Hong is the common English spelling of 홍, is Korean and Chinese means "wide" or "big".
Clans
As with all Korean family names, the holders of the Hong surname are divided into different patrilineal clans, or lineages, based on their
ancestral seat. Most such clans trace their lineage back to a specific founder. This system was at its height under the
yangban aristocracy of the
Joseon Dynasty, but it remains in use today. There are approximately 241 such clans claimed by South Koreans.Historically, there had been 10 clans known but currently there are four clans remained. Hong clan is composed including Namyang, Pungsan, Bugye and Hongju clan.
Namyang clan
The biggest clan is Namyang clan whose founder was Hong Eun-yeol in
Goryeo Dynasty. Another founder in this clan was Hong Seon-haeng, and there are two separate family lines under this clan. The former consists of 80 percent of the clan.
Pungsan clan
All ancestry of Andong's Pungsan Hong may be traced to the
Goryeo dynasty's
Hong Ji-gyeong later known as a great master of Korean classical verse in the
Joseon Dynasty. The Pungsan Hong were known as yangban among yangbans.
Hong Jin was a direct descendant of Hong Ji-gyeong.
List
Famous Koreans with this family name:
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