Last Name Ko

The last name "Ko" has multiple origins and can be found in different countries and cultures. Here are a few possible origins for the last name: 1. Korean: In Korean, the last name "Ko" (고) is quite common and ranks among the top 10 most frequently occurring surnames in Korea. It originated from one of the Korean clans, known as the Goseong Ko clan, which traces its roots back to the Silla Kingdom that existed around 2,000 years ago. This clan was founded by Ko Yu-sin, a renowned general during the Three Kingdoms period. 2. Chinese: In Mandarin Chinese, the last name "Ko" is often spelled as "Guo" (郭). It is one of the most common surnames in China and can be traced back to ancient times. The surname "Guo" originated from a place name, referring to an ancient city called "Guo County" (郭县) during the Spring and Autumn period (771–476 BC) and the Warring States period (475–221 BC). 3. Japanese: In Japanese, the last name "Ko" (小) means "small" or "little" and can be used as both a surname and a given name. It is a relatively common name in Japan and can have various origins or meanings depending on the kanji characters used alongside it. 4. Hungarian: In Hungary, "Kovács" is a very common last name that is pronounced similarly to "Ko." The Hungarian name "Kovács" means "blacksmith" or "smith" in English, suggesting a possible occupational origin for this last name. It is important to note that surnames can have multiple origins and variations due to factors such as historical migrations, cultural exchanges, and linguistic influences. Therefore, the origin and meaning of a specific last name may vary depending on the region and language.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ko

The meaning and origin of the last name Ko

The surname Ko has various origins and meanings depending on the cultural context. In Korean, Ko (고) is a common surname that indicates high social status or nobility. It originated from the Goguryeo kingdom, one of the Three Kingdoms in ancient Korea. The ancestors of Ko clan members were often officials, scholars, or military leaders during that era. In addition, Ko (柯) is a Chinese surname, which originated from the ancient state of Yue in China. It signifies a type of tree branch or a tree fork, suggesting a connection to forestry or the cultivation of fruit trees. Chinese individuals with this surname were traditionally involved in agriculture, forestry, or respected for their wisdom and scholarly pursuits. Interestingly, there are several other surnames spelled "Ko" in different languages, such as Japanese, Turkish, and Estonian, each with their own distinctive meanings and origins.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ko

The surname Ko is primarily found in several East Asian countries, including South Korea, China, and Vietnam, due to historical migration patterns and cultural origins. In South Korea, Ko (or Go) is one of the most common surnames, with a significant number of individuals bearing this name. It is estimated that over 6% of the South Korean population has the last name Ko. Within China, the surname Ko is predominantly seen in the southern coastal regions, particularly in Fujian and Guangdong provinces, where a sizable population of ethnic Han Chinese with this surname resides. Additionally, there is also a notable presence of the surname Ko in Vietnamese communities, especially among the ethnic Hoa (Chinese Vietnamese) population. Though the exact distribution of the last name Ko is not readily available, its prominence in these East Asian countries suggests a wide geographical spread within these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ko

The last name "Ko" can have several variations and spellings, each representing different regions or cultural backgrounds. Common variations of this name include "Koh," "Koo," "Koe," and "Kow," among others. These variations might stem from transliteration or regional dialects and can often be found across Asia, particularly in countries like Korea, China, and Vietnam. In Korean culture, the name "Ko" is typically written as "고" and pronounced as "Go." However, when transliterated into English, it is commonly spelled as "Ko." In Chinese culture, this surname is written as "郭" and pronounced as "Guō" in Mandarin. In Vietnamese, the name is often spelled as "Kô," derived from the Chinese character "郭". Furthermore, the name "Ko" might also appear as a shortened form or abbreviation of other surnames, like "Kowalski" or "Korinsky," in various European cultures, particularly in Poland, Russia, or Ukraine. Overall, the last name "Ko" demonstrates its adaptability and diverse spellings across different countries and regions.

Famous people with the last name Ko

There are several famous individuals who share the last name "Ko." One of them is Lydia Ko, a New Zealand professional golfer. At the age of 17, Lydia became the youngest player to achieve the top ranking on the Women's World Golf Rankings. Known for her extraordinary talent and dedication, she has won numerous tournaments and is recognized as one of the best female golfers of her generation. Another notable figure with the last name Ko is Konstantinos "Gus" Kouzounis, an American entrepreneur and restaurateur. Gus Ko, as he is commonly known, is the founder of the famous Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken restaurants. The business initially started as a small fried chicken joint in Memphis, Tennessee, and has since expanded to multiple locations across the United States. Thanks to Gus Ko's dedication to perfecting his secret family recipe, Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken has gained popularity nationwide and remains a beloved culinary institution. These are just a few examples of famous figures with the last name Ko, each making a significant impact in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Ko

The last name Ko is a common East Asian surname with various origins. In Korea, it is the 12th most frequently used surname, representing around 1.9 million Koreans. The Korean surname Ko (or Go) is believed to have multiple origins, including being derived from the Chinese surname Wu or the ancient state of Goguryeo. It is also suggested that some Ko families have Mongolian origins. In China, the last name Ko (or Ge) is of Chinese origin and can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period. The surname is found among the Han Chinese and various ethnic minorities, such as the Hui people. Additionally, in Taiwan and areas influenced by Hokkien-speaking communities, the surname Ko (or Guo) is prevalent. Genealogical research on the last name Ko thus requires consideration of its diverse origins and the specific region and ethnicity of interest.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ko"
• 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

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