Origin & Meaning of the Wei Surname
What does the last name Wei mean?
The surname Wei 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 9,578 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Wei ranks as the #3,707 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Wei come from?
The Wei 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 Wei name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Wei 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 | Wei |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,707 |
| US Count (2010) | 9,578 |
| Per 100K People | 3.25 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Wei
According to the US Census, the Wei surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 9,578 Americans with the Wei last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 2.89% |
| Black | 0.42% |
| Hispanic | 0.44% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 94.46% |
| Two or More Races | 1.8% |
Popularity of Wei Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Wei surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Wei surname increased by 3,541 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Wei Ancestry
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Other Asian Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Wei
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