New data released by the U.S. Census Bureau, reported by the Associated Press, reveals that Asian surnames are taking the lead as the fastest-growing surnames in the country. While traditional surnames like Smith, Williams, and Johnson still hold the top spots, Asian surnames–particularly Zhang, Liu, and Wang–are quickly climbing the ranks. Representing 7% of the U.S. population, Asians are also the fastest-growing racial or ethnic group in the country,
UCLA research professor and director of the Center for Neighborhood Knowledge Paul Ong notes that immigration has been central to this growth. “Much of the growth of the Asian population has been driven by immigrants and their children,” he said, adding that policy shifts could slow that trajectory. “Consequently, when Asians crack the top surname rank will be pushed further into the future.”
