Last Name Patel

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Patel

In terms of ethnic identity, the Patel surname is predominantly associated with Asian/Pacific Islander heritage. According to the Decennial U.S. Census data, 94.78 percent identified as Asian/Pacific Islander in 2010, up 3.73 percent from 2000. However, there was a marked decrease in those identifying with two or more races, falling 71.75 percent from 5.84 percent in 2000 to just 1.65 percent in 2010. Over this decade, there were slight increases in the number of Patels identifying as White (35.48 percent) and Black (46.15 percent). Meanwhile, the percentage of Patels who identified as Hispanic dipped by 22.81 percent. Interestingly, the proportion of those identifying as American Indian and Alaskan Native rose by 58.54 percent, which is a noteworthy shift in the ethnic makeup of individuals with the Patel surname.

	2000	2010	Change
Asian/Pacific Islander	91.37%	94.78%	3.73%
White	1.55%	2.1%	35.48%
Two or More Races	5.84%	1.65%	-71.75%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.41%	0.65%	58.54%
Hispanic	0.57%	0.44%	-22.81%
Black	0.26%	0.38%	46.15%

Patel ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Patel is Gujarati Patidar, which comprises 69.7% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are Northern Indian & Pakistani (17.7%) and Southern Indian & Sri Lankan (3.4%). Additional ancestries include British & Irish, French & German, Spanish & Portuguese, Eastern European, and Iranian, Caucasian & Mesopotamian.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
Gujarati Patidar	69.7%
Northern Indian & Pakistani	17.7%
Southern Indian & Sri Lankan	3.4%
Other	9.2%

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Patel

The meaning and origin of the last name Patel

The surname Patel originates from the Indian subcontinent, specifically from the Gujarati and Marathi-speaking communities of western India. The name can be traced back to the caste system prevalent in India, where individuals belonging to the Patel caste were traditionally involved in farming, landowning, or agricultural occupations. The term "Patel" derives from the Sanskrit word "patil," meaning village chief or headman. Patels traditionally held positions of power and authority in their respective communities, responsible for overseeing village affairs and resolving disputes. As time passed, the surname Patel became widely adopted among various Indian communities, often as a result of migration and cross-cultural interactions. The surname has further spread globally, particularly among the Indian diaspora. Today, Patels can be found in various regions worldwide, known for their diversity of professions and contributions to society. The surname Patel has become one of the most common surnames in the world, symbolizing the rich heritage and cultural identity of people with Indian origins.

Geographical distribution of the last name Patel

The last name Patel is primarily associated with the Indian subcontinent, particularly with the state of Gujarat in Western India. Patel is one of the most common surnames in India and is mainly found among the Gujarati Hindu community. However, due to migration and globalization, the surname Patel has also spread to other parts of the world. In the United Kingdom, there is a significant concentration of Patels, particularly in cities like London, Birmingham, and Leicester, where they have settled over generations. The United States is also home to a large number of Patels, with communities predominantly in states like California, New Jersey, and Texas. The diaspora of Patel can also be found in countries like Canada, Australia, South Africa, and Kenya, where they have migrated in search of better opportunities. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Patel is diverse, reflecting the global migration patterns of the Gujarati community.

Variants and spellings of the last name Patel

The last name Patel, originating from the Indian subcontinent, has several variations and spellings that can often be found across different regions and communities. Some of the common variations include Patil, Patl, Patle, Pathil, Paitel, and Pathel. These variations are a result of transliteration and the diverse languages and dialects spoken in India. Additionally, regional accents and customs can also influence the spelling and pronunciation of the surname. With a rich history and widespread diaspora, the Patel name can be found in various countries such as India, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia. While the spelling may vary, the significance and recognition of the Patel surname remain consistent, representing a prominent community with strong cultural roots and contributions to various fields.

Famous people with the last name Patel

The Patel surname is commonly found in the Indian community and has given rise to numerous famous individuals across various fields. One notable figure is Ravi Patel, an American actor and director known for his roles in popular television shows like "Master of None" and "Scrubs." Another renowned personality with the last name Patel is Mira Modi, the daughter of renowned whistleblower Chelsea Manning. Mira Patel gained recognition when she started a unique business by generating secure and memorable passwords for people. Another well-known individual bearing the Patel surname is Chhavi Rajawat, an Indian politician and social activist. She made history by becoming the youngest woman Sarpanch (village head) in India in 2010. Additionally, Priyanka Patel is a British politician and member of the Conservative Party, serving as the Member of Parliament for the Charnwood constituency since 2019. These are just a few examples of the accomplished individuals with the last name Patel, showcasing the diverse contributions they have made in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Patel

The last name Patel is a common surname predominantly associated with people of Gujarati origin, a state in the western region of India. The name is derived from the word "patel," which means "village headman" or "landowner" in Gujarati. Patel is one of the most prevalent surnames in Gujarat, and many Patels migrated from India to different parts of the world, particularly the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and East Africa. The Patidar community, from which the Patels originated, has a rich history that traces back to the agrarian roots in Gujarat. The Patels have played a significant role in business, politics, and social life in the regions they have settled. Due to the widespread dispersion of the Patel community, conducting genealogical research on the last name Patel can be a complex and extensive endeavor, requiring tracing family lineages across various regions and countries.