Origin & Meaning of the Patel Surname
What does the last name Patel mean?
The surname Patel carries the meaning "A village headman or landowner, from the Gujarati meaning 'owner of a piece of land'." It is derived from the Gujarati language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 229,973 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Patel ranks as the #95 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Patel come from?
The Patel surname has its roots in Indian (Gujarati) heritage. Names of Indian (Gujarati) 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 Patel name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Patel trace back to Gujarati. 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 | Patel |
|---|---|
| Meaning | A village headman or landowner, from the Gujarati meaning 'owner of a piece of land' |
| Origin | Indian (Gujarati) |
| Language | Gujarati |
| US Rank (2010) | #95 |
| US Count (2010) | 229,973 |
| Per 100K People | 77.96 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Patel
According to the US Census, the Patel surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 229,973 Americans with the Patel last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 2.1% |
| Black | 0.38% |
| Hispanic | 0.44% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 94.78% |
| Native American | 0.65% |
| Two or More Races | 1.65% |
Popularity of Patel Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Patel surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Patel surname increased by 84,907 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Patel
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