Bara
A surname possibly originating from the French word "barré", meaning "striped" or "checked".
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 2,159 Americans carry the last name Bara. That puts it at #15,792 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 0.63 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 158,756 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Bara surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
2.2K
1 in 158,756
Census rank
#15,792
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
0.6
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
1.8K
rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 1,844 bearers of the surname Bara in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 0.63 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 15792nd position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Bara, the largest self-reported group is White at 62.4%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (27.2%) and Asian/Pacific Islander (4.3%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Bara
The surname Bara has its origins in the Indian subcontinent, specifically in the region of Punjab. It is believed to have emerged during the medieval period, around the 12th or 13th century. The name is derived from the Sanskrit word "vara," which means "excellent" or "superior."
In ancient Indian texts and manuscripts, the name Bara can be found mentioned in various contexts. One notable reference is in the Puranic literature, where it is associated with individuals of great valor and wisdom. The name has also been recorded in historical chronicles and genealogical records of prominent families from the region.
One of the earliest known individuals with the surname Bara was Raja Bara Singh, a renowned warrior and ruler of the Bara clan in the 16th century. His legacy is celebrated in local folklore and oral traditions, and his name is often invoked as a symbol of courage and leadership.
Another significant figure bearing the Bara surname was Guru Angad Dev, the second Guru of the Sikh faith, who lived from 1504 to 1552. He was born as Lehna Bara and played a pivotal role in the development and spread of Sikhism during his lifetime.
In the 17th century, the Bara surname gained prominence through the military exploits of Bhai Bara Singh, a revered Sikh warrior who fought against the Mughal Empire. His bravery and devotion to the faith have been immortalized in various historical accounts and literary works.
During the 18th century, the Bara clan held significant influence in the region of Punjab, with several notable chieftains and landowners bearing the surname. One such figure was Sardar Bara Singh, a powerful landowner and military commander who played a crucial role in the consolidation of Sikh power during that period.
Throughout the centuries, the Bara surname has been associated with individuals from various walks of life, including scholars, poets, and artists. For instance, the renowned Punjabi poet and writer Dhani Ram Bara, who lived in the 19th century, made significant contributions to the literary heritage of the region.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Bara
Among Census respondents with the surname Bara, the largest self-reported group is White at 62.4%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (27.2%) and Asian/Pacific Islander (4.3%).
The bar chart below shows how Bara bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Bara surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White62.4%
- Hispanic or Latino27.2%
- Asian and Pacific Islander4.3%
- Black or African American3.5%
- Two or more races1.9%
- American Indian and Alaska Native0.7%
Year on year
2010 vs 2010 Census
How has the Bara surname changed between Census years? The chart shows bearer count side by side, and the table compares rank, count, and frequency.
Census year comparison
| Metric | 2010 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #15,792 | #15,792 | 0.0% |
| Count | 1,844 | 1,844 | 0.0% |
| Per 100K | 0.63 | 0.63 | 0.0% |
Between the 2010 and 2010 Census, the number of Bara bearers went from 1,844 to 1,844 (+0.0% change). The surname held its position in the national ranking, going from #15,792 to #15,792.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Bara
FAQ
Bara surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Bara?
The surname Bara holds position #15,792 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 2,159 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 0.63 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Bara surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Bara, the largest self-reported group is White at 62.4%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (27.2%) and Asian/Pacific Islander (4.3%). These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.