Origin & Meaning of the Govan Surname
What does the last name Govan mean?
The surname Govan carries the meaning "Surname with roots in African American heritage." It is derived from the English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 3,188 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Govan ranks as the #10,103 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Govan come from?
The Govan surname has its roots in African American heritage. Names of African American 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 Govan name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Govan trace back to English. 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 | Govan |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Surname with roots in African American heritage |
| Origin | African American |
| Language | English |
| US Rank (2010) | #10,103 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,188 |
| Per 100K People | 1.08 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Govan
According to the US Census, the Govan surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,188 Americans with the Govan last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 19.79% |
| Black | 70.14% |
| Hispanic | 3.07% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 3.23% |
| Native American | 0.63% |
| Two or More Races | 3.14% |
Popularity of Govan Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Govan surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Govan surname increased by 342 between 2000 and 2010.
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- ✓ The Govan coat of arms & heraldry
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Similar Surnames to Govan
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Govan.
Other African American Surnames
Explore more surnames with African American roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same African American origin as Govan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Govan
Top Surnames Starting with G
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter G, ranked by population.
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