Last Names

Surnames / L

Leung

What is the origin of the last name Leung?

Chinese originLocational (a place or landscape)Rank #1,747 in the US

Meaning and origin

Derived from Cantonese, the name Leung (梁) originally referred to a ridge or bridge, emphasizing its connection to topographical features. As a surname, Leung can be found among various Chinese communities worldwide, reflecting the widespread migration and diaspora of individuals with this ancestral name.

The longer story

The name *Leung* is of Chinese origin, primarily found among individuals with Chinese heritage. It is a phonetic transliteration of the Chinese characters that make up the name. The pronunciation of *Leung* can vary depending on the specific Chinese dialect or language group, but it is typically pronounced as "lung" or "lyung" in English.

The etymology of the name *Leung* is rooted in the Chinese language. The characters that make up the name can have various meanings and associations, such as "dragon" or "bright." These meanings often carry symbolic significance in Chinese culture and mythology.

In terms of distribution, the surname *Leung* is most commonly found among Chinese communities, both within China and among the Chinese diaspora around the world. It is a relatively common surname in Hong Kong, Macau, and other regions with significant Chinese populations. The name *Leung* may also be found among individuals who have migrated from these regions to other countries, including the United States.

Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.

#1,747

Leung was the 1,747th most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 20,496 people, about 6.6 in every 100,000.

Who carries it

  • White (non-Hispanic)1.8%
  • Hispanic or Latino1.0%
  • Black (non-Hispanic)<0.1%
  • Asian or Pacific Islander94.3%
  • Two or more races2.2%
  • American Indian or Alaska Native<0.1%

Where it is found

Countries linked to Leung.

Surnames like Leung

Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.

Check the sources

For a name you are serious about, compare the dictionaries: Reaney and Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames; Hanks, Dictionary of American Family Names.