Origin & Meaning of the Kannan Surname
What does the last name Kannan mean?
The surname Kannan 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 1,553 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kannan ranks as the #17,980 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kannan come from?
The Kannan 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 Kannan name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kannan 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 | Kannan |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #17,980 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,553 |
| Per 100K People | 0.53 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kannan
According to the US Census, the Kannan surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,553 Americans with the Kannan last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 7.86% |
| Black | 0.32% |
| Hispanic | 0.39% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 89.5% |
| Native American | 0.45% |
| Two or More Races | 1.48% |
Popularity of Kannan Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kannan surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kannan surname increased by 836 between 2000 and 2010.
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- ✓ The Kannan coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
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Similar Surnames to Kannan
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Kannan.
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 Kannan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kannan
Top Surnames Starting with K
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter K, ranked by population.
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