Origin & Meaning of the Ngai Surname
What does the last name Ngai mean?
The surname Ngai 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 1,623 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Ngai ranks as the #17,392 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Ngai come from?
The Ngai 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 Ngai name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Ngai 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 | Ngai |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #17,392 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,623 |
| Per 100K People | 0.55 |
| First Letter | N |
Ethnic Distribution of Ngai
According to the US Census, the Ngai surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,623 Americans with the Ngai last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 1.6% |
| Hispanic | 1.05% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 94.58% |
| Two or More Races | 2.53% |
Popularity of Ngai Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Ngai surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Ngai surname increased by 238 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Ngai Ancestry
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Similar Surnames to Ngai
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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 Ngai.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ngai
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