Find out how popular the last name Ko is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Ko.

Ko, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Ko surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Ko in America

Ko is the 2708th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Ko surname appeared 13,312 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 5 people would have the surname Ko.

We can also compare 2010 data for Ko to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Ko

The surname "Ko" is believed to have originated in China, with its roots dating back to ancient times. The name is derived from the Chinese word "ke," which means "visitor" or "guest." It is thought that the surname was initially given to those who traveled frequently or were visitors to a particular region.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname "Ko" can be found in the "Book of Surnames," a Chinese text compiled during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD). This ancient work provides a comprehensive list of Chinese surnames and their origins, making it an invaluable resource for tracing the history of family names.

In the 8th century AD, a notable figure named Ko Hung, also known as Ko Qian-zhi, made significant contributions to the field of Taoism and alchemy. He is recognized as one of the most influential Taoist philosophers and writers of his time, with his works influencing Chinese culture and thought for centuries to come.

During the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD), a scholar and poet named Ko Zheng-jian gained recognition for his literary talents. His poems and writings were widely appreciated and have been preserved in various anthologies, providing insights into the cultural and intellectual life of that era.

In the 14th century, Ko Hung-ming, a renowned military strategist and general, played a crucial role in defending the Ming Dynasty against Mongol invasions. His tactical prowess and leadership skills earned him a place in the annals of Chinese military history.

Another prominent figure with the surname "Ko" was Ko Hsuan-hua, a renowned painter and calligrapher who lived during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD). His artworks, which combined traditional Chinese techniques with innovative styles, have been celebrated for their beauty and influence on subsequent generations of artists.

While the surname "Ko" has its roots in ancient China, it has since spread to various parts of the world, carried by individuals and families who have migrated or descended from Chinese ancestors. The name continues to hold cultural significance, serving as a link to the rich heritage and traditions of its Chinese origins.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Ko

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Ko.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Ko was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Ko has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Ko was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Ko, please contact us.

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