dugu

Dugu, written 独孤, is a rare Chinese compound surname. It is one of the few two-character surnames used in Han Chinese communities and is historically of Xianbei origin. The surname is pronounced Dúgū in Mandarin. In ancient times bearers of the Dugu lineage held high offices and military positions in northern dynasties, and the family is mentioned in chronicles related to the Northern Wei, Western Wei, and other northern states. The Dugu lineage was notable for strategic marriages with imperial families and for its role in court and military affairs, though details vary by source.

In modern times, Dugu remains uncommon but persists among Chinese families. The two-character surname should not be confused with separate surnames Du and Gu; rather, it is treated as a single surname.

In popular culture, Dugu is familiar to readers of wuxia fiction through Dugu Qiubai, a legendary swordsman who bears the surname. Although fictional, the character is associated with themes of blade mastery and the limits of martial arts and has appeared in works by several authors.

The surname is formed by two characters, 独 meaning "alone" and 孤 meaning "solitary" or "lone." The combination reflects an appellation rather than a literal family meaning, and historical records do not consistently explain its origin.