Find out how popular the last name Ak is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Ak.

Ak, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Ak surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Ak in America

Ak is the 105600th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Ak surname appeared 169 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Ak.

The history of the last name Ak

The surname "AK" has its origins in Turkey, dating back to the 14th century. It is believed to be derived from the Turkish word "ak," which translates to "white" or "pure." This name was initially adopted by individuals residing in the central and eastern regions of Anatolia.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname can be found in the Ottoman tax records from the 1500s, where several households with the name "Ak" are listed. It is possible that this surname was initially given to individuals with fair complexions or those associated with purity or nobility.

During the Ottoman Empire's rule, the name "Ak" gained prominence, and several notable figures bore this surname. One such individual was Yunus Ak, a renowned calligrapher who lived between 1498 and 1563. His masterful works adorned many mosques and palaces across the empire.

In the 18th century, a prominent military leader named Osman Ak played a significant role in the Ottoman-Russian wars. Born in 1720, he was renowned for his strategic prowess and bravery on the battlefield.

As the Ottoman Empire expanded, the surname "Ak" spread across its territories, including modern-day Greece, Bulgaria, and the Balkans. In some regions, the name took on variations such as "Akis" or "Akian."

One of the most famous individuals with this surname was Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey. Born in 1881 as Mustafa, he later adopted the surname "Atatürk," which means "Father of the Turks."

Another notable figure was Halide Edib Adıvar, a renowned Turkish novelist, scholar, and political leader who lived from 1884 to 1964. She played a significant role in the Turkish National Movement and was an advocate for women's rights.

While the surname "Ak" has its roots in Turkey, it has since spread to various parts of the world due to migration and cultural exchange. However, its origins can be traced back to the ancient lands of Anatolia, where it was borne by individuals of distinction and nobility throughout history.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Ak

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Ak.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Ak was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Ak was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Ak, please contact us.

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