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

Pada, 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 Pada surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Pada in America

Pada is the 116201st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Pada surname appeared 150 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 Pada.

We can also compare 2010 data for Pada to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Pada

The surname PADA is believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent, with roots that can be traced back to ancient Sanskrit. The name is thought to be derived from the Sanskrit word "pada," which means "foot" or "step." This linguistic connection suggests that the name may have initially been associated with occupations or roles related to travel or movement, such as messengers, guides, or even soldiers.

One of the earliest known references to the surname PADA can be found in ancient Hindu texts and manuscripts dating back to the 6th century CE. These texts mention individuals bearing the name PADA, often in the context of religious or scholarly pursuits. However, it is difficult to ascertain the exact origins of the surname or pinpoint the specific region where it first emerged.

In the medieval period, the name PADA appeared in various records and chronicles across South Asia. For instance, the 12th-century text "Prithviraj Raso" mentions a warrior named Alha PADA, who was celebrated for his bravery and military exploits. This suggests that the name was not confined to a particular region or caste but was adopted by individuals from diverse backgrounds.

As time progressed, the surname PADA began to spread beyond the Indian subcontinent. Historical records from the 16th and 17th centuries indicate that individuals bearing this surname migrated to various parts of Southeast Asia, including modern-day Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. One notable figure from this period was Tun PADA, a prominent trader and diplomat from the Malay Archipelago who played a crucial role in fostering economic ties between the region and the Indian subcontinent.

In the 19th century, the name PADA gained further prominence with the rise of the Indian independence movement. Bal Gangadhar PADA, born in 1888, was a prominent social reformer and activist who fought against the caste system and advocated for the rights of marginalized communities. His contributions to the struggle for equality and social justice earned him a respected place in Indian history.

Another notable figure bearing the surname PADA was Vasant Ganesh PADA, a celebrated Indian artist and sculptor who lived from 1892 to 1963. His works, which drew inspiration from traditional Indian art forms and mythological themes, are celebrated for their intricate details and powerful symbolism.

While the surname PADA has its roots in antiquity, it continues to be prevalent in various parts of the world, particularly among individuals of South Asian descent. The name's enduring legacy serves as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and diverse historical narratives that have shaped the Indian subcontinent and its diaspora.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Pada

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

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 Pada 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.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Pada has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

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

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

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