Origin & Meaning of the Narayan Surname
What does the last name Narayan mean?
The surname Narayan 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 2,614 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Narayan ranks as the #11,957 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Narayan come from?
The Narayan 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 Narayan name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Narayan 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 | Narayan |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #11,957 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,614 |
| Per 100K People | 0.89 |
| First Letter | N |
Ethnic Distribution of Narayan
According to the US Census, the Narayan surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,614 Americans with the Narayan last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 4.06% |
| Black | 1.53% |
| Hispanic | 1.15% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 80.3% |
| Native American | 0.27% |
| Two or More Races | 12.7% |
Popularity of Narayan Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Narayan surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Narayan surname increased by 852 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Narayan Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Narayan ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Narayan Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Narayan
- ✓ The Narayan coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Narayan families live today
- ✓ Notable Narayan bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Narayan
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Narayan.
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 Narayan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Narayan
Top Surnames Starting with N
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter N, ranked by population.
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