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

Chitkara, 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 Chitkara surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Chitkara in America

Chitkara is the 121590th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Chitkara surname appeared 142 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 Chitkara.

The history of the last name Chitkara

The surname "Chitkara" is of Indian origin, tracing its roots back to the Punjab region during the medieval period. The name is derived from the Sanskrit word "chitra," meaning "bright" or "magnificent," and "kara," signifying "hand" or "creator." This combination suggests that the name may have originally referred to skilled artisans or craftsmen renowned for their exceptional work.

The earliest known references to the Chitkara name can be found in ancient texts and historical records from the Punjab region, where the name was prevalent among certain communities. While specific mentions in renowned manuscripts like the Domesday Book are absent, the name's presence in local chronicles and documents attests to its longevity.

One of the notable historical figures bearing the Chitkara surname was Bhai Mati Das Chitkara, a revered Sikh scholar who lived in the 17th century. He was a prominent figure in the Sikh community and contributed significantly to the preservation and dissemination of Sikh teachings.

Another prominent individual was Maharaja Ranjit Singh's treasurer, Dewan Chitkara, who held a crucial position in the Sikh Empire during the early 19th century. His role in managing the empire's finances and wealth was instrumental in supporting the kingdom's prosperity.

In the realm of literature, Manohar Chitkara, a writer and poet from the 20th century, gained recognition for his contributions to Punjabi literature. His works explored various themes and celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The Chitkara name has also been associated with places and regions within Punjab, such as the village of Chitkara near Ludhiana, which may have served as the ancestral homeland for some families bearing this surname.

Throughout history, the Chitkara surname has been carried by individuals from diverse backgrounds, including scholars, artists, warriors, and administrators, all leaving their mark on the cultural tapestry of the Punjab region and beyond.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Chitkara

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

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

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

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