Is Qu a common first name?

Qu is relatively rare as a standalone first name; it is far more prevalent as a Chinese surname.

What is the origin of the name Qu?

The name primarily originates from Chinese culture, historically linked to the Chu state and the poet Qu Yuan.

Is Qu used for boys or girls?

Qu is considered a unisex name, though its usage varies significantly depending on the specific characters used in native scripts.

Name meaning & originQu 屈

/CHYOO-eh (Mandarin) or KOO/

Chinese

Make a name keepsake

Qu is a Chinese baby name pronounced /CHYOO-eh (Mandarin) or KOO/. The name typically translates to 'bent' or 'to yield,' though it often signifies resilience.

Share this name

WhatsApp Pinterest

Meaning of Qu

The name typically translates to 'bent' or 'to yield,' though it often signifies resilience.

In Chinese etymology, Qu (屈) is a name rooted in ancient clan history. It is most famously associated with the State of Chu during the Zhou dynasty. While more commonly encountered as a surname, it is used as a given name or a component of one, carrying connotations of humility or the endurance of one who bows but does not break.

Origin: Chinese
Pronunciation: /CHYOO-eh (Mandarin) or KOO/

Cultural background

While primarily a prominent Chinese surname, it is used as a given name in various East Asian contexts and occasionally as a shortened form of names like Quentin in Western cultures.

Variations & nicknames

Qu-an
Quy
Quenn
Qü
Quinton

Famous people named Qu

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

Qu Yuan
Ancient Chinese poet and politician known for the Chu Ci
Literature · 340–278 BC
Qu Wanting
Chinese-Canadian singer-songwriter known as Wanting Qu
Music · Modern
Qu You
Novelist during the Ming Dynasty
Literature · 1341–1427
Qu Bo
Chinese novelist known for 'Tracks in the Snowy Forest'
Literature · 1923–2002

Frequently asked about Qu

Is Qu a common first name?: Qu is relatively rare as a standalone first name; it is far more prevalent as a Chinese surname.
What is the origin of the name Qu?: The name primarily originates from Chinese culture, historically linked to the Chu state and the poet Qu Yuan.
Is Qu used for boys or girls?: Qu is considered a unisex name, though its usage varies significantly depending on the specific characters used in native scripts.

Love Qu? Get more names like it

We'll email you 5 fresh Chinese names each week — free, no spam.

By signing up you agree to get these name emails. We use your email only for them; unsubscribe any time from privacy requests. See our privacy policy. 18+ only.

Compare Qu with…

Side-by-side meaning, sound and popularity.

More Chinese names

See all Chinese names

Find more names like Qu