Last Name Koh

There are several possible origins for the last name "Koh". One common origin is from Korean, where "Koh" may be a variant of the surname "Go", which is derived from the Chinese surname "Wu". Another possible origin is from the German surname "Kühn", which means "brave" or "bold". Additionally, "Koh" is a common surname in parts of Southeast Asia, such as Malaysia and Singapore, where it may have indigenous or Malay origins. Without more specific information, it is difficult to determine the exact origin of the last name "Koh".

Learn more about the origin of the last name Koh

The meaning and origin of the last name Koh

Koh is a surname of Korean origin that is derived from the Korean word for "village" or "island." The surname is believed to have originated during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) in Korea, where it was commonly used to identify individuals based on their location or association with a specific village or island. Over time, the surname Koh spread throughout Korea and is now one of the most common surnames in the country. Today, individuals with the surname Koh can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in countries with large Korean populations such as South Korea, the United States, and Canada. The surname Koh is often associated with traits such as loyalty, community, and resilience, reflecting the values and traditions of Korean culture.

Geographical distribution of the last name Koh

The last name Koh is most commonly found in countries such as South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia. In South Korea, the surname Koh is the 19th most common, with many individuals tracing their ancestry back to the ancient Korean kingdom of Silla. In Singapore, the Koh family name is widespread among the Chinese population, with many individuals descending from immigrants who arrived in the country during the early 20th century. Similarly, in Malaysia, the surname Koh is predominantly found among the Chinese Malaysian community, where individuals carry on the traditions and values of their ancestors. While the surname Koh may also be found in other parts of the world due to migration and globalization, its strongest presence remains in these countries with rich cultural histories and strong family ties.

Variants and spellings of the last name Koh

The last name Koh can also be spelled as Khoo or Kho, reflecting the different regional pronunciations and transliterations of the name. Variations of the name may include Khor, Khoe, and Khow, as well as less common spellings like Ko or Khoon. In some cases, the last name may be hyphenated as Koh-Phua or Koh-Lim, adding additional variations to the family name. Depending on the country of origin or individual family preferences, the spelling of the name may vary slightly while still retaining its original phonetic sound. Despite the different spellings and variations, the last name Koh typically carries the same meaning and significance for those who bear it, representing a shared family heritage and identity.

Famous people with the last name Koh

Famous individuals with the last name Koh include Koh Miang Ki, a South Korean actor known for his performances in dramas such as "Descendants of the Sun" and "Goblin." Another notable figure is Terence Koh, a Canadian artist known for his provocative and controversial installations. Additionally, Koh Poh Koon is a Singaporean politician who currently serves as a Member of Parliament for Tampines GRC. In the field of academia, Koh Hyoung-Nam is a prominent economist from South Korea known for his research on financial markets. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have garnered recognition for their talents and achievements.

Genealogical research on the last name Koh

The last name Koh is of Korean origin and is one of the most common surnames in Korea. It is believed to have derived from the Chinese surname Gao, which means "tall" or "high". The Koh family is believed to have originated in the Gyeongju area of South Korea and has a long history dating back to ancient times. Over the years, the Koh family has spread throughout Korea and beyond, with many descendants now living in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. Genealogical research on the Koh family has revealed prominent figures such as scholars, politicians, and business leaders, showcasing the diverse contributions of this surname throughout history. Today, the Koh family continues to celebrate its heritage and maintain a strong sense of pride in their ancestral roots.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Koh"
• 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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