Origin & Meaning of the Kwan Surname
What does the last name Kwan mean?
The surname Kwan 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 8,965 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kwan ranks as the #3,966 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kwan come from?
The Kwan 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 Kwan name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kwan 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 | Kwan |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,966 |
| US Count (2010) | 8,965 |
| Per 100K People | 3.04 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kwan
According to the US Census, the Kwan surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 8,965 Americans with the Kwan last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 4.9% |
| Black | 0.55% |
| Hispanic | 1.54% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 90.47% |
| Native American | 0.09% |
| Two or More Races | 2.45% |
Popularity of Kwan Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kwan surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kwan surname increased by 1,059 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Asian Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kwan
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