Origin of the Kim Surname
The Kim surname is of Korean origin (Korean). In the 2010 U.S. Census it ranked #77 with 262,352 Americans (88.94 per 100K people).
What the name meant to the first families who bore it — and how Kim traveled across regions and centuries — is written out in the full Heritage Report.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Kim |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Full etymology in the Heritage Report |
| 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
Among 262,352 Americans named Kim, the largest self-reported group is Asian/Pacific Islander (94.47%).
The full multi-group chart (every percentage, print-ready) is inside the Heritage Report — not repeated here.
Popularity of Kim Over Time
Between the 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census, the national rank of Kim moved up. Exact counts for both years — print-ready — are in the Heritage Report.
Where did the Kim family really come from?
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The Complete Story of the Kim Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Kim Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Kim
- ✓ The Kim coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Kim families live today
- ✓ Notable Kim bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
🎁 A heritage keepsake to pass down — perfect as a gift.
Get one Kim fact most families never hear by email — a teaser, not the full etymology (that’s in the report).
Similar Surnames to Kim
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Kim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kim
Top Surnames Starting with K
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter K, ranked by population.
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