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

Karnam, 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 Karnam surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Karnam in America

Karnam is the 156044th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Karnam surname appeared 104 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 Karnam.

The history of the last name Karnam

The surname KARNAM originated in India, specifically in the Telugu-speaking regions of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Its roots can be traced back to the medieval period, around the 12th to 16th centuries.

The name KARNAM is derived from the Telugu word "Karna," which means "ear" or "to hear." It is believed that the surname was initially used to identify individuals who worked as scribes, scholars, or court officials, as their role involved actively listening and recording important events and transactions.

Historical records from the Vijayanagar Empire, which ruled parts of southern India between the 14th and 17th centuries, contain references to individuals bearing the KARNAM surname. These references often mention them in the context of administrative roles or as learned scholars associated with the royal court.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the KARNAM surname can be found in a 14th-century inscription from the Srisailam temple complex in Andhra Pradesh. The inscription mentions a scholar named KARNAM Nrisimha Bhatta, who was a renowned authority on Hindu scriptures and literary works.

Another notable figure with the KARNAM surname was KARNAM Mallanna, a 16th-century Telugu poet and scholar from the Vijayanagar Empire. His literary works, including the celebrated "Sringara Naishadha," have made a significant contribution to Telugu literature.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the KARNAM surname gained prominence in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh, where several individuals with this name held positions of authority in local administrations and judicial systems.

KARNAM Dharmaiah, born in the late 18th century, was a prominent landowner and philanthropist from the Rayalaseema region. He is remembered for his contributions to the construction of temples, irrigation systems, and educational institutions in the area.

KARNAM Krishnamurti, born in 1892, was a renowned Telugu writer, poet, and social reformer. His literary works, including "Veyipadagalu" and "Rayalaseema Puranam," shed light on the culture and traditions of the Rayalaseema region.

KARNAM Mallikarjuna Rao, born in 1915, was a distinguished Indian politician and freedom fighter. He served as a member of the Constituent Assembly of India and played a pivotal role in the drafting of the Indian Constitution.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals with the KARNAM surname, which has a rich history deeply rooted in the cultural and intellectual traditions of southern India.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Karnam

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

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

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

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