Explore the Family Name Jah

The meaning of Jah

West African (mainly Sierra Leone and the Gambia): variant of the Fulani name Dia.

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

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

Based on the Decennial U.S. Census, the surname 'Jah' has seen a significant increase in popularity between 2000 and 2010. In the year 2000, Jah was ranked 104,819th in terms of popular surnames, with 158 individuals carrying it. By 2010, its rank had significantly improved to 59,901st, accompanied by a notable rise in the count to 337 individuals. This represents a growth rate of 42.85% in terms of rank and an impressive 113.29% increase in the count. The proportion per 100k also increased by 83.33%, from 0.06 in 2000 to 0.11 in 2010.

20002010Change
Rank#104,819#59,90142.85%
Count158337113.29%
Proportion per 100k0.060.1183.33%

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Jah

In terms of ethnic identity, the Decennial U.S. Census data shows some shifts within the diverse groups associated with the surname 'Jah'. Although the majority of individuals with this surname identified as Black (70.89% in 2000 and 85.46% in 2010), there were also representations from other ethnicities. The percentage of Asians or Pacific Islanders decreased from 8.86% in 2000 to 7.12% in 2010. Similarly, the White representation saw a decrease from 8.86% in 2000 to 4.15% in 2010. Those who identified as belonging to two or more races also experienced a substantial decrease from 8.86% in 2000 to 2.08% in 2010. There were no changes for those identifying as Hispanic or American Indian and Alaskan Native.

20002010Change
Black70.89%85.46%20.55%
Asian/Pacific Islander8.86%7.12%-19.64%
White8.86%4.15%-53.16%
Two or More Races8.86%2.08%-76.52%
Hispanic0%0%0%
American Indian and Alaskan Native0%0%0%