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

Ladak, 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 Ladak surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Ladak in America

Ladak is the 143149th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Ladak surname appeared 116 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 Ladak.

The history of the last name Ladak

The surname Ladak has its origins in the mountainous region of Ladakh, located in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent. This region, which now forms part of the union territory of Ladakh in India, has a long and rich history dating back to the 10th century CE.

The name Ladak is believed to be derived from the Tibetan word 'La-dvags,' which means 'land of high passes.' This name aptly describes the rugged and challenging terrain of the Ladakh region, with its snow-capped peaks, high-altitude deserts, and treacherous mountain passes.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Ladak can be found in the annals of the Tibetan Buddhist monasteries that dot the Ladakh region. These ancient manuscripts, written in the Tibetan script, provide valuable insights into the history and culture of this remote and isolated area.

In the 16th century, the Ladakh region came under the rule of the Namgyal dynasty, which played a significant role in shaping the region's cultural and religious landscape. One of the most famous rulers of this dynasty was King Sengge Namgyal (1590-1642), who is credited with establishing the capital city of Leh and promoting Buddhist teachings in the region.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the surname Ladak. One such figure was Tashi Rabgias (1781-1860), a renowned Buddhist scholar and writer from Ladakh. His works, which include commentaries on Buddhist texts and historical accounts of the region, provide valuable insights into the intellectual and cultural life of Ladakh during that period.

Another prominent figure was Sonam Angdu (1856-1923), a pioneering educator and social reformer from Ladakh. He played a crucial role in establishing modern education in the region and advocated for the rights and empowerment of women.

In the 20th century, Bakhtu Jasmīn Sīngh Ladak (1914-1997) gained recognition as a prominent political figure and advocate for the rights of the Ladakhi people. He served as a member of the Indian Parliament and was instrumental in bringing attention to the unique cultural and environmental challenges faced by the region.

Another notable individual was Sonam Wangchuk (born 1966), an engineer and innovator from Ladakh. He is best known for his pioneering work in developing sustainable technologies, such as the 'ice stupa' technique, which helps address water scarcity in the region.

Lastly, the author and filmmaker Tashi Rabgyas (born 1970) has gained international acclaim for his works that explore the rich cultural heritage and contemporary challenges faced by the people of Ladakh.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Ladak

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

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

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

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