NameCensus.

UK surname

Kung

A Chinese surname referring to a palace or an emperor's residence.

In the 1881 census there were 4 people recorded with the Kung surname, ranking it #33,288 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 105, ranked #30,114, up from #33,288 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Wirral, Greenwich and Harrow.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Kung is 116 in 2007. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 2525.0%.

1881 census count

4

Ranked #33,288

Modern count

105

2016, ranked #30,114

Peak year

2007

116 bearers

Map years

2

2006 to 2016

Key insights

  • Kung had 4 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #33,288 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 105 in 2016, ranked #30,114.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 28 in 1891.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Diverse Educated Urban Singles.

Kung surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Kung surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

Back to top

Kung 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
1851 historical 2 #33,133
1861 historical 6 #33,230
1881 historical 4 #33,288
1891 historical 28 #32,046
1901 historical 13 #32,633
1911 historical 7 #33,083
1997 modern 67 #30,915
1998 modern 70 #30,968
1999 modern 73 #30,856
2000 modern 83 #29,809
2001 modern 88 #29,056
2002 modern 85 #29,867
2003 modern 86 #29,752
2004 modern 89 #29,623
2005 modern 101 #27,854
2006 modern 102 #27,926
2007 modern 116 #26,209
2008 modern 115 #26,635
2009 modern 113 #27,520
2010 modern 114 #28,017
2011 modern 97 #30,552
2012 modern 100 #30,258
2013 modern 110 #29,028
2014 modern 110 #29,294
2015 modern 105 #30,092
2016 modern 105 #30,114

Geography

Back to top

Where Kungs 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 Wirral, Greenwich, Harrow, Barnet and Kensington and Chelsea. 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 Wirral 027 Wirral
2 Greenwich 002 Greenwich
3 Harrow 004 Harrow
4 Barnet 025 Barnet
5 Kensington and Chelsea 018 Kensington and Chelsea

Forenames

Back to top

First names often paired with Kung

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

Historical female names

No Forenames Found

Historical male names

No Forenames Found

Modern profile

Back to top

Neighbourhood profile for Kung

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Kung, 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 Kung surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Diverse Educated Urban Singles, within Multicultural and Educated Urbanites. This does not mean every Kung 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

Central Connected Professionals and Managers

Group

Senior Professionals

Within London, Kung is most associated with areas classed as Senior Professionals, part of Central Connected Professionals and Managers. 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 very central neighbourhoods house residents whose ages are more skewed towards older age cohorts than elsewhere in the Supergroup. Few households have young children. Rates of illness are low. Indian ethnicity is rare compared to the Supergroup mean. Property under occupation is more common, despite the centrality of neighbourhoods, and more residents live in communal establishments than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

Wider London pattern

Adult residents of these neighbourhoods are typically aged 25 to 44, working full-time in professional, managerial or associate professional occupations. There are few families with dependent children. The predominantly Inner London neighbourhoods have an international character, including many residents born elsewhere in Europe alongside high numbers of individuals identifying as of Chinese ethnicity. Many individuals are never married, childless and/or living alone. Above average numbers of individuals, likely to be full-time students, live in communal establishments. Elsewhere, privately rented flats are the dominant housing type. Residents of these areas are well-qualified, with a significant number holding Level 4 or above qualifications. There is a correspondingly high level of individuals employed full-time in professional, managerial and associated professional or technical occupations. Employing industries are financial, real estate, professional, administration, and, to a lesser degree, transport and communications. Unemployment is uncommon.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Kung 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

Kung 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 Kung is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 40-50 mbit/s.

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

7
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - Other

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

Meaning and origin of Kung

The surname Kung has its origins in China, with records indicating its presence as early as the 13th century. The name is derived from the Chinese word "kung," which means "grandfather" or "venerable elder." It was likely initially used as a respectful address or title before becoming a hereditary family name.

In ancient Chinese texts and historical records, the name Kung can be found in various spellings and forms, including Gong, Gung, and Khung. One of the earliest known references to the name is in the "Zizhi Tongjian," a renowned historical work compiled during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD), which mentions individuals with the surname Kung.

During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD), the Kung family was particularly prominent, with several notable individuals bearing this surname. For instance, Kung Xian (1482-1568) was a renowned scholar and philosopher who made significant contributions to the Neo-Confucian movement.

Another celebrated figure with the surname Kung was Kung Zhida (1536-1573), a skilled military strategist and general who played a crucial role in suppressing the Nian Rebellion, a major peasant uprising during the late Ming period.

In the 17th century, Kung Xiangxi (1597-1662) was a prominent scholar and author who wrote extensively on Chinese history, literature, and philosophy. His works, such as the "Kungyulu" (Conversations of Master Kung), are considered valuable sources of information on the intellectual and cultural life of that era.

Moving forward, the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) saw the rise of Kung Guanxi (1801-1875), a renowned scholar and educator who played a pivotal role in reforming the Chinese education system. He was instrumental in establishing modern schools and advocating for the incorporation of Western knowledge into the traditional Chinese curriculum.

It is worth noting that the surname Kung has also been associated with various place names in China, such as Kung County in Shandong Province and Kung Village in Henan Province. These place names often derive from the presence of Kung families in those regions or from historical events or figures associated with the surname.

Throughout history, the Kung surname has been carried by numerous individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields, including literature, philosophy, military strategy, education, and governance. While the name may have evolved in spelling and pronunciation over time, its deep-rooted connection to Chinese culture and history remains evident.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

Back to top

Kung families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Kung surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Middlesex leads with 3 Kungs recorded in 1881 and an index of 7.72x.

County Total Index
Middlesex 3 7.72x
Northumberland 1 17.30x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Mile End Old Town London in Middlesex leads with 3 Kungs recorded in 1881 and an index of 361.45x.

Place Total Index
Mile End Old Town London 3 361.45x
Newcastle On Tyne 1 10000.00x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Kung surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Eva 1

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Kung surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Jacob 1
Wai 1
William 1

Top occupations

Occupational titles are kept as recorded and later transcribed, so related jobs, spelling variants and mistakes stay separate. Scholar was the census term for a child in education. That means the other rows often tell you more about adult work in Kung households.

Occupation Count
Steward 1
Stick Maker 1

FAQ

Kung surname: questions and answers

How common was the Kung surname in 1881?

In 1881, 4 people were recorded with the Kung surname. That placed it at #33,288 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Kung surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 105 in 2016. That gives Kung a modern rank of #30,114.

What does the Kung surname mean?

A Chinese surname referring to a palace or an emperor's residence.

What does the Kung map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Kung 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.