Find out how popular the last name Awa is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Awa.

Awa, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Awa surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Awa in America

Awa is the 61585th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Awa surname appeared 326 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Awa.

We can also compare 2010 data for Awa to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Awa

The surname "AWA" is of Japanese origin, with its roots traced back to the 8th century AD. It is believed to have originated from the ancient Japanese word "awa," which referred to a type of hemp fabric or cloth. In those times, hemp was a valuable commodity, and the name may have been associated with families or individuals involved in its production or trade.

During the Heian period (794-1185 AD), the name "AWA" appeared in several historical records and documents, primarily related to aristocratic families and government officials. One notable mention is found in the "Shoku Nihongi," a chronicle of Japanese history completed in 797 AD, which references an individual named Awa no Sukune, who held a prominent position in the imperial court.

The earliest recorded use of the surname "AWA" can be traced back to the late 12th century, when it was documented in the "Azuma Kagami," a historical text that chronicled the rise of the Kamakura Shogunate. This text mentions several individuals with the surname, including Awa no Shigenobu, a skilled warrior who served under the famous shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo.

In the 16th century, during the Sengoku period (1467-1615), the "AWA" surname gained prominence with the emergence of the Awa clan, a powerful samurai family based in the Shikoku region of Japan. The clan's influence extended throughout the region, and they played a significant role in the political and military affairs of the time.

One notable figure from the Awa clan was Awa Naomasa (1516-1590), a skilled military strategist and daimyo (feudal lord) who fought alongside the powerful warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Awa Naomasa was instrumental in several key battles during the Sengoku period and was renowned for his leadership and tactical prowess.

Another prominent individual with the surname "AWA" was Awa Katsuie (1552-1582), a fierce samurai warrior and daimyo who served under Oda Nobunaga, one of the most influential figures in Japanese history. Awa Katsuie was known for his bravery and loyalty, but ultimately met his demise during the Incident at Honnō-ji, where Oda Nobunaga was assassinated.

In the realm of arts and culture, the "AWA" surname also left its mark. Awa Kenzo (1880-1939) was a renowned Japanese painter and printmaker who played a significant role in the development of the Nihonga (Japanese-style painting) movement in the early 20th century. His works, which often depicted traditional Japanese subjects and landscapes, are celebrated for their intricate detail and mastery of technique.

Throughout its long history, the surname "AWA" has been associated with individuals from various walks of life, including warriors, nobles, artists, and craftsmen. While its origins may have been humble, the name has endured as a symbol of Japanese heritage and cultural identity, reflecting the rich tapestry of the nation's past.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Awa

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Awa.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Awa was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Awa has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Awa was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Awa, please contact us.

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