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

Charan, 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 Charan surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Charan in America

Charan is the 63218th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Charan surname appeared 316 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 Charan.

We can also compare 2010 data for Charan to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Charan

The surname CHARAN is believed to have originated in India, with roots dating back several centuries. It is thought to be derived from the Sanskrit word 'charan,' meaning 'feet' or 'footsteps,' and was likely used to denote individuals who were adherents of a particular spiritual or religious tradition.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the CHARAN surname can be found in ancient Hindu texts and manuscripts, where it was often associated with those who followed the teachings of certain ascetic or mendicant sects. These individuals were known for their devotion to spiritual practices and their willingness to travel on foot, earning them the moniker 'CHARAN.'

In the medieval period, the CHARAN surname gained prominence in various regions of India, particularly in the western states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. During this time, members of the CHARAN community were often revered as poets, storytellers, and keepers of oral traditions, playing a crucial role in preserving and disseminating cultural heritage.

One notable figure bearing the CHARAN surname was Bhoja Bhagat Charan (1588-1665), a renowned poet and lyricist from Rajasthan. His works, composed in the Dingal dialect, were widely acclaimed and continue to be celebrated to this day. Another prominent individual was Pritam Charan (1718-1796), a revered saint and spiritual leader from Gujarat, whose teachings and philosophy had a profound impact on the region.

As trade and migration patterns evolved, the CHARAN surname gradually spread to other parts of India and beyond. In the 18th and 19th centuries, several individuals with this surname made significant contributions in various fields. For example, Shiv Charan Lal (1836-1906) was a distinguished scholar and author from Uttar Pradesh, known for his works on Hindu philosophy and literature.

Furthermore, the CHARAN surname has been associated with figures in the field of education and social reform. One such notable figure was Govind Charan Pande (1871-1945), a pioneering educationist and writer from Bihar, who played a pivotal role in promoting female education and advocating for social justice.

While the CHARAN surname has its roots in India, it has since been carried across the globe by individuals and families who have migrated to different parts of the world, contributing to the rich tapestry of cultural diversity in various nations.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Charan

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

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 Charan 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.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Charan has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

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 Charan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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