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

Wangchuk, 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 Wangchuk surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Wangchuk in America

Wangchuk is the 147253rd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Wangchuk surname appeared 112 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 Wangchuk.

The history of the last name Wangchuk

The surname WANGCHUK is believed to have originated in Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom located between India and China. The name is thought to have emerged during the 17th century, when the Wangchuk dynasty founded the modern Bhutanese state.

The name WANGCHUK is derived from the Dzongkha language, which is the national language of Bhutan. It is composed of two words: "wang," meaning "power" or "authority," and "chuk," meaning "to hold" or "to possess." Therefore, the name WANGCHUK can be interpreted to mean "one who holds power" or "one who possesses authority."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the WANGCHUK name can be found in the annals of Bhutanese history, which document the reign of Ngawang Namgyal, the first Zhabdrung (spiritual and temporal leader) of Bhutan. Ngawang Namgyal established the Wangchuk dynasty in the late 17th century, and his descendants have ruled Bhutan ever since.

The most notable figure in Bhutanese history to bear the WANGCHUK name is Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (1928-1972), the third Druk Gyalpo (King of Bhutan). He is renowned for ushering in a period of modernization and development in Bhutan, while also preserving the country's unique culture and traditions.

Other prominent individuals with the WANGCHUK surname include Jigme Singye Wangchuk (born 1955), the fourth Druk Gyalpo, who is credited with introducing democratic reforms in Bhutan and promoting the concept of Gross National Happiness. Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk (born 1980) is the current Druk Gyalpo and has continued to guide Bhutan's development while upholding its unique cultural heritage.

Sonam Wangchuk (born 1966) is a renowned Bhutanese engineer and education reformer, best known for his innovative work in establishing eco-friendly schools and promoting sustainable development in the Himalayas.

Ashi Tashi Wangmo Wangchuk (born 1940) is a prominent member of the Bhutanese royal family and has been actively involved in various social and cultural initiatives, particularly in the areas of education and environmental conservation.

While the WANGCHUK name is most closely associated with Bhutan and its royal dynasty, it is also found among Bhutanese communities in neighboring regions, such as the state of Sikkim in India and the Tibetan diaspora.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Wangchuk

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

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

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

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