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Last Name Kong

What is the origin of the last name Kong?

The surname "Kong" has Chinese origins and is most commonly associated with the Han Chinese ethnic group. It is a surname that appears frequently in South China, particularly in Guangdong province. The character "孔" (Kǒng) in traditional Chinese means "scholar" or "wise." Kong Fuzi, also known as Confucius, was a famous philosopher who lived in ancient China and is revered as one of the founders of Confucianism. However, it's important to note that the distribution and origin of Chinese surnames are complex due to historical factors such as migration and changes in naming practices over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kong

The meaning and origin of the last name Kong

The surname Kong, pronounced as /kɔŋ/ or /koŋ/, is of Chinese origin, specifically within the Han ethnic group. It's one of several surnames derived from the word "Kong" (孔), which in Mandarin means 'scholar', 'wise', or 'intelligent'. This surname is often associated with Confucius (551-479 BC), whose family name was Kong, making him a member of the Kong clan. The Kong family is one of the Five Great Clans (五大家) of ancient China, considered among the most influential in Chinese society due to their scholarly and political contributions throughout history. In the present day, the surname Kong can be found not only in Mainland China but also in countries with significant Chinese diaspora, such as Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kong

The surname Kong is predominantly found in East Asia, particularly China and Korea, where it represents a significant percentage of the population. In China, Kong is one of the most common surnames, ranked sixth in frequency, with over 7 million bearers according to the 2010 Chinese Census. A notable concentration of Kongs can be found in the Guangdong province and the city of Guangzhou, historically known as Canton. The surname also appears frequently in Korea, where it is typically spelled Gong, and is found across the country, though with higher concentrations in the Jeolla provinces. Kong is less common outside Asia but can be found among Asian diaspora communities around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kong

The surname Kong is predominantly of Chinese origin and can be found with various spellings and pronunciations due to differences in transcription systems. Some common variations include Kung, Gong, Kongwai, and K'ung. These variations may arise from regional dialects or different transliteration methods used in different countries. In Cantonese, the name is often pronounced as "Gong," while Mandarin speakers might pronounce it as "Kong." Additionally, some family branches of the same name may have unique spellings or tones to reflect their lineage and heritage. The Kong clan has a rich history dating back thousands of years in China, with notable figures such as Emperor Goujian and the martial artist Ip Man belonging to this lineage.

Famous people with the last name Kong

The Kong family is associated with notable figures, particularly within the realm of popular culture. The best-known member is Kong Fuche, a legendary hero from Chinese folklore, whose stories date back to the Han Dynasty. In modern times, however, the name Kong is most famously linked to Carl Edward Kongo (1934-2021), an American basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for five seasons and was a part of the first all-African-American starting lineup in the NBA. Despite these famous figures, it is important to note that individuals with the last name Kong can be found across various professions and regions around the world.

Genealogical research on the last name Kong

The surname Kong is of Chinese origin and is found predominantly among the Han ethnic group. Its variant forms include Gong, Kung, and Kong-sze, all stemming from the same root character "孔" in Chinese, meaning "scholar." Historically, the Kong clan traces its lineage to the ancient state of Lu during the Zhou Dynasty (1046 BCE - 256 BCE). Confucius (551-479 BCE), one of the most influential philosophers in history, was a member of this clan. The Kong family has produced numerous scholars and political figures over centuries, contributing significantly to Chinese literature, philosophy, and politics. Notable descendants include Kong Rong, who served as a minister under Emperor Wu (140-87 BCE) during the Han Dynasty, and Kong Yingda, a prominent Tang Dynasty scholar. Today, people with the surname Kong can be found worldwide, particularly in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, and other Chinese diaspora communities.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 12 June 2025

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