Last Name Hung

Learn more about the origin of the last name Hung

The meaning and origin of the last name Hung

The surname Hung is of Hungarian origin, derived from the ethnic group known as Magyars, who are the historical indigenous population of Hungary. The name originally meant "Hungarian" or "of the Magyar tribe." It is believed that the Magyars, also known as the Hungarians, migrated from the Ural-Siberian region to the Carpathian Basin in Central Europe around 896 AD, establishing the Kingdom of Hungary. Over time, many Hungarian families adopted the name "Hung" or variations thereof as a way to identify their ethnicity and heritage. The surname has since been found across various countries with significant Hungarian populations, such as Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Ukraine, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hung

The surname Hung is predominantly associated with Hungary, reflecting its origins from the Magyar people who migrated to the Carpathian Basin in the 9th century and founded the Kingdom of Hungary. Historically, it has been one of the most common surnames in Hungary. Due to migration, the surname is also found among Hungarian communities around the world, particularly in countries with significant Hungarian diaspora such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, Romania, and Austria. The surname can occasionally be found in other parts of the world due to historical or cultural connections, but its geographical distribution is primarily concentrated within these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hung

The surname Hung has several variants and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common versions include:

1. Hung: This is the most common spelling, originating from the Chinese character 鴻, which represents a bird with spread wings symbolizing majesty or power.
2. Hunger: A variant that developed when surnames were anglicized, particularly among immigrants from Hungary. In this case, it stems from the Hungarian word "Hunyadi," meaning of Hungarian origin.
3. Hong: This is another Chinese variant, derived from the same character as Hung (鴻), pronounced differently in Mandarin.
4. Huang: While not identical to Hung, the name Huang (黄) has a similar pronunciation and meaning, with its Chinese character signifying yellow or brightness. Over time, it is possible for surnames to become confused or misinterpreted as they are passed down through generations or when families change their names due to various historical events.
5. Hwang: This is the Korean spelling of the surname Huang, which shares a similar pronunciation and meaning in both Chinese and Korean cultures.
6. Honng or Hongg: These are phonetic variations that might arise when a speaker has difficulty pronouncing the "u" sound, resulting in a more pronounced "oong" sound.

Famous people with the last name Hung

The Hung family name is not particularly common among globally renowned figures. However, one notable individual with this surname is Michael Hung, an American computer scientist known for his contributions to the field of programming languages and software engineering. He is best recognized for co-developing the Hungarian notation system, which aids in the readability and maintainability of code by indicating variable types and intended uses. Another person of note is Lisa Ling, who adopted her mother's maiden name, Hung Ferguson, after her parents divorced. She is an American journalist and television producer, famous for her work on documentaries such as "The Osbournes" and "Our America." Although they may not be as widely known as individuals with more common surnames, Michael and Lisa Hung have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Hung

The surname Hung is of Hungarian origin and is derived from various places named Hung or Hunyad in present-day Hungary. The earliest records of the Hung surname date back to the 13th century, with mentions in documents such as the LandBook of King Bela IV (1254) and the Golden Bull of Andrew II (1222). Notable individuals bearing the Hung surname throughout history include Saint István Hung, a 13th-century Hungarian nobleman; Mihály Hung, a 16th-century bishop; and János Hung, a 19th-century Hungarian politician. The Hung surname has also spread to other parts of Europe due to historical events such as the Ottoman Empire's invasion of Hungary in the 16th century, causing many Hungarians to migrate to neighboring countries like Austria and Romania. Today, the Hung surname is most common in Hungary but can also be found in various countries with large Hungarian diaspora populations, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Hung"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 23 July 2025