Origin & Meaning of the Shum Surname
What does the last name Shum mean?
The surname Shum 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 2,222 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Shum ranks as the #13,627 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Shum come from?
The Shum 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 Shum name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Shum 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 | Shum |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #13,627 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,222 |
| Per 100K People | 0.75 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Shum
According to the US Census, the Shum surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,222 Americans with the Shum last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 14.18% |
| Black | 0.36% |
| Hispanic | 1.76% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 81.1% |
| Two or More Races | 2.61% |
Popularity of Shum Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Shum surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Shum surname increased by 197 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Shum Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Shum ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Shum Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Shum Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Shum
- ✓ The Shum coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Shum families live today
- ✓ Notable Shum bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Shum
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Shum.
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 Shum.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shum
Top Surnames Starting with S
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter S, ranked by population.
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