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

Selvan, 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 Selvan surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Selvan in America

Selvan is the 131379th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Selvan surname appeared 129 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 Selvan.

The history of the last name Selvan

The surname Selvan is of Tamil origin, and it is believed to have originated in the southern regions of India, particularly in the state of Tamil Nadu. The name is derived from the Tamil word "Selvam," which means wealth, prosperity, or fortune.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Selvan can be traced back to the Chola dynasty, which ruled over a significant portion of the Indian subcontinent between the 9th and 13th centuries. During this period, the name Selvan was commonly used by members of the aristocracy and landed gentry, reflecting their affluent status and social standing.

In the ancient Tamil literature, such as the Sangam literature, which dates back to the early centuries of the Common Era, there are references to individuals bearing the name Selvan. These literary works provide insights into the cultural significance and historical context of the name.

One of the earliest and most notable individuals bearing the name Selvan was Rajendra Chola I (1012 - 1044 CE), a renowned king of the Chola dynasty. He was known for his military conquests and for extending the Chola Empire across South India and parts of Southeast Asia.

Another notable figure was Kulothunga Chola I (1070 - 1120 CE), a Chola monarch who ruled during the imperial period of the dynasty. His reign witnessed significant cultural and architectural achievements, including the construction of remarkable temples and the patronage of Tamil literature.

In the 13th century, a Tamil scholar and poet named Arunagirinathar (1212 - 1279 CE), also known as Selvan Arunagiri, gained prominence for his literary works and spiritual teachings. His compositions, such as the "Tiruppugazh," are revered in the Tamil literary tradition.

During the 16th century, a prominent figure named Selvan Raman Pillai (1520 - 1590 CE) served as a minister and military commander under the Vijayanagar Empire. He played a crucial role in the defense of the empire against the invading forces of the Deccan Sultanates.

In more recent times, one of the most celebrated individuals with the surname Selvan was R. K. Narayan (1906 - 2001 CE), a renowned Indian writer and novelist. His works, such as "The Guide" and "Malgudi Days," are considered literary masterpieces and have gained international acclaim.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Selvan

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

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

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

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