Origin & Meaning of the Sun Surname
What does the last name Sun mean?
The surname Sun 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 24,058 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Sun ranks as the #1,484 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Sun come from?
The Sun 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 Sun name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Sun 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 | Sun |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,484 |
| US Count (2010) | 24,058 |
| Per 100K People | 8.16 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Sun
According to the US Census, the Sun surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 24,058 Americans with the Sun last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 2.59% |
| Black | 0.26% |
| Hispanic | 0.76% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 94.46% |
| Native American | 0.26% |
| Two or More Races | 1.67% |
Popularity of Sun Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Sun surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Sun surname increased by 9,096 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Sun
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Sun.
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 Sun.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sun
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