sword and knife grips. Some descendants adopted the occupational or official title as a surname, later shortening it to the single-character surnames Gou or Kuai.
Reference: 缑姓_缑姓的来源和历史_百家姓
Commanderies and Clan Halls
Clan Hall Names
Clan hall names include Zhongshan Hall, Taiyuan Hall, and Chenliu Hall, each named for an ancestral commandery association.
Reference: 缑姓_缑姓的来源和历史_百家姓
Migration and Distribution
Present-Day Distribution
People surnamed Gou are found today in Henan, Gansu, Shandong, Shanxi, Zhejiang, Sichuan, Shaanxi, Hebei, Liaoning, Hubei, Ningxia, Beijing, Shanghai, and other areas.
Reference: 缑姓_缑姓的来源和历史_百家姓
Notable People
Historical Figures
Gou Jinyun served as prefect of Tingzhou during the Later Jin and Southern Tang period of the Five Dynasties. Gou Qian served as a regional military commander during the Chenghua reign of the Ming and was later promoted repeatedly to Right Transmission Commissioner in Nanjing.
Reference: 缑姓_缑姓的来源和历史_百家姓
Research Notes
Pronunciation and Written Form
Gou is a relatively uncommon surname today, written 缑 in simplified form and 緱 in traditional form, and usually pronounced Gōu. Xingshi Cidian also records Kōu, while Hanyu Da Zidian and other works give Gōu.
Reference: 缑姓_缑姓的来源和历史_百家姓
