Kui as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Kui

What is the meaning of the name Kui ?

The baby name Kui is a Unisex name , 1 syllables long and is pronounced Mandarin: 'Kui' ≈ 'kway' (pinyin 'Kui', IPA /kʰu̯eɪ̯/); tones vary by character (Kuī, Kuí, Kuǐ, Kuì). Cantonese: 'kwai'..

Kui is Chinese in Origin.

Kui is a compact multicultural given name with several independent roots. In Mandarin Pinyin, Kui represents multiple characters and tones: Kuí (夔) names a legendary one‑legged being and the ancient Minister of Music; Kuí (魁) means “chief, leader” and titles the Kui lunar mansion; Kuí (葵) denotes “hollyhock/sunflower”; and Kuí/Kuì (逵) signifies a broad avenue. As a given name in Chinese it has long been used - especially for boys - to express leadership, brightness, or cultural refinement. Romanized variants include Kuei (Wade‑Giles) and Kwee in Hokkien/Peranakan contexts.

Across the Pacific, Hawaiian Kui means “to string or stitch,” particularly flowers for a lei, and by extension “to pound”; the variant Kuʻi marks the glottal stop. In Māori, kui is a respectful address for an elder woman (related to kuia) and is occasionally adopted as a name. Overall meanings span leadership, artistry, and festivity.