lOk

Lok is a name element with multiple cultural uses, often appearing in given names and, less commonly, as a surname. In South Asian contexts it derives from Sanskrit loka, meaning “world” or “realm,” and occurs in compound names such as Lokesh or Lokendra. In modern usage, Lok can function as a standalone masculine given name in India and Nepal, though it is less common than longer forms. The name’s spelling and pronunciation can vary with language and region. As a given name, Lok is typically chosen for its associations with the world or scope of life.

Lok also appears as a surname in Cantonese-speaking communities. In this context it is a romanization of several Chinese surnames, depending on the character and dialect; for example, it may correspond to 洛 or 陆 in Mandarin-derived spellings. In Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and the Chinese diaspora, Lok is encountered on family name lists and in records, often indicating Chinese heritage. The underlying Chinese character behind the romanization can differ between families, so pronunciation and meaning may vary accordingly.

Because romanization varies, the spelling Lok does not point to a single origin or meaning without context. It is most reliably interpreted as either a South Asian given name element tied to the world or as a Cantonese-derived surname, with the specific Chinese character differing by family history. Beyond these name usages, Lok has no single, widely recognized meaning in English.