Origin & Meaning of the Wang Surname
What does the last name Wang mean?
The surname Wang 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 109,883 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Wang ranks as the #282 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Wang come from?
The Wang 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 Wang name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Wang 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 | Wang |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #282 |
| US Count (2010) | 109,883 |
| Per 100K People | 37.25 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Wang
According to the US Census, the Wang surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 109,883 Americans with the Wang last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 2.59% |
| Black | 0.29% |
| Hispanic | 0.35% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 95.24% |
| Native American | 0.02% |
| Two or More Races | 1.5% |
Popularity of Wang Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Wang surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Wang surname increased by 42,313 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Asian Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Wang
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