NomOrigine Background

Last Name Huo

What is the origin of the last name Huo?

The surname "Huo" has origins in both China and Korea. In Chinese, the surname "Huo" (霍) is derived from the name of an ancient state called "Huo" during the Zhou Dynasty. The founding ancestor of this surname was Fei Zhong, a minister from the state of Qi, who adopted the name of "Huo" as his surname. In Korea, the last name "Huo" is written as "후" (Hoo) in Hangul, the Korean alphabet. It is a relatively rare surname in Korea compared to other more common surnames. The Korean name "Hoo" is believed to have originated from the Chinese surname "Huo," which was sometimes translated phonetically into Korean based on the sound. It is important to note that the history and origins of surnames can vary, and this information provides a general understanding of the surname "Huo" in both China and Korea.

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Learn more about the origin of the last name Huo

The meaning and origin of the last name Huo

The surname Huo has its origin in China. It is a relatively common surname and is ranked among the top hundred surnames in the country. The Chinese character for Huo translates to "fire" or "blaze," suggesting that the surname may have been derived from occupations related to fire or associated with the characteristics of courage and passion. People with the surname Huo may have been blacksmiths, firefighters, or individuals known for their lively and fiery personalities. Additionally, the surname Huo can be found in other countries with Chinese communities, as it is often carried by descendants of Chinese immigrants. Throughout history, the surname Huo has spread to various regions around the world, connecting people with their ancestral roots and maintaining a sense of identity and cultural heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Huo

The surname Huo, or 霍 in Chinese characters, has a relatively widespread geographical distribution, primarily in East Asia. It is most commonly found in China, where it is one of the more common surnames. In China, the name is prevalent across various provinces, but it is particularly concentrated in the Henan, Shanxi, and Shandong provinces. The name can also be found among the Chinese diaspora in other parts of the world, including Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, and other Southeast Asian countries. Outside of China, the surname Huo is also found among the ethnic Korean population in both North and South Korea. The Korean version of the surname is spelled 효 (Hyo). Additionally, there may be individuals with the surname Huo who have migrated to other countries and regions, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe, contributing to the global dispersion of the name.

Variants and spellings of the last name Huo

The last name "Huo" can have various variations and spellings depending on different dialects and transliteration systems. One common variant is "Hu," dropping the vowel sound 'o' at the end. Another variation is "Hua," which replaces the final 'o' with an 'a.' In some cases, the last name can be spelled as "Who," particularly in English-speaking countries, where the pronunciation of 'Huo' might be unfamiliar. Other possible variations include "Wu," which may arise due to regional dialectical differences or transcription errors. Additionally, the last name might be spelled as "Hou" or "How," as they represent different phonetic interpretations based on non-standard transliteration systems. Although these variations exist, it is important to note that "Huo" is the most common and recognized spelling of this last name.

Famous people with the last name Huo

One of the famous individuals with the surname Huo is Huo Yuanjia. Born in 1868, Huo Yuanjia was a renowned Chinese martial artist and the founder of the Chin Woo Athletic Association. Widely celebrated for his skills and honorable conduct, Huo Yuanjia devoted his life to promoting martial arts and defending Chinese national pride. Another notable figure is Huo Qubing, an esteemed general from ancient China who lived during the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). Huo Qubing is remembered for his military prowess and successful campaigns against the Xiongnu tribes. His victories greatly contributed to the stability and expansion of the Han dynasty. These two remarkable individuals, Huo Yuanjia and Huo Qubing, left an indelible mark in Chinese history and are revered for their exceptional achievements in different realms.

Genealogical research on the last name Huo

The surname Huo, written in Chinese as 霍, has an ancient history dating back to ancient China. It is believed to have originated from the Huo state during the Spring and Autumn period (770-476 BCE). The Huo family can trace its roots to the offspring of a nobleman called Lord Huo, who served the Zhou dynasty. Over time, the Huo clan expanded and spread across different regions of China. The surname Huo has several variants, including Hui, Hu, and Hong, which originated from different branches of the same ancestral family. The Huo family has a rich cultural heritage and has made significant contributions to various aspects of society, including politics, arts, and literature. Today, descendants of the Huo family can be found across the globe, with many prominent figures carrying the surname and cherishing their ancestral roots.

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 : 8 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Huok (Last name)

surnames > huok

The last name "Huok" appears to have Finnish origins. In Finnish, "huok" can mean "sigh" or "breathe" and could possibly be a surname that is derived from this word. It is also wor...

Huooen (Last name)

surnames > huooen

The last name "Huooen" does not appear to have a known origin or meaning in the English language. It is possible that it is a rare or unique surname with no widely recognized etymo...

Huossn (Last name)

surnames > huossn

The last name "Huossn" is of Arabic origin. It is believed to be derived from the Arabic word "Husayn," which is a popular given name meaning "handsome" or "good."

Huot (Last name)

surnames > huot

The last name Huot is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "Huet", which means "excite" or "arouse". This surname was often given to someone with a vibrant or l...