Origin & Meaning of the Shim Surname
What does the last name Shim mean?
The surname Shim 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 4,958 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Shim ranks as the #6,801 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Shim come from?
The Shim 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 Shim name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Shim 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 | Shim |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,801 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,958 |
| Per 100K People | 1.68 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Shim
According to the US Census, the Shim surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,958 Americans with the Shim last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 3.59% |
| Black | 4.09% |
| Hispanic | 1.07% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 86.65% |
| Native American | 0.16% |
| Two or More Races | 4.44% |
Popularity of Shim Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Shim surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Shim surname increased by 910 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Shim
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Shim.
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 Shim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shim
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