Exploring the Etymology of the Name 'He-Ong-Kong' and Its Historical Significance

In 1780, the territory now known as Hong Kong was first romanised as 'He-Ong-Kong'. This name originally referred to a small inlet situated between Aberdeen Island and the southern coast of Hong Kong Island. Aberdeen served as a crucial point of contact between British sailors and local fishermen, marking the beginning of interactions that would shape the region's history. The exact source of the romanised name remains uncertain; however, it is widely believed to be an early phonetic rendering of the Cantonese phrase 'hēung góng'. This phrase translates to 'fragrant harbour' or 'incense harbour'. The term 'fragrant' may refer to the sweet taste of the harbour's freshwater influx from the Pearl River or the aromatic scents emanating from incense factories that were prevalent along the northern coast of Kowloon. These factories stored incense near Aberdeen Harbour for export, further contributing to the name's significance. The historical context of this name highlights the rich cultural and economic exchanges that have taken place in this vibrant region, laying the groundwork for Hong Kong's development into a major global city. #mooflife #mof #MomentOfLife #HongKong #Etymology #FragrantHarbour #History #Romanisation