Origin & Meaning of the Shan Surname
What does the last name Shan mean?
The surname Shan 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 2,099 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Shan ranks as the #14,268 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Shan come from?
The Shan 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 Shan name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Shan 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 | Shan |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #14,268 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,099 |
| Per 100K People | 0.71 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Shan
According to the US Census, the Shan surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,099 Americans with the Shan last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 22.77% |
| Black | 8.77% |
| Hispanic | 1.62% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 64.79% |
| Native American | 0.33% |
| Two or More Races | 1.72% |
Popularity of Shan Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Shan surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Shan surname increased by 121 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Asian Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shan
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