Origin & Meaning of the Shin Surname
What does the last name Shin mean?
The surname Shin 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 21,735 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Shin ranks as the #1,656 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Shin come from?
The Shin 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 Shin name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Shin 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 | Shin |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,656 |
| US Count (2010) | 21,735 |
| Per 100K People | 7.37 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Shin
According to the US Census, the Shin surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 21,735 Americans with the Shin last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 2.59% |
| Black | 0.28% |
| Hispanic | 0.4% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 94.98% |
| Native American | 0.03% |
| Two or More Races | 1.73% |
Popularity of Shin Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Shin surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Shin surname increased by 5,878 between 2000 and 2010.
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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 Shin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shin
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