Origin & Meaning of the Shah Surname
What does the last name Shah mean?
The surname Shah 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 58,287 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Shah ranks as the #573 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Shah come from?
The Shah 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 Shah name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Shah 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 | Shah |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #573 |
| US Count (2010) | 58,287 |
| Per 100K People | 19.76 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Shah
According to the US Census, the Shah surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 58,287 Americans with the Shah last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 3.59% |
| Black | 0.94% |
| Hispanic | 0.7% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 91.74% |
| Native American | 0.34% |
| Two or More Races | 2.7% |
Popularity of Shah Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Shah surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Shah surname increased by 20,454 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Shah Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Shah ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Shah Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Shah Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Shah
- ✓ The Shah coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Shah families live today
- ✓ Notable Shah bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
🎁 A heritage keepsake to pass down — perfect as a gift.
Similar Surnames to Shah
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Shah.
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 Shah.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shah
Top Surnames Starting with S
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter S, ranked by population.
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