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

Bunay, 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 Bunay surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Bunay in America

Bunay is the 87663rd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Bunay surname appeared 212 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 Bunay.

The history of the last name Bunay

The surname BUNAY originated in the Philippines, tracing its roots back to the early 16th century during the Spanish colonization period. It is believed to be derived from the Visayan word "bunay," meaning "pure" or "genuine," suggesting that the name may have been initially bestowed upon individuals or families known for their integrity and authenticity.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the BUNAY surname can be found in the historical documents of the Spanish colonial era in the Philippines. The name appears in a manuscript dating back to the late 1500s, which details the establishment of a settlement in the central Visayan region.

During the 17th century, the BUNAY name gained prominence in the province of Iloilo, where it was associated with a prominent family of landowners and merchants. Juan BUNAY (1625-1698), a notable figure of his time, was a successful trader who established a thriving business empire spanning various islands in the Visayan archipelago.

In the 19th century, the BUNAY lineage extended its influence to the island of Mindanao, where a branch of the family played a significant role in the development of the local agricultural and mining industries. One notable figure was Maria BUNAY (1832-1912), a pioneering entrepreneur who established a successful abaca plantation and trading company.

The BUNAY surname also found its way into the realm of literature and arts. Pedro BUNAY (1867-1941), a renowned poet and playwright, made significant contributions to the growth of Philippine literature during the late Spanish colonial period and the early years of American occupation.

Another notable figure bearing the BUNAY name was Emilio BUNAY (1898-1976), a celebrated artist and sculptor whose works were instrumental in shaping the modern art movement in the Philippines. His iconic sculptures and murals can be found adorning public spaces and institutions throughout the country.

While the BUNAY surname originated in the Philippines, over the centuries, it has spread to other parts of the world through migration and diaspora. However, its historical roots and significance remain deeply embedded in the rich cultural tapestry of the Philippine archipelago.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Bunay

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

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 Bunay 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.

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

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

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