Faris
A surname of Arabic origin meaning "knight," "horseman," or "rider."
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 6,272 Americans carry the last name Faris. That puts it at #6,321 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 1.83 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 54,648 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Faris 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
6.3K
1 in 54,648
Census rank
#6,321
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
1.8
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
5.4K
rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 5,401 bearers of the surname Faris in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 1.83 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 6321st position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Faris, the largest self-reported group is White at 87.9%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (5.3%) and Two or More Races (2.4%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Faris
The surname Faris is of Arabic origin, tracing its roots back to the ancient Middle Eastern region. It is derived from the Arabic word "faris," which translates to "knight" or "horseman." This etymology suggests that the name was initially associated with individuals who were skilled horsemen or cavalrymen.
In the early days of Islam, during the 7th and 8th centuries, the term "faris" held great significance as it referred to the elite cavalry units that played a pivotal role in military campaigns and conquests. These horsemen were highly respected for their bravery, horsemanship, and combat prowess.
The surname Faris can be traced back to numerous historical records, including ancient manuscripts and chronicles. One notable mention is found in the "Kitab al-Aghani," a renowned collection of Arabic poems and songs compiled in the 9th century. This work contains references to individuals bearing the name Faris, indicating its widespread use during that era.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Faris is found in the writings of the celebrated Arab historian and philosopher, Ibn Khaldun (1332-1406). He documented the exploits of a distinguished military commander named Abu Bakr al-Faris, who led the armies of the Marinid dynasty in North Africa during the 14th century.
Another historically significant figure with the surname Faris was Ali ibn Isa al-Faris (d. 1015), a prominent Arab mathematician and astronomer from Baghdad. His contributions to the fields of trigonometry and spherical geometry were widely acclaimed during his lifetime and continue to be recognized by scholars today.
In the realm of literature, the name Faris is associated with the renowned Arab poet and writer, Ameen Faris al-Shidyaq (1804-1887). Born in Lebanon, he was a pioneer of the Arabic literary renaissance and played a crucial role in reviving and modernizing the Arabic language.
Jumping forward in time, the 20th century saw the rise of Mahmoud Faris (1915-1996), an influential Egyptian diplomat and politician who served as the Secretary-General of the Arab League from 1964 to 1972. His efforts in promoting Arab unity and resolving regional conflicts left a lasting impact on the Middle Eastern political landscape.
Throughout history, the surname Faris has been associated with individuals from various walks of life, including scholars, writers, military leaders, and statesmen. While the name's origins can be traced back to the ancient Middle East, its presence has been documented across various regions, reflecting the widespread influence of Arab culture and civilization.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Faris
Among Census respondents with the surname Faris, the largest self-reported group is White at 87.9%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (5.3%) and Two or More Races (2.4%).
The bar chart below shows how Faris 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 Faris surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White87.9%
- Hispanic or Latino5.3%
- Two or more races2.4%
- Black or African American2.3%
- Asian and Pacific Islander1.8%
- American Indian and Alaska Native0.4%
Year on year
2010 vs 2010 Census
How has the Faris 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 | #6,321 | #6,321 | 0.0% |
| Count | 5,401 | 5,401 | 0.0% |
| Per 100K | 1.83 | 1.83 | 0.0% |
Between the 2010 and 2010 Census, the number of Faris bearers went from 5,401 to 5,401 (+0.0% change). The surname held its position in the national ranking, going from #6,321 to #6,321.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Faris
FAQ
Faris surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Faris?
The surname Faris holds position #6,321 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 6,272 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 1.83 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Faris surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Faris, the largest self-reported group is White at 87.9%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (5.3%) and Two or More Races (2.4%). 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.