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

Wang, 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 Wang surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Wang in America

Wang is the 282nd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Wang surname appeared 109,883 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 37 people would have the surname Wang.

We can also compare 2010 data for Wang 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 Wang

The surname WANG has its origins in China, dating back to ancient times. It is believed to have derived from the Chinese word 'wang', which means 'king' or 'ruler'. The name was initially used as a title for royalty and nobility, but over time, it became a common surname adopted by families across various regions of China.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname WANG can be found in the Shiji, a historical record compiled by the Han dynasty historian Sima Qian around 109 BC. This work mentions several individuals bearing the surname WANG, indicating its widespread use during that era.

During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), the WANG surname gained prominence, with many notable figures emerging from this lineage. One such individual was Wang Wei, a renowned poet, painter, and calligrapher, who lived from 701 to 761 AD. His works are considered masterpieces of Chinese literature and art.

Another prominent figure was Wang Anshi, a statesman, and philosopher who lived from 1021 to 1086 AD. He is known for his ambitious reforms aimed at strengthening the Song Dynasty's economy and military. His ideas, though controversial at the time, had a lasting impact on Chinese thought and governance.

During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD), the WANG surname continued to be widespread. One notable figure from this period was Wang Yangming, a philosopher and educator who lived from 1472 to 1529 AD. He is famous for his teachings on the unity of knowledge and action, which influenced Neo-Confucian thought.

In more recent history, the WANG surname has been carried by influential figures such as Wang Xiaoping (1938-1997), a Chinese revolutionary and military leader who played a significant role in the Communist Party's struggle for power. Additionally, Wang Huning (born 1955) is a prominent political theorist and current member of the Politburo Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China.

Throughout its long history, the WANG surname has been associated with various place names and older spellings. For example, the city of Wangcheng in Hunan Province was named after the WANG family, and the alternative spelling 'Wong' is commonly found among Chinese communities in Southeast Asia and other regions.

The WANG surname has left an indelible mark on Chinese history, with its bearers making significant contributions across various fields, from literature and art to philosophy, politics, and military affairs. Its rich legacy continues to be celebrated and studied, reflecting the diverse and influential role it has played in shaping Chinese culture and society.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Wang

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

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

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

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