Origin & Meaning of the Kam Surname
What does the last name Kam mean?
The surname Kam 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 3,749 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kam ranks as the #8,749 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kam come from?
The Kam 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 Kam name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kam 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 | Kam |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #8,749 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,749 |
| Per 100K People | 1.27 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kam
According to the US Census, the Kam surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,749 Americans with the Kam last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 14.0% |
| Black | 1.23% |
| Hispanic | 3.39% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 70.95% |
| Native American | 0.16% |
| Two or More Races | 10.27% |
Popularity of Kam Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kam surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kam surname increased by 391 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Kam Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Kam ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Kam Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Kam Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Kam
- ✓ The Kam coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Kam families live today
- ✓ Notable Kam bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Kam
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Kam.
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 Kam.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kam
Top Surnames Starting with K
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter K, ranked by population.
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