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Last Name Hon

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What is the origin of the last name Hon?

The surname Hon is of Germanic origin. It is derived from various given names of Old High German origin, such as Hans (derived from Johannes, meaning "God is gracious"), Hahn (meaning "rooster"), and Hannes (a pet form of John). These names were often used as nicknames and eventually became hereditary surnames in the Middle Ages. The spelling variations of this surname include Honn, Hohn, and Hone among others, due to differences in spelling and transliteration over time.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Hon

The surname Hon is of Germanic origin, derived from various given names such as Hanno, Hans, or Hanns, which are diminutives of Johannes (John). It was often used as a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion, due to the Old High German word "hannu" meaning "red." The name may also have originated from the Middle Dutch and Middle Low German forms of Hanno. In some cases, it might be related to the Old Norse name Hogni, meaning "mind" or "wise one." Over time, the spelling variations such as Honn, Honne, Hahn, and Haan are also seen due to regional dialects and transcription errors.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hon

The surname Hon has its origins primarily in Asia, particularly in Japan and Korea. In Japan, it is derived from the place-name Hōnen (保念) in Nara Prefecture, and is a relatively common surname there. In Korea, Hon is an occupational name for someone who was a farmer or a landlord. The name also appears among Korean immigrants in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia. Additionally, Hon is found in China, particularly in the province of Zhejiang, where it is often associated with the Hoklo (Taiwanese) ethnic group. Moreover, there are instances of the name Hon in other parts of the world, such as the Philippines and Indonesia, due to historical migrations from China and Japan.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hon

The surname Hon has various spelling variations across different regions and time periods. Some common variants include Hahn, Haan, Hann, Hehn, Hayn, and Hoen. These variations may arise due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, or intentional alterations during immigration processes. It is important to note that the original etymology of the name Hon/Hahn is German, originating from a nickname for someone with red or sandy-colored hair. Additionally, the surname can also be found in other languages and cultures with similar phonetic or meaning-based origins. For example, in Chinese, "韓" (Hán) represents Korea and could potentially be confused with Hon/Hahn, although the origins and meanings are distinctly different.

Famous people with the last name Hon

Notable individuals with the surname Hon include:

1. James B. Hon (born 1949), an American computer scientist and professor at the University of California, Berkeley, known for his contributions to database systems and distributed computing.
2. Hon Wai Lok (1867–1933), a Chinese-American businessman who co-founded the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation in San Francisco during the California Gold Rush era.
3. Hon Kei (born 1940), a prominent Hong Kong writer and poet, known for her work exploring modern life in Hong Kong, gender roles, and social change.
4. Michael Hon (born 1982), a Taiwanese-American basketball player who played professionally in Europe and Asia.
5. Yvonne Hon (born 1966), a Canadian actress who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including the Netflix series "Altered Carbon" and "The Expanse."

Genealogical research on the last name Hon

The Hon surname is of Japanese origin and belongs to the Gō system, a complex family-ranking system in Japan's Imperial Court that dates back to the Heian period (794–1185). The Hon title was one of the Five Regent Families (Go-Shōni-kke) who were in charge of administrative duties for the Emperor. During the Edo period, this family branch became a daimyō clan and held control over several domains, including the Tatebayashi Domain in present-day Gunma Prefecture. The Hon family is also known for producing many scholars, artists, and politicians throughout Japanese history. Notable individuals with the surname Hon include Honda Tadanobu, a daimyō of the Tatebayashi Domain during the Edo period, and Atsushi Hon, a modern-day Japanese politician.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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