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

Mariappan, 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 Mariappan surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Mariappan in America

Mariappan is the 157234th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Mariappan surname appeared 103 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 Mariappan.

The history of the last name Mariappan

The surname "MARIAPPAN" is of Tamil origin, originating from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It traces its roots back several centuries and is derived from the Tamil words "Maari" meaning rain, and "Appan" meaning father or honorific title.

The earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in ancient Tamil literature and inscriptions dating back to the 6th century CE. It is believed to have been initially used as a title or epithet for village elders or chieftains who were seen as benefactors, bringing prosperity and abundance to their communities, much like the life-giving rains.

One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Mariappan Chettiar, a wealthy merchant and philanthropist who lived in the 14th century. He was renowned for his generosity and commitment to social welfare, establishing several educational institutions and temples across Tamil Nadu.

In the 16th century, the name appears in the records of the Vijayanagar Empire, with a prominent military commander named Mariappan Nayak serving under the ruler Krishnadevaraya. His valor and strategic acumen were instrumental in several crucial victories against rival kingdoms.

During the 18th century, Mariappan Pillai, a scholar and poet, gained recognition for his works in Tamil literature. His poetry celebrated the beauty of nature and the virtues of compassion and humility, reflecting the essence of the name's meaning.

The 19th century saw the rise of Mariappan Muthuswami, a pioneering social reformer and educator. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of modern educational institutions in Tamil Nadu, advocating for equal access to education for all segments of society.

Another notable figure was Mariappan Sambandam, a freedom fighter and activist who actively participated in India's struggle for independence from British rule in the early 20th century. His unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom and his dedication to nonviolent resistance earned him widespread respect and admiration.

Throughout history, the surname "MARIAPPAN" has carried a sense of reverence and respect, reflecting the virtues of benevolence, wisdom, and leadership. Its enduring legacy continues to inspire generations, reminding them of their rich cultural heritage and the importance of serving their communities with humility and compassion.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Mariappan

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

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

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

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