Last Name Kiang

The surname Kiang, also spelled as Qiang, is an ethnic group native to the Tibetan Plateau in China. Over time, some members of this group migrated and adopted the surname, spreading it across various regions, including China, Taiwan, and other parts of Asia. However, it's important to note that the exact origin and spread of the Kiang/Qiang surname can be complex due to historical migrations, cultural assimilation, and variations in recording practices.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kiang

The meaning and origin of the last name Kiang

The surname Kiang, also spelled as Keyong or Kiong, has Chinese origins and is associated with various ethnic groups, including Hakka and Cantonese. It is derived from the given name "Qiang" (強), which means 'strong' or 'powerful' in Mandarin. In the Cantonese dialect, it is pronounced as "Gong", hence the variation of spellings. The surname Kiang can also be traced back to the Jiang clan, one of China's largest and most influential clans. Throughout history, individuals with the Kiang surname have made significant contributions to Chinese society, especially in politics, business, and academia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kiang

The surname Kiang is predominantly of Chinese origin and primarily found in various regions of China, particularly in the provinces of Guangdong and Fujian, due to the historical migration from these areas. However, its distribution has expanded globally as a result of Chinese immigration, notably to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, where significant Chinese communities reside. In the U.S., for example, according to 2010 census data, Kiang was most frequently found in states with high Asian-American populations like California, New York, and Hawaii. Globally, it is also prevalent in Southeast Asia, particularly Singapore and Malaysia, due to historical ties and migration between the regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kiang

The surname Kiang has several variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some of these include:

* Chiang (most common spelling)
* Chyang, Ch'yang, Ch'iang (traditional Mandarin pinyin)
* Kiang-Ng (Hakka dialect)
* Keying, Kai-ng (Cantonese dialect)
* Keong, Kayong, Keing (Vietnamese pronunciation)
* Quyang (Mandarin Chinese, with a different tone)

These variations may appear in English records under various spellings, such as Kiang, Chiang, Keying, Kai-ng, and other phonetic transliterations. It is important to note that the surname Kiang is common among people of Chinese descent, particularly those from Taiwan and mainland China.

Famous people with the last name Kiang

Notable individuals with the surname Kiang include:

1. Alvin Kiang - An American scientist and professor known for his work in materials science and engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He has received numerous awards, including the National Science Foundation Presidential Young Investigator Award.

2. Daniel Hsu Kiang - A Canadian chess grandmaster who became the youngest ever Canadian to achieve this title when he was just 14 years old. He is a multiple-time Canadian Chess Champion and has represented Canada in various international competitions.

3. Jackie Kiang - An American actress who played roles in popular television series such as "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" and "The X-Files." She also appeared in the films "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" and "The Mask of Zorro."

4. James S.C. Kiang - A Taiwanese-American journalist who worked for The Associated Press (AP) for over three decades, covering various significant global events such as the Vietnam War and the Iran-Iraq war. He was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting in 1973.

5. William S.S. Kiang - A Taiwanese politician who served as Mayor of Taipei from 2006 to 2010. He previously worked as an engineer and businessman, and was known for his efforts to improve transportation infrastructure in Taipei.

Genealogical research on the last name Kiang

The surname Kiang, variants include Kyang, Kiangg, and Quyang, is of Chinese origin and belongs to the Hakka ethnic group. The Hakka people originated from Eastern China, primarily Guangdong province, and migrated throughout Asia during the late Tang Dynasty due to agricultural reforms and political instability. The name Kiang can be translated as "strong" or "tough". Notable individuals with this surname include Thomas S. K. Kiang, an American mathematician who has made significant contributions to mathematical physics, and Victor W.C. Kiang, a Taiwanese-American physicist known for his research in plasma physics. The Kiang clan is one of the Four Hakka Clans of Guangdong, China, which are considered prominent among the Hakka people.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kiang"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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