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.
Kwok was given to 5 babies in 1981, making it one of the year's least common names.