Origin & Meaning of the Wan Surname
What does the last name Wan mean?
The surname Wan 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 5,831 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Wan ranks as the #5,911 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Wan come from?
The Wan 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 Wan name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Wan 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 | Wan |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,911 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,831 |
| Per 100K People | 1.98 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Wan
According to the US Census, the Wan surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,831 Americans with the Wan last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 4.08% |
| Black | 1.84% |
| Hispanic | 1.23% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 89.97% |
| Native American | 0.1% |
| Two or More Races | 2.78% |
Popularity of Wan Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Wan surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Wan surname increased by 1,226 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Wan
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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 Wan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wan
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