Khanna
A Punjabi surname indicating ancestry from the Khatri caste, traditionally associated with trading, accounting, and administrative professions.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 3,530 Americans carry the last name Khanna. That puts it at #10,520 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 1.03 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 97,098 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Khanna 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
3.5K
1 in 97,098
Census rank
#10,520
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
1.0
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
3.0K
rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 3,049 bearers of the surname Khanna in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 1.03 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 10520th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Khanna, the largest self-reported group is Asian/Pacific Islander at 86.7%. The next largest groups are White (6.8%) and Two or More Races (5.1%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Khanna
The surname Khanna originated in the Indian subcontinent, specifically in the Punjab region. It is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Khana', which means 'mine' or 'quarry'. The name is believed to have originated during the medieval period, around the 12th or 13th century AD.
The Khanna surname is primarily associated with the Khatri caste, a community of traders and merchants. The Khatris were known for their business acumen and played a significant role in the economic and commercial activities of the region. The name Khanna likely referred to those who were involved in the mining or quarrying industry.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the Khanna surname can be found in the 'Ain-i-Akbari', a 16th-century document commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The document mentions a village named 'Khanna' in the Sirhind district of Punjab, which may have been the place of origin for those bearing the surname.
Among the notable individuals with the surname Khanna are Vinod Khanna (1946-2017), an acclaimed Bollywood actor who appeared in numerous popular films. Akshay Khanna (born 1975) is another renowned actor from the Khanna family, known for his versatile performances in Bollywood cinema.
The Khanna family also includes Virender Sehwag (born 1978), a former Indian cricketer who was part of the Indian team that won the 2011 Cricket World Cup. He is considered one of the most destructive opening batsmen in the history of the game.
In the field of literature, Sheekha Khanna (born 1967) is a renowned Indian novelist and short story writer. Her works explore themes of identity, relationships, and the complexities of modern life.
Another notable figure is Naveen Khanna (born 1971), an Indian entrepreneur and business executive who has held leadership positions in various multinational companies. He is known for his innovative approach and contributions to the technology industry.
Throughout history, the Khanna surname has been associated with various professions, including business, entertainment, sports, literature, and entrepreneurship. While the name originated in the Punjab region, individuals bearing this surname have made significant contributions across various fields and continue to leave their mark on the global stage.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Khanna
Among Census respondents with the surname Khanna, the largest self-reported group is Asian/Pacific Islander at 86.7%. The next largest groups are White (6.8%) and Two or More Races (5.1%).
The bar chart below shows how Khanna 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 Khanna surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- Asian and Pacific Islander86.7%
- White6.8%
- Two or more races5.1%
- Hispanic or Latino0.8%
- Black or African American0.4%
- American Indian and Alaska Native0.2%
Year on year
2010 vs 2010 Census
How has the Khanna 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 | #10,520 | #10,520 | 0.0% |
| Count | 3,049 | 3,049 | 0.0% |
| Per 100K | 1.03 | 1.03 | 0.0% |
Between the 2010 and 2010 Census, the number of Khanna bearers went from 3,049 to 3,049 (+0.0% change). The surname held its position in the national ranking, going from #10,520 to #10,520.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Khanna
FAQ
Khanna surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Khanna?
The surname Khanna holds position #10,520 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 3,530 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 1.03 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Khanna surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Khanna, the largest self-reported group is Asian/Pacific Islander at 86.7%. The next largest groups are White (6.8%) and Two or More Races (5.1%). 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.