Origin & Meaning of the Shi Surname
What does the last name Shi mean?
The surname Shi 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 10,055 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Shi ranks as the #3,551 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Shi come from?
The Shi 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 Shi name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Shi 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 | Shi |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,551 |
| US Count (2010) | 10,055 |
| Per 100K People | 3.41 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Shi
According to the US Census, the Shi surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 10,055 Americans with the Shi last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 1.83% |
| Black | 0.3% |
| Hispanic | 0.5% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 96.86% |
| Native American | 0.06% |
| Two or More Races | 0.46% |
Popularity of Shi Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Shi surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Shi surname increased by 5,169 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Shi Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Shi ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Shi Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Shi Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Shi
- ✓ The Shi coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Shi families live today
- ✓ Notable Shi 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 Shi
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Shi.
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 Shi.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shi
Top Surnames Starting with S
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter S, ranked by population.
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