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

Pokhrel, 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 Pokhrel surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Pokhrel in America

Pokhrel is the 30165th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Pokhrel surname appeared 777 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 Pokhrel.

The history of the last name Pokhrel

The surname Pokhrel has its origins in Nepal, with evidence dating back to the 16th century. It is believed to have derived from the Nepali language, potentially stemming from the word "Pokhar," which means "pond" or "lake." This suggests that the name may have been associated with individuals residing near bodies of water or in areas known for their ponds or lakes.

Historical records indicate that the Pokhrel surname was prevalent among certain communities in the Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding regions. However, it is important to note that due to the limited documentation and record-keeping practices of the time, the earliest written accounts mentioning the name are relatively scarce.

One of the earliest documented references to the Pokhrel surname can be found in the Dhanapati Lekhamalas, a collection of ancient manuscripts dating back to the late 16th century. These manuscripts contain records of land ownership and legal disputes, where individuals bearing the Pokhrel surname are mentioned as parties involved.

In the 17th century, the Pokhrel name gained prominence among the Newar community, an indigenous ethnic group in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley. During this period, several notable individuals with the Pokhrel surname emerged, including Chandra Pokhrel, a renowned scholar and poet who was born in 1631 and is celebrated for his contributions to Nepali literature.

Another significant figure from this era was Jaya Pokhrel, a military leader and strategist who played a crucial role in defending the Kathmandu Valley against invasions during the late 17th century. Jaya Pokhrel's tactical prowess and leadership were instrumental in shaping the course of several battles and securing the region's sovereignty.

As time progressed, the Pokhrel surname spread beyond the Kathmandu Valley, and individuals bearing this name could be found in various parts of Nepal. In the 19th century, Kashi Pokhrel, a notable scholar and educator, established one of the earliest modern schools in Nepal, contributing significantly to the country's education system.

Towards the latter half of the 19th century, Hari Pokhrel gained recognition as a skilled artisan and craftsman, renowned for his intricate wood carvings and architectural designs. His works adorned many temples and structures across Nepal, leaving a lasting legacy in the country's cultural heritage.

It is worth mentioning that while the Pokhrel surname has deep roots in Nepal, it has also been found in other regions, possibly due to migration and diaspora communities. However, the historical origins and earliest recorded instances of the name can be traced back to the Nepali context.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Pokhrel

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

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

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

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