Origin & Meaning of the Sharma Surname
What does the last name Sharma mean?
The surname Sharma carries the meaning "Joy, shelter, comfort." It is derived from the Sanskrit language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 28,559 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Sharma ranks as the #1,236 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Sharma come from?
The Sharma surname has its roots in Indian heritage. Names of Indian 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 Sharma name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Sharma trace back to Sanskrit. 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 | Sharma |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Joy, shelter, comfort |
| Origin | Indian |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,236 |
| US Count (2010) | 28,559 |
| Per 100K People | 9.68 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Sharma
According to the US Census, the Sharma surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 28,559 Americans with the Sharma last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 3.56% |
| Black | 0.76% |
| Hispanic | 0.86% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 90.64% |
| Native American | 0.42% |
| Two or More Races | 3.75% |
Popularity of Sharma Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Sharma surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Sharma surname increased by 13,689 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Indian Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sharma
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