Kong (surname)

Kong is a Chinese surname. It is most famously associated with Confucius (Kong Qiu, 孔丘), whose family used the surname for generations. As such, it is a highly respected surname in Chinese culture.

The surname Kong is thought to have originated from the state of Song during the Zhou Dynasty. The ancestors of Confucius were descended from the ruling family of Song, specifically from Duke Xiang of Song. His son, Kong Fu Jia, was granted the surname Kong.

The characters for Kong (孔) are relatively simple, consisting of five strokes. The name itself is widespread in China, and it is also found in other East Asian countries due to Chinese diaspora.

The descendants of Confucius were granted noble titles throughout Chinese history, and their ancestral home in Qufu, Shandong province, remains a significant historical and cultural site. The Kong family mansion and cemetery are major tourist attractions.

Notable people with the surname Kong include:

• Confucius (Kong Qiu, 孔丘): Ancient Chinese philosopher and political theorist.
• Kong Rong: A minor warlord and scholar during the late Eastern Han dynasty.
• Kong Shangren: A Qing dynasty playwright, best known for his play The Peach Blossom Fan.