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

Japa, 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 Japa surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Japa in America

Japa is the 111426th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Japa surname appeared 158 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 Japa.

The history of the last name Japa

The surname JAPA originated in the Indian subcontinent, with its earliest known records dating back to the 16th century. It is believed to have derived from the Sanskrit word "japa," which means a mantra or a sacred utterance recited in a low tone during meditation or prayer.

The name JAPA was initially associated with Hindu and Buddhist communities, particularly among those who practiced spiritual or religious devotions. It is speculated that the name may have been given to individuals or families who were deeply involved in religious practices or held positions of spiritual importance.

In ancient Hindu texts, the term "japa" is mentioned as a form of meditation and repetition of mantras or sacred syllables. This practice was considered a means of purification, self-discipline, and spiritual enlightenment. It is possible that the surname JAPA was bestowed upon those who excelled in these practices or were renowned for their devotion.

One of the earliest known references to the name JAPA can be found in a manuscript from the Vijayanagar Empire, which ruled parts of southern India from the 14th to the 17th century. The manuscript, dated around 1550, mentions a scholar and spiritual leader named Ramadas JAPA, who was known for his teachings and writings on Hindu philosophy.

Another notable figure was Govindram JAPA, a renowned poet and writer from the 17th century, who composed several works in the Sanskrit language. His literary contributions were widely celebrated and helped preserve the ancient traditions and knowledge of his time.

In the 18th century, there are records of a prominent family of the JAPA surname residing in the city of Varanasi, considered one of the holiest cities in Hinduism. This family was known for their dedication to religious practices and their involvement in the local spiritual community.

During the 19th century, a scholar named Shyamacharan JAPA gained recognition for his extensive work on the translation and interpretation of ancient Hindu texts. His contributions helped to preserve and disseminate the teachings of these sacred works to a wider audience.

Another prominent individual from this time period was Radhamohan JAPA, a renowned musician and composer who specialized in devotional music and compositions dedicated to various deities. His works were widely appreciated and performed in temples and spiritual gatherings across the region.

While the surname JAPA has its roots in the Indian subcontinent, it has since spread to other parts of the world due to migration and diasporas. However, its origins and historical significance remain deeply rooted in the spiritual and religious traditions of the region.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Japa

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

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

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

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