Origin & Meaning of the Khan Surname
What does the last name Khan mean?
The surname Khan 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 76,171 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Khan ranks as the #427 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Khan come from?
The Khan 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 Khan name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Khan 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 | Khan |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #427 |
| US Count (2010) | 76,171 |
| Per 100K People | 25.82 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Khan
According to the US Census, the Khan surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 76,171 Americans with the Khan last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 6.89% |
| Black | 3.86% |
| Hispanic | 2.2% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 81.25% |
| Native American | 0.54% |
| Two or More Races | 5.27% |
Popularity of Khan Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Khan surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Khan surname increased by 29,458 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Khan Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Khan ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Khan Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Khan Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Khan
- ✓ The Khan coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Khan families live today
- ✓ Notable Khan 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 Khan
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Khan.
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 Khan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Khan
Top Surnames Starting with K
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter K, ranked by population.
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