Origin & Meaning of the Ma Surname
What does the last name Ma mean?
The surname Ma 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 28,452 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Ma ranks as the #1,240 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Ma come from?
The Ma 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 Ma name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Ma 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 | Ma |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,240 |
| US Count (2010) | 28,452 |
| Per 100K People | 9.65 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Ma
According to the US Census, the Ma surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 28,452 Americans with the Ma last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 3.07% |
| Black | 0.45% |
| Hispanic | 1.54% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 93.51% |
| Native American | 0.06% |
| Two or More Races | 1.37% |
Popularity of Ma Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Ma surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Ma surname increased by 9,422 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Ma
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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 Ma.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ma
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