Origin & Meaning of the Desai Surname
What does the last name Desai mean?
The surname Desai carries the meaning "Of or from." It is derived from the French language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 18,638 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Desai ranks as the #1,938 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Desai come from?
The Desai surname has its roots in French/Spanish heritage. Names of French/Spanish 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 Desai name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Desai trace back to French. 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 | Desai |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Of or from |
| Origin | French/Spanish |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,938 |
| US Count (2010) | 18,638 |
| Per 100K People | 6.32 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Desai
According to the US Census, the Desai surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 18,638 Americans with the Desai last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 2.95% |
| Black | 0.32% |
| Hispanic | 0.62% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 93.75% |
| Native American | 0.33% |
| Two or More Races | 2.04% |
Popularity of Desai Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Desai surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Desai surname increased by 5,581 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Desai Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Desai ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Desai
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Desai.
Other French/Spanish Surnames
Explore more surnames with French/Spanish roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same French/Spanish origin as Desai.
Frequently Asked Questions About Desai
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Desai surname also look for: