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

Tilak, 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 Tilak surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Tilak in America

Tilak is the 102197th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Tilak surname appeared 176 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 Tilak.

We can also compare 2010 data for Tilak 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 Tilak

The surname Tilak originated in India, with the earliest records dating back to the 16th century. It is derived from the Sanskrit word 'tilaka,' which refers to a mark or adornment worn on the forehead, typically denoting religious or social status. The name is particularly prevalent in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

Tilak is believed to have been a title or honorific initially granted to individuals who held positions of authority or respect within their communities. Over time, it transitioned into a hereditary surname, passed down through generations. The name's association with spirituality and tradition reflects the cultural and religious influences that shaped its origins.

Historical records mention individuals bearing the surname Tilak as early as the 17th century. One notable example is Ramachandra Tilak, a prominent Marathi poet and scholar who lived from 1608 to 1680. His works, including the epic poem "Shri Rama Vijaya," contributed significantly to the literary landscape of his time.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the name Tilak gained widespread recognition due to the influential figure of Bal Gangadhar Tilak (1856-1920), a prominent leader in India's independence movement. As a scholar, writer, and social reformer, Tilak played a pivotal role in igniting the nationalist spirit and advocating for self-rule.

Another noteworthy individual was Vishnu Vaman Tilak (1879-1940), a renowned scholar of Sanskrit and Indian philosophy. His contributions to the study and preservation of ancient Indian texts and traditions have left a lasting impact on the field of Indology.

The surname Tilak has also been associated with the world of arts and literature. Vijay Tilak (1934-2015) was a celebrated Marathi poet and lyricist, whose works explored themes of love, nature, and social commentary. His poetic contributions earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Padma Shri award.

Throughout its history, the surname Tilak has carried a sense of cultural and intellectual significance, reflecting the diverse experiences and achievements of those who have borne it. From scholars and poets to political leaders and reformers, the name has left an indelible mark on various aspects of Indian society and beyond.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Tilak

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

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

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

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