Origin & Meaning of the Pen Surname
What does the last name Pen mean?
The surname Pen 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 1,438 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Pen ranks as the #18,971 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Pen come from?
The Pen 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 Pen name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Pen 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 | Pen |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #18,971 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,438 |
| Per 100K People | 0.49 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Pen
According to the US Census, the Pen surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,438 Americans with the Pen last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 12.45% |
| Black | 2.02% |
| Hispanic | 2.99% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 80.46% |
| Two or More Races | 2.09% |
Popularity of Pen Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Pen surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Pen surname increased by 359 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Pen
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Pen.
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 Pen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pen
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