Explore the Family Name Kayal

The meaning of Kayal

1. Indian (West Bengal) and Bangladeshi: from a Bengali word denoting a type of fish. The word kayal means ‘fish’ in Tamil and ‘lake’ in Malayalam, but these words in South Indian languages are not directly connected with the Indian surname. This surname is borne by members of the Nabasakha caste, from whom Brahmins are permitted to accept water. 2. Arabic (mainly Syria and Lebanon): occupational name from kayyāl ‘measurer of grain’. This surname is found among both Muslims and Christians.

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

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

Based on the Decennial U.S. Census data, the popularity of the surname 'Kayal' has increased from 2000 to 2010. In 2000, it ranked 66,274 and rose to 58,182 in 2010, indicating a 12.21% increase. The number of individuals with this name also grew from 279 to 349 during this period, demonstrating a 25.09% rise. Consequently, the proportion per 100,000 people went up by 20%, from 0.1 to 0.12.

20002010Change
Rank#66,274#58,18212.21%
Count27934925.09%
Proportion per 100k0.10.1220%

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Kayal

Regarding the ethnicity associated with the surname 'Kayal', the Decennial U.S. Census data provides an interesting insight. The largest ethnic group carrying this surname is white, with an increase from 81% in 2000 to 82.81% in 2010. The Asian/Pacific Islander category witnessed a significant rise of 43.93%, moving from 7.17% to 10.32%. However, there was a substantial decrease of 79.13% amongst those identifying as two or more races, dropping from 8.24% to 1.72%. Hispanic representation also showed an upward trend, increasing by 59.58% from 2.87% in 2000 to 4.58% in 2010. No changes were observed in the Black and American Indian and Alaskan Native categories.

20002010Change
White81%82.81%2.23%
Asian/Pacific Islander7.17%10.32%43.93%
Hispanic2.87%4.58%59.58%
Two or More Races8.24%1.72%-79.13%
Black0%0%0%
American Indian and Alaskan Native0%0%0%