Explore the Family Name Biswas

The meaning of Biswas

Indian (West Bengal) and Bangladeshi: Kayastha name, from Sanskrit višvāsa ‘trust’. Some characteristic forenames: Indian Dilip, Kalpana, Amit, Amitava, Arunava, Arup, Ashok, Dipak, Gopal, Mrinal, Rahul, Sumita.

Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.

How common is the last name Biswas in the United States?

According to the data from the Decennial U.S. Census, the popularity of the surname Biswas has increased significantly in the United States over the past decade. The rank of this name rose from 26,267th place in 2000 to 15,406th place in 2010, marking an impressive surge of 41.35%. In terms of absolute numbers, there were 875 individuals with the surname Biswas in 2000 and this figure more than doubled to reach 1,902 in 2010, resulting in a growth rate of 117.37%. This suggests that the number of people in the US with this surname is on the rise, with its representation per 100,000 of the population jumping by 100% during this period.

20002010Change
Rank#26,267#15,40641.35%
Count8751,902117.37%
Proportion per 100k0.320.64100%

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Biswas

In terms of ethnicity, the census data reveals that the majority of individuals bearing the surname Biswas identify as Asian/Pacific Islander. This group saw an increase from 86.29% in 2000 to 90.69% in 2010. Meanwhile, the proportion of those identifying with two or more ethnicities decreased by 33.88%, and those self-identifying as white also dropped by 40%. The Hispanic segment experienced a slight decrease of 13.19%. Notably, the 2010 census marked the first time individuals with the surname Biswas identified as Black or American Indian and Alaskan Native, with these groups making up 0.32% and 0.74% respectively of the Biswas population. This data reflects the diversification of ethnic identities associated with the surname Biswas in the US.

20002010Change
Asian/Pacific Islander86.29%90.69%5.1%
White6.4%3.84%-40%
Two or More Races5.49%3.63%-33.88%
Hispanic0.91%0.79%-13.19%
American Indian and Alaskan Native0%0.74%0%
Black0%0.32%0%