Last Name Kang

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Kang

Regarding the ethnicity associated with the surname Kang, the Decennial U.S. Census data reveals that the majority identify as Asian/Pacific Islander. From 2000 to 2010, there was a slight increase in this group, from 92.45% to 93.86%. During the same period, there were declines among those identifying as White (from 4.19% to 3.08%), Black (from 0.71% to 0.56%), and American Indian and Alaskan Native (from 0.07% to 0.03%). However, the proportion of individuals identifying as Hispanic showed a rise, from 0.46% in 2000 to 0.67% in 2010. Those identifying with two or more races also decreased from 2.12% in 2000 to 1.81% in 2010.

	2000	2010	Change
Asian/Pacific Islander	92.45%	93.86%	1.53%
White	4.19%	3.08%	-26.49%
Two or More Races	2.12%	1.81%	-14.62%
Hispanic	0.46%	0.67%	45.65%
Black	0.71%	0.56%	-21.13%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.07%	0.03%	-57.14%

Kang ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Kang is Korean, which comprises 68.1% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are Chinese (17.4%) and Northern Indian & Pakistani (3.1%). Additional ancestries include British & Irish, French & German, Indonesian, Thai, Khmer & Myanma, Spanish & Portuguese, and Japanese.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
Korean	68.1%
Chinese	17.4%
Northern Indian & Pakistani	3.1%
Other	11.4%

Your paternal lineage may be linked to Genghis Khan

Genghis Khan, the Mongolian conqueror that lived from 1162 to 1227 CE, was likely a member of haplogroup C-M217, and may be responsible for the spread of one of its branches. Half of a percent of all men on Earth, and 8% of men in the region reaching from northeastern China to Uzbekistan, may descend from Genghis Khan. His lineage is most common in Hazara, Mongolian, Uygur, Chinese Kazak, and Inner Mongolian Han populations.

Your maternal lineage may be linked to the Han

Members of haplogroup D are found in both northern and southern Han Chinese populations at low to moderate frequencies. The Han people, who all share the same language and similar cultural practices, are the largest ethnic group in the world, with about 1.2 billion people. Historical evidence shows that Han people are descendants of the ancient Huaxia tribes that come from northern China, and Han language and culture only expanded into southern China in the last 2,000 years. The spread of Han people and culture from northern to southern China was likely driven by warfare and famine in the north.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kang

The meaning and origin of the last name Kang

The surname Kang has multiple origins and meanings across different cultures. In Korean, Kang (강) means "river" or "strong." It is a common surname in Korea and holds various historical lineages. The name Kang originates from the ancient kingdom of Goguryeo, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. According to legend, the Kang clan descends from King Yuri, the founder of Goguryeo. Today, many Koreans with the surname Kang can trace their ancestry back to this early kingdom.

In Chinese, the surname Kang (康) carries a different meaning. As a Chinese surname, Kang denotes "health" or "well-being." It can also be associated with the word "peace." The Kang surname has its roots in ancient China and holds historical significance. Notably, the Kang family played a prominent role during the Western Han Dynasty. Over time, the Kang surname spread to various parts of China, and it is still prevalent today amongst Chinese communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kang

The last name Kang is a relatively common surname in several countries across the world. It has its roots primarily in China and Korea, where it is one of the most prevalent surnames. In China, the Kang surname is found in various regions, including Shandong, Henan, and Shaanxi provinces. In Korea, Kang is one of the most common surnames, and individuals with this last name can be found throughout the country. Additionally, due to migration and globalization, the Kang surname has also spread to other parts of the world. Significant populations of individuals with the last name Kang can be found in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, as well as in Australia and Europe. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Kang indicates a widespread presence in East Asia, with diaspora communities in various other regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kang

The last name Kang, originating from East Asia, particularly Korea and China, has various variations and spellings due to transliteration and historical factors. In Korea, the last name Kang is transliterated from its Hangul form 강, and can also be spelled as Gahng, Gang, or Kong, depending on the pronunciation and the dialect. In Chinese, the last name Kang is commonly spelled as Kang, but it can also be spelled as Kung or Hong, when Romanized from Mandarin. Overseas, in English-speaking countries, the last name Kang may retain its original spelling or can be spelled as Khang or Khaang, based on individuals' preferences or the influence of regional accents. The variations and spellings of the last name Kang help distinguish the different origins and identities of the individuals who carry it, while also reflecting the intricacies of language and cultural diversity across East Asia and beyond.

Famous people with the last name Kang

One of the most well-known figures with the last name Kang is Kang Ho-sung, a highly acclaimed South Korean actor. Renowned for his versatile range of roles, Kang has mesmerized audiences with his talent and on-screen presence. Some of his notable works include movies like "Oldboy," "The Host," and "Snowpiercer," where he has consistently delivered exceptional performances, earning him prestigious awards and international recognition.

Another notable Kang in the entertainment industry is Kang Daniel, a South Korean singer-songwriter and former member of the popular boy group, Wanna One. Known for his captivating stage presence and smooth vocals, Kang Daniel has built a successful solo career, gaining a massive following worldwide.

Outside the realm of entertainment, Kang Kyung-wha, a distinguished South Korean diplomat, deserves recognition. She became the first female Minister of Foreign Affairs in South Korea's history, bringing her extensive experience and expertise to international diplomacy.

These noteworthy individuals with the last name Kang have made significant contributions in their respective fields, etching their names in history for their remarkable achievements.

Genealogical research on the last name Kang

The last name Kang originates from East Asia, particularly from Korea and China. In Korea, Kang is a relatively common surname, ranked as the 18th most common in the country. The origin of the Kang surname in Korea can be traced back to ancient times, with various clans using this surname. One prominent clan is the "Cheonju Kang" clan, which claims descent from Cheonjiwang, a legendary figure from Korean mythology. The Kang surname is also found in China, where it is most commonly spelled as "Kang" or "Kang Ju." In Chinese genealogy, Kang is often regarded as a rare and prestigious surname, with historical records dating back to the Zhou Dynasty. As with many East Asian surnames, the Kang surname often has multiple origins and branches, making genealogical research a complex but fascinating endeavor.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kang"
• 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 : 11 April 2025