Origin & Meaning of the Lim Surname
What does the last name Lim mean?
The surname Lim 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 37,021 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Lim ranks as the #936 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Lim come from?
The Lim 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 Lim name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Lim 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 | Lim |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #936 |
| US Count (2010) | 37,021 |
| Per 100K People | 12.55 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Lim
According to the US Census, the Lim surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 37,021 Americans with the Lim last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 2.86% |
| Black | 0.23% |
| Hispanic | 1.59% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 92.24% |
| Native American | 0.04% |
| Two or More Races | 3.04% |
Popularity of Lim Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lim surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Lim surname increased by 9,588 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Lim Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Lim ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Lim
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Lim.
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 Lim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lim
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Lim surname also look for: