Kwok

Kwok is a surname of Chinese origin, most commonly encountered among Cantonese-speaking communities. It is the transliteration of the Chinese surname 郭, which in Mandarin is Guo. The name originated from the feudal state of Guo (郭) during the Zhou dynasty, with residents of that state adopting the place name as their surname.

The character 郭 literally denotes an enclosure or outer city wall, and the surname’s origin is tied to the historical geography of the state of Guo. Over subsequent centuries, bearers of the surname dispersed across China and later formed part of the global Chinese diaspora.

In terms of romanization, Kwok reflects Cantonese pronunciation. Other forms arise from different dialects or historical transcription systems, including Guo in Mandarin and Kuo or Kuo in older romanizations. The surname is particularly common in Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangdong, as well as among overseas Chinese communities in Southeast Asia, North America, and Europe.

Today, individuals with the surname Kwok pursue a wide range of professions, including politics, academia, business, the arts, and sports. The name appears in public records, biographies, media, and cultural references across the Chinese-speaking world and in global contexts.