Origin & Meaning of the Nair Surname
What does the last name Nair mean?
The surname Nair 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 7,513 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Nair ranks as the #4,719 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Nair come from?
The Nair 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 Nair name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Nair 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 | Nair |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,719 |
| US Count (2010) | 7,513 |
| Per 100K People | 2.55 |
| First Letter | N |
Ethnic Distribution of Nair
According to the US Census, the Nair surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 7,513 Americans with the Nair last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 10.29% |
| Black | 1.14% |
| Hispanic | 0.65% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 84.17% |
| Native American | 0.48% |
| Two or More Races | 3.26% |
Popularity of Nair Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Nair surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Nair surname increased by 3,785 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Nair Family
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- ✓ The Nair coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Nair families live today
- ✓ Notable Nair bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Nair
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Nair.
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 Nair.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nair
Top Surnames Starting with N
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter N, ranked by population.
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