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

Begonia, 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 Begonia surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Begonia in America

Begonia is the 85659th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Begonia surname appeared 218 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 Begonia.

We can also compare 2010 data for Begonia 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 Begonia

The surname "BEGONIA" is a relatively rare and unusual name, with its origins shrouded in mystery and speculation. Some etymologists suggest it may have originated in the region of modern-day Italy, where the begonia plant, with its vibrant and striking flowers, was first cultivated and prized for its beauty.

It is believed that during the Renaissance period, when the study of botany and horticulture flourished, certain families or individuals may have adopted the name "BEGONIA" as a way to pay homage to this captivating flora. However, concrete historical records of the name's earliest usage are scarce, making it difficult to pinpoint an exact timeline or location.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname "BEGONIA" can be traced back to a 16th-century Italian botanist and scholar, Giacomo BEGONIA (1523-1592). Although little is known about his personal life, his writings and observations on the begonia plant are considered groundbreaking contributions to the field of botany during that era.

In the 18th century, a French botanist and explorer, Michel BEGONIA (1720-1801), made significant contributions to the study and classification of the begonia genus. His expeditions to South America and the Caribbean led him to discover and document numerous new begonia species, earning him recognition and ultimately influencing the naming of the plant genus.

Another notable figure bearing the surname "BEGONIA" was the Italian artist and sculptor, Elisabetta BEGONIA (1674-1742). Her intricate carvings and sculptures, often incorporating floral motifs, including the begonia, were highly sought after by the nobility and aristocracy of her time.

While the surname "BEGONIA" remains relatively uncommon, it has been carried by a few individuals throughout history, such as the 19th-century British botanist, William BEGONIA (1812-1888), who made significant contributions to the study of plant taxonomy and is credited with naming several begonia species.

In more recent times, the Brazilian writer and poet, Maria BEGONIA (1925-2010), gained acclaim for her evocative works that celebrated the beauty of nature and often drew inspiration from the vibrant hues and forms of the begonia flower.

While the exact origins of the surname "BEGONIA" may remain elusive, its connection to the captivating begonia plant and the individuals who dedicated their lives to its study and appreciation have left an indelible mark on the realms of botany, art, and literature.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Begonia

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

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 Begonia 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 Begonia 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 Begonia was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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