Origin & Meaning of the Chi Surname
What does the last name Chi mean?
The surname Chi carries the meaning "Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin." It is derived from the Asian language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 7,273 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Chi ranks as the #4,843 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Chi come from?
The Chi surname has its roots in Asian heritage. Names of Asian origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Chi name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Chi trace back to Asian. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Chi |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,843 |
| US Count (2010) | 7,273 |
| Per 100K People | 2.47 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Chi
According to the US Census, the Chi surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 7,273 Americans with the Chi last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 2.98% |
| Hispanic | 8.22% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 84.11% |
| Two or More Races | 2.76% |
Popularity of Chi Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Chi surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Chi surname increased by 1,538 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Chi
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Chi.
Other Asian Surnames
Explore more surnames with Asian roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Asian origin as Chi.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chi
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