Origin & Meaning of the Shankar Surname
What does the last name Shankar mean?
The surname Shankar 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 2,130 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Shankar ranks as the #14,111 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Shankar come from?
The Shankar 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 Shankar name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Shankar 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 | Shankar |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #14,111 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,130 |
| Per 100K People | 0.72 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Shankar
According to the US Census, the Shankar surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,130 Americans with the Shankar last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 3.52% |
| Black | 0.66% |
| Hispanic | 0.94% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 88.97% |
| Native American | 0.38% |
| Two or More Races | 5.54% |
Popularity of Shankar Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Shankar surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Shankar surname increased by 859 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Asian Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shankar
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