Ko (Korean surname)


Ko, also variously romanized Go, Goh, or Koh, is a common Korean family name. As of the 2000 South Korean census, there were 435,000 Kos in South Korea, accounting for just under 1% of the population. Liaoyang based Go family is The Royal of Goguryeo, Northern Yan ruler Gao Yun, Tang Dynasty general Gao Xianzhi has Goguryeo origin. In South Korea, Hoengseong Go clan is also descended from the Royal dynasty of Goguryeo and the clan's geneaology book specifies Dongmyeong of Goguryeo as the direct ancestor. Japan's Koma clan is also descendant of royal dynasty of Goguryeo. Chinese character 高麗 originates from Goguryeo's abbreviated name, but in japan, 'ryo' is pronounced as 'ma'. Koryo is also the name of 10 century Korea name unified and founded by Wang dynasty, a noble family originating from Goguryeo, and presently known name of the country, Korea.
These Go clans in three countries are called Goguryeo Go in common. Thus, it can be said the part 'Ko' from 'Korea' originates from the surname 'Ko', Koryo Dynasty surname.

Mythology

According to the Samguk Sagi, the Goguryeo royal family claimed descent from the mythical god Gao Yang, who was the grandson of the Yellow Emperor of Chinese mythology, and thus took the surname of "Go" ; however, this legend was discredited in the commentaries by Kim Busik, the compiler of the Samguk Sagi, who concluded that both Baekje and Goguryeo originated from Buyeo.

Go or Goh