Origin & Meaning of the Shih Surname
What does the last name Shih mean?
The surname Shih 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 4,935 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Shih ranks as the #6,833 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Shih come from?
The Shih 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 Shih name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Shih 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 | Shih |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,833 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,935 |
| Per 100K People | 1.67 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Shih
According to the US Census, the Shih surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,935 Americans with the Shih last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 2.15% |
| Hispanic | 0.3% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 94.1% |
| Two or More Races | 3.18% |
Popularity of Shih Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Shih surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Shih surname increased by 822 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Shih Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Shih ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Shih
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Shih.
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 Shih.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shih
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Shih surname also look for: