The term "Goi no Kurodo" first appeared in the notes on Udain in the "Shikijibunin" (directory of officials) which explained, 'On January 6, 889, two persons were appointed to Goi no Kurodo, and another two persons were subsequently appointed to Rokui no Kurodo.'
五位蔵人という言葉が歴史上に出てくるのは、『職事補任』宇多院の項の分注に「仁和四年十一月廿七日、始置五位蔵人二人、止六位二人」とある。