Origin & Meaning of the Nam Surname
What does the last name Nam mean?
The surname Nam 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 6,244 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Nam ranks as the #5,569 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Nam come from?
The Nam 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 Nam name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Nam 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 | Nam |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,569 |
| US Count (2010) | 6,244 |
| Per 100K People | 2.12 |
| First Letter | N |
Ethnic Distribution of Nam
According to the US Census, the Nam surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 6,244 Americans with the Nam last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 3.33% |
| Black | 0.98% |
| Hispanic | 0.98% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 92.87% |
| Native American | 0.08% |
| Two or More Races | 1.76% |
Popularity of Nam Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Nam surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Nam surname increased by 1,832 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Nam Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Nam ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Nam
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Nam.
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 Nam.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nam
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Nam surname also look for: