Origin & Meaning of the Wah Surname
What does the last name Wah mean?
The surname Wah 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 1,550 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Wah ranks as the #18,007 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Wah come from?
The Wah 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 Wah name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Wah 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 | Wah |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #18,007 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,550 |
| Per 100K People | 0.53 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Wah
According to the US Census, the Wah surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,550 Americans with the Wah last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 4.77% |
| Black | 12.52% |
| Hispanic | 2.65% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 74.84% |
| Native American | 1.23% |
| Two or More Races | 4.0% |
Popularity of Wah Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Wah surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Wah surname increased by 1,082 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Asian Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Wah
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