Origin & Meaning of the Kan Surname
What does the last name Kan mean?
The surname Kan 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 3,005 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kan ranks as the #10,647 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kan come from?
The Kan 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 Kan name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kan 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 | Kan |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #10,647 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,005 |
| Per 100K People | 1.02 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kan
According to the US Census, the Kan surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,005 Americans with the Kan last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 10.85% |
| Hispanic | 2.1% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 82.6% |
| Two or More Races | 3.56% |
Popularity of Kan Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kan surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kan surname increased by 300 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Kan
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Kan.
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 Kan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kan
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