NameCensus.

UK surname

Ko

A Korean surname derived from the Chinese surname Gao, meaning "high" or "tall."

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Liverpool, Bournemouth and East Northamptonshire.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Ko is 449 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

449

2016, ranked #10,816

Peak year

2016

449 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 449 in 2016, ranked #10,816.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 2 in 1901.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Diverse Educated Urban Singles.

Ko surname distribution map

The map shows where the Ko surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Ko surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Ko over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1901 historical 2 #34,263
1997 modern 237 #15,809
1998 modern 261 #15,241
1999 modern 268 #15,070
2000 modern 260 #15,360
2001 modern 260 #15,113
2002 modern 309 #13,733
2003 modern 334 #12,847
2004 modern 349 #12,473
2005 modern 362 #12,066
2006 modern 365 #12,076
2007 modern 380 #11,820
2008 modern 384 #11,851
2009 modern 380 #12,198
2010 modern 406 #11,847
2011 modern 406 #11,730
2012 modern 426 #11,139
2013 modern 428 #11,304
2014 modern 443 #11,038
2015 modern 448 #10,854
2016 modern 449 #10,816

Geography

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Where Kos are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around No data. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Liverpool, Bournemouth, East Northamptonshire, Tower Hamlets and Cornwall. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 No data No data

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Liverpool 013 Liverpool
2 Bournemouth 009 Bournemouth
3 East Northamptonshire 006 East Northamptonshire
4 Tower Hamlets 031 Tower Hamlets
5 Cornwall 044 Cornwall

Forenames

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First names often paired with Ko

These lists show first names that appear often with the Ko surname in historical and recent records.

Historical female names

No Forenames Found

Historical male names

No Forenames Found

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Ko

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Ko, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Multicultural and Educated Urbanites

Group

Diverse Educated Urban Singles

Nationally, the Ko surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Diverse Educated Urban Singles, within Multicultural and Educated Urbanites. This does not mean every Ko household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

This Group includes many never-married individuals not living with dependent children. Many were born in EU countries and are now aged between 25-44. This Group is characterised by its ethnic group diversity, although those identifying as Asian are not well represented. Affiliation with the Christian religion amongst residents is low. Reported disability rates are low. Neighbourhoods include some central locations in London and other major cities. Private renting is the norm, and there is some overcrowding. Many individuals are educated to degree level, and full-time employment is common, particularly in managerial and professional occupations.

Wider pattern

Established populations comprising ethnic minorities together with persons born outside the UK predominate in this Supergroup. Residents present diverse personal characteristics and circumstances: while generally well-educated and practising skilled occupations, some residents live in overcrowded rental sector housing. English may not be the main language used by people in this Group. Although the typical adult resident is middle aged, single person households are common and marriage rates are low by national standards. This Supergroup predominates in Inner London, with smaller enclaves in many other densely populated metropolitan areas.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

The Greater London Mix

Group

Skilled Trades and Construction Workers

Within London, Ko is most associated with areas classed as Skilled Trades and Construction Workers, part of The Greater London Mix. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

These scattered, peripheral and often low residential density neighbourhoods house more workers in skilled trades and construction. Few households rent social housing and there are few students. Multiple car ownership is higher than the Supergroup average, perhaps because of poorer public transport connectivity. Incidence of mixed or multiple ethnicity is below the Supergroup average, and the absence of individuals identifying as Pakistani or Other Asian groups is also less pronounced. Flatted accommodation is less dominant than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

Wider London pattern

A Supergroup embodying London's diversity in many respects, apart from low numbers of residents identifying as of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani or Other (non-Chinese) Asian ethnicity. There is lower than average prevalence of families with dependent children, while there are above average occurrences of never-married individuals and single-person households. The age distribution is skewed towards younger, single residents and couples without children, with many individuals identifying as of mixed or multiple ethnicity. Social rented or private rented housing is slightly more prevalent than average, and many residents live in flats. Individuals typically work in professional and associated roles in public administration, education or health rather than in elementary occupations in agriculture, energy, water, construction or manufacturing. Incidence of students is slightly below average. Individuals declaring no religion are more prevalent than average and non-use of English at home is below average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Ko is most concentrated in decile 10 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Ko falls in decile 8 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the less deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

8
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Ko is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 30-40 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

6
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
Asian - Chinese

This describes the area pattern most associated with Ko, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of 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.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Ko surname: questions and answers

How common is the Ko surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 449 in 2016. That gives Ko a modern rank of #10,816.

What does the Ko surname mean?

A Korean surname derived from the Chinese surname Gao, meaning "high" or "tall."

What does the Ko map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Ko bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.