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Last Name Ho-king-chan

What is the origin of the last name Ho-king-chan?

The surname Ho-Kong-Chan is a combination of elements from multiple ethnic groups and regions. The surname "Ho" is a Cantonese Chinese name that comes from the Hakka region of China. The word "Ho" translates to "river" or "lake" in several Chinese dialects. It is one of the most common surnames among Chinese people worldwide. "Kong" is also a common Chinese surname, which derives from the Han ethnic group and means "palace" or "temple." "Chan" is a Cantonese Chinese surname that means "born by the sea." The combination of these three elements may suggest that the individual with the surname Ho-Kong-Chan originates from a region where multiple ethnic groups have interacted, such as Hong Kong or other parts of China. However, without additional context, it is difficult to determine the exact origin of this surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ho-king-chan

The meaning and origin of the last name Ho-king-chan

The surname Ho-Kin-Chan is of Chinese origin, specifically Cantonese, with roots traced back to southern China. The name consists of three characters: "Ho", "Kin", and "Chan". Each character has its own meaning in the Chinese language.

"Ho" (何) is a common family name that translates to "what" or "who" in English, and is used as a surname for people who do not have a specific family name or whose family names are lost over time.

"Kin" (建) means "to build" or "establish", suggesting a founding ancestor.

"Chan" (陳) is another common Chinese family name, which can be translated as "old" or "ancient". It may denote that the Ho-Kin-Chan family has an extensive and storied history.

Overall, the surname Ho-Kin-Chan could symbolize a family that was founded by an individual who established something of significance, with a rich and longstanding heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ho-king-chan

The surname Ho-King-Chan has its origins primarily in Southeast Asia, specifically China and Hong Kong. It is a combination of Chinese family names that reflects the practice of taking multiple surnames within a family lineage. In modern times, individuals bearing this name can be found across various regions as a result of migration, particularly to countries like Canada, Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The Ho-King-Chan surname is most prevalent in Chinese communities, both within their native lands and among diaspora populations around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ho-king-chan

The surname Ho-Kin-Chan has several variations due to differences in transcribing and translating Chinese names into English. Some common variations include Hokin Chan, Ho-King Chan, Ho Kin Chan, and Ho-Kin Chen. These variations arise from the use of different tones and characters in Cantonese, as well as cultural or personal preferences for how the name is spelled when transcribing it into the Latin alphabet. Another variation could be Hok-Chen, which combines two characters found in the name, although this may not accurately reflect the original Chinese pronunciation. It's essential to note that these variations might lead to confusion and misidentification, especially in professional settings or databases where consistency is important.

Famous people with the last name Ho-king-chan

Notable individuals with the combined surname Ho-Kin-Chan are few but significant. The most recognized is Andy Hui (Hoi-Kam), a Hong Kong pop singer and actor, known for his collaborations with Sammi Cheng. In the world of academia, there's Dr. Alice Ho (King-Wai), a Canadian biologist specializing in genetics and molecular biology at the University of British Columbia. Lastly, Kenny Ho (Kin-Ming), a prominent figure in the field of computer science and artificial intelligence, is known for his work as the Chief Technology Officer of SenseTime Group Ltd. These individuals have made remarkable contributions to their respective fields, leaving lasting impacts on entertainment, academia, and technology.

Genealogical research on the last name Ho-king-chan

The Ho-King-Chan surname appears to be a combination of Chinese and English elements, suggesting a possible history of assimilation or intermarriage between individuals from different cultural backgrounds. The Chinese component "Ho" is a common surname in southern China, particularly in the provinces of Fujian and Guangdong. The English element "King" is a relatively uncommon last name in China but is quite prevalent in the English-speaking world.

The earliest known records of the Ho-King-Chan family date back to the 19th century in Guangzhou, China. One of the prominent members was Leung King-Chan (1865-1947), a respected physician and politician who served as the first Chinese Consul-General in San Francisco, California. He was also a notable philanthropist and played a significant role in promoting Sino-American relations during the late Qing and early Republic periods.

In recent times, descendants of the Ho-King-Chan family can be found across various parts of the globe, with substantial populations in North America, Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia. The family's history reflects the complexities of global migration and cultural interchange over the past centuries.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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