Kwok is a Chinese surname that originates from the cantonese pronunciation of the character 郭. This character is composed of two parts: 口 (kou), which means "mouth," and 戈 (ge), which is an ancient weapon resembling a dagger-axe. Together, they form a word that is believed to mean "enclosure" or "circle."
The surname Kwok is quite common in Hong Kong and other regions of southern China. It is one of the top 100 most common surnames in China, with an estimated 3.5 million people carrying this name. Despite its prevalence, there is no widespread agreement on the exact origin and history of the Kwok surname.
One popular theory suggests that the Kwok clan originated from the ancient state of Zhao during the Warring States period (475-221 BCE). According to this story, a noble named Viscount Xiang of Zhao had three sons who each established separate lineages. One of these sons was said to have founded the Kwok clan.
Another theory proposes that the Kwok surname is related to the ancient city of Kuo-chou (now known as Guozhou), located in modern-day Hunan province. Supporters of this theory argue that people from this region adopted the character 郭 to represent their surname, regardless of their actual ancestry.
In some cases, the surname Kwok may also have been adopted by families who moved from mainland China to other regions, such as Southeast Asia or the West, during periods of migration and settlement. This could potentially explain why there are people with the Kwok surname living outside of China today.
Overall, while the exact origin and history of the Kwok surname remain uncertain, it is clear that this name has a long and complex history in Chinese culture and society.
Statistics on the given name Kwok show a steady and consistent presence in the United States over time, with a total of five births recorded each year since at least 1981. This constant figure suggests that the name is well-established within American naming traditions, but does not experience significant trends towards popularity or decline. It is important to note that these statistics are based on available records and may not capture every instance of the name Kwok being given in a particular year. However, they provide valuable insight into the steady usage of this name over time in the United States.