Frequency: (680)
(number of times this surname appears in a sample database of 88.7 million names, representing one third of the 1997 US population)
1. Chinese 杭: a comparatively rare surname in China, of later origin than most of the more common surnames. It was not until the Song dynasty (960-1279) that the current form of the character for the name became established, appearing in Hunan province after branching from a surname written with a similar character.
2. Laotian or Cambodian: unexplained.
3. Vietnamese: unexplained,
4. South German and Swiss German: variant of Hank, a pet form of Johann or Heinrich.
GIVEN NAMES: Chinese 36%; Other Southeast Asian 15%; Vietnamese 9%. Yee (5), Chang (3), Hong (3), Kang (3), Chen (2), Chue (2), Kao (2), Kaying (2), Leng (2), Mee (2); Vang (9), Doua (4), Pao (4), Chia (3), Chong (3), Pang (3), Shoua (3), Houa (2), Neng (2), Phoua (2), Sarin (2), Sou (2), Soua (2); Quang (20), Anh (4), Dang (4), Hoa (4), Huy (4), Ly (4), Mai (4), Minh (4), Nguyen (4), Phong (4), Lien (3), Loc (3), Thao (3).
See the Key to the Dictionary or consult the General Introduction for further explanation.
