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

Thant, 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 Thant surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Thant in America

Thant is the 129825th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Thant surname appeared 131 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 Thant.

The history of the last name Thant

The surname THANT has its origins in Myanmar (formerly Burma). It is believed to have emerged in the 12th century during the Pagan Kingdom. The name is derived from the Burmese word "than," which translates to "he who is virtuous" or "one who possesses moral excellence." This suggests that the surname may have initially been bestowed upon individuals who were highly regarded for their ethical conduct and upstanding character.

During the Pagan era, many surnames were derived from occupations, personal qualities, or physical attributes. The surname THANT likely originated as a descriptive name, reflecting the virtuous nature of its bearer. It is plausible that the earliest individuals to carry this surname were revered for their wisdom, integrity, and adherence to Buddhist principles, which were deeply ingrained in the culture of ancient Myanmar.

One of the earliest recorded references to the surname THANT can be found in the Hmannan Yazawin, a chronicle of Burmese history dating back to the 16th century. The text mentions a minister named U Thant who served under King Bayinnaung, the founder of the Toungoo Dynasty (1551-1581). This historical figure may have been one of the earliest documented bearers of the THANT surname.

In the 19th century, a prominent individual named U Thant (1909-1974) rose to international prominence as the third Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1961 to 1971. Born in Pantanaw, Myanmar, he played a crucial role in mediating international conflicts and promoting world peace during his tenure.

Another notable figure with the surname THANT was Thakin Thant (1895-1963), a prominent Burmese nationalist and politician who advocated for Burmese independence from British colonial rule. He served as the President of the Burmese National Congress and was instrumental in the country's struggle for sovereignty.

Mya Thant (1909-2005), a Burmese writer and journalist, was also a prominent bearer of the THANT surname. She was known for her literary works that explored themes of social and political change in Myanmar during the mid-20th century.

Khin Thant (1911-2004), a Burmese diplomat and scholar, served as the Ambassador of Myanmar to several countries, including the United States, and played a significant role in promoting cultural exchange and understanding between Myanmar and the international community.

Throughout its history, the surname THANT has carried a strong association with virtuous character, ethical conduct, and a commitment to serving the greater good. While its origins can be traced back to ancient Myanmar, the name has transcended borders and gained recognition on the global stage through the achievements of its notable bearers.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Thant

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

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

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

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