Explore the Family Name Kiran

The meaning of Kiran

1. Indian (mainly northern states) and Pakistani: from a personal name based on Sanskrit kiran ‘ray (of light)’. 2. Turkish (Kıran): ornamental name or nickname from kıran ‘horizon, edge’, also ‘mountain top’.

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

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

Based on data from the Decennial U.S. Census, the surname Kiran has grown in popularity over a ten year span. In 2000, Kiran ranked as the 97,384th most popular surname, but by 2010 it had jumped significantly to rank 53,419th. This represents a positive change of 45.15%. The count of individuals with this name also increased from 173 to 387 during this period, showing a dramatic increase of 123.7%. The proportion of people named Kiran per 100,000 also saw an increase of 116.67%, moving from 0.06 in 2000 to 0.13 in 2010.

20002010Change
Rank#97,384#53,41945.15%
Count173387123.7%
Proportion per 100k0.060.13116.67%

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Kiran

Regarding ethnicity and based on the same Decennial U.S. Census data, the majority of individuals with the surname Kiran identify as Asian/Pacific Islander. In 2000, 54.91% identified as such, increasing to 68.22% by 2010. Those identifying as White decreased from 37.57% to 24.55% over the same time period. Individuals identifying as two or more races also saw a decrease, from 4.62% to 3.10%. Meanwhile, the percentage of those identifying as Hispanic remained relatively stable, with a slight decrease from 2.89% to 2.84%. Notably, no one with the surname Kiran identified as Black or American Indian and Alaskan Native in 2000; however, by 2010, 1.29% identified as Black, while the latter category remained at 0%.

20002010Change
Asian/Pacific Islander54.91%68.22%24.24%
White37.57%24.55%-34.66%
Two or More Races4.62%3.1%-32.9%
Hispanic2.89%2.84%-1.73%
Black0%1.29%0%
American Indian and Alaskan Native0%0%0%