Origin & Meaning of the Kim Surname
What does the last name Kim mean?
The surname Kim carries the meaning "The most common Korean surname, meaning 'gold' or 'metal' in Sino-Korean." It is derived from the Korean language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 262,352 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kim ranks as the #77 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kim come from?
The Kim surname has its roots in Korean heritage. Names of Korean 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 Kim name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kim trace back to Korean. 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 | Kim |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The most common Korean surname, meaning 'gold' or 'metal' in Sino-Korean |
| Origin | Korean |
| Language | Korean |
| US Rank (2010) | #77 |
| US Count (2010) | 262,352 |
| Per 100K People | 88.94 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kim
According to the US Census, the Kim surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 262,352 Americans with the Kim last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 2.52% |
| Black | 0.39% |
| Hispanic | 0.65% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 94.47% |
| Native American | 0.02% |
| Two or More Races | 1.96% |
Popularity of Kim Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kim surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kim surname increased by 68,285 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kim
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