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

Zhan, 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 Zhan surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zhan in America

Zhan is the 23120th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zhan surname appeared 1,104 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 Zhan.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zhan 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 Zhan

The surname Zhan originates from China and can be traced back to ancient Chinese culture. It is most commonly associated with the Mandarin pinyin transliteration of the Chinese character 詹. The name is believed to have ancient roots in the central plains of China, particularly during the Zhou Dynasty, which existed from 1046 to 256 BC. The character 詹 itself means "to shield" or "to protect," and it historically referred to officials or scholars who were entrusted with protective duties.

During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), Zhan was a recognized surname used by a number of influential families. References to individuals with the surname Zhan can be found in various historical documents and manuscripts from this period, including imperial court records and local gazetteers. One of the earliest recorded mentions of the surname is found in the Tang Dynasty historical text "New Book of Tang," which documents officials in the imperial government.

An early notable figure with the surname Zhan is Zhan Zhao, a fictional character based on historical accounts from the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127 AD). According to legend, Zhan Zhao was a highly skilled and loyal imperial bodyguard, often referred to as "Zhan the Cat." He served under Bao Zheng, a historical magistrate known for his fairness and incorruptibility. The character of Zhan Zhao appears in many Chinese operas and tales, solidifying the name in Chinese cultural history.

Another significant individual is Zhan Tianyou (1861–1919), often hailed as the "father of China's railways." A pioneering engineer, Zhan Tianyou graduated from Yale University and played a critical role in the construction of China's first major railway project, the Jingzhang Railway. His contributions to engineering and transportation have left a lasting legacy in modern China.

In the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), a prominent figure bearing the surname was Zhan Ruoshui (1466-1560). Zhan Ruoshui was an eminent Confucian scholar and philosopher who made substantial contributions to Neo-Confucianism. His works and teachings were influential in shaping Chinese thought and scholarship during his time and beyond.

During the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912), the name appears in the records of Zhan Kongying, a renowned scholar and calligrapher known for his literary prowess and artistic achievements. His work encapsulated the traditional Chinese artistic values and contributed significantly to the arts during his lifetime.

In the early 20th century, a well-known individual was Zhan Shichai (1841-1893), also known as the "Chang Woo Gow" or the "Chinese Giant." Standing at 8 feet 2 inches tall, he was a notable figure in western popular culture, performing in circuses and exhibitions in Europe and the United States. His unique stature made the name Zhan recognizable in various parts of the world.

Throughout its history, the surname Zhan has been borne by individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields, from ancient bureaucratic roles to modern engineering and the arts. These historical figures have collectively played a role in preserving and highlighting the cultural and intellectual heritage associated with the surname Zhan.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zhan

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

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

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

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