Bui
A Vietnamese surname derived from the Chinese surname 裴, meaning "luxuriant growth" or "flourishing."
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 33,590 Americans carry the last name Bui. That puts it at #1,222 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 9.80 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 10,204 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Bui surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
34K
1 in 10,204
Census rank
#1,222
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
9.8
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
29K
uncommon in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 28,919 bearers of the surname Bui in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 9.80 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 1222nd position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Bui, the largest self-reported group is Asian/Pacific Islander at 95.5%. The next largest groups are White (1.7%) and Two or More Races (1.6%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Bui
The surname Bui has its origins in Vietnam and is believed to have emerged around the 15th century. It is derived from the Vietnamese word "buồi," which means "time" or "period." This suggests that the name may have been associated with a particular era or event in history.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Bui can be found in the Annals of Dai Viet, a historical text dating back to the 15th century. These annals mention several individuals with the surname Bui, including Bui Van Ngo, who served as a high-ranking official during the reign of the Tran dynasty.
In the 16th century, the name Bui appeared in various official records and documents from the Le dynasty. One notable figure was Bui Thi Xuan (1506-1548), a Vietnamese poet and scholar who is considered one of the most influential literary figures of her time.
During the 17th century, the Bui surname gained prominence in the northern regions of Vietnam, particularly in the provinces of Bac Ninh and Hung Yen. Several villages and hamlets in these areas were named after prominent Bui families, such as Bui Village in Bac Ninh Province.
One of the most famous individuals with the surname Bui was Bui Huu Nghia (1807-1872), a Vietnamese scholar and diplomat who played a crucial role in negotiating treaties with Western powers during the 19th century. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Vietnamese history during that era.
Another notable figure was Bui Xuan Phai (1920-1988), a Vietnamese painter and artist who was renowned for his innovative techniques and unique style. His works are celebrated as some of the most iconic pieces of Vietnamese modern art.
Throughout history, the Bui surname has been associated with various place names and locations, particularly in Vietnam. For instance, the village of Bui Chu in Hanoi was named after a prominent Bui family that settled in the area during the 18th century.
Overall, the surname Bui has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries and is deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture and tradition. It has been borne by many influential individuals who have left an indelible mark on the country's history, literature, and arts.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Bui
Among Census respondents with the surname Bui, the largest self-reported group is Asian/Pacific Islander at 95.5%. The next largest groups are White (1.7%) and Two or More Races (1.6%).
The bar chart below shows how Bui bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Bui surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- Asian and Pacific Islander95.5%
- White1.7%
- Two or more races1.6%
- Hispanic or Latino0.9%
- Black or African American0.3%
- American Indian and Alaska Native0.0%
Year on year
2010 vs 2010 Census
How has the Bui surname changed between Census years? The chart shows bearer count side by side, and the table compares rank, count, and frequency.
Census year comparison
| Metric | 2010 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1,222 | #1,222 | 0.0% |
| Count | 28,919 | 28,919 | 0.0% |
| Per 100K | 9.80 | 9.80 | 0.0% |
Between the 2010 and 2010 Census, the number of Bui bearers went from 28,919 to 28,919 (+0.0% change). The surname held its position in the national ranking, going from #1,222 to #1,222.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Bui
FAQ
Bui surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Bui?
The surname Bui holds position #1,222 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 33,590 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 9.80 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Bui surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Bui, the largest self-reported group is Asian/Pacific Islander at 95.5%. The next largest groups are White (1.7%) and Two or More Races (1.6%). These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.