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

Cañahui, 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 Cañahui surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Cañahui in America

Cañahui is the 108199th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Cañahui surname appeared 164 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 Cañahui.

The history of the last name Cañahui

The surname CANAHUI is of Spanish origin, with roots tracing back to the 16th century during the Spanish conquest of the Americas. It is believed to have originated in the region of modern-day Mexico or Central America.

One theory suggests that CANAHUI is derived from the Nahuatl language, spoken by the Aztecs and other indigenous peoples of Mexico. The name may have been given to individuals living in or near a settlement called "Canahuil" or a similar-sounding place name. Nahuatl words often incorporated elements from nature, such as plants or animals, and CANAHUI could have a connection to these origins.

Another possibility is that CANAHUI is a Spanish adaptation of a pre-existing indigenous name, altered by Spanish colonists to fit their linguistic patterns. This was a common practice during the colonial era, as Spanish conquistadors sought to impose their language and culture on the native populations.

Early records of the CANAHUI surname are scarce, as official documentation was limited during the initial stages of Spanish colonization. However, there are mentions of individuals with similar-sounding names in historical accounts and chronicles from the 16th and 17th centuries.

One of the earliest known individuals with the CANAHUI surname was Juan Canahui, a Spanish colonial administrator who served as a regional governor in the province of Chiapas, Mexico, in the late 16th century. His exact birth and death dates are unknown, but he is believed to have lived between 1550 and 1620.

Another notable figure was María Canahui, a prominent landowner and philanthropist in the region of Oaxaca, Mexico, during the 17th century. She was known for her contributions to the local community and her support of Indigenous rights. Her birth year is estimated to be around 1625, and she likely lived until the early 1700s.

In the 18th century, there are records of a Diego Canahui, a skilled artisan and craftsman who worked in the city of Puebla, Mexico. He was renowned for his intricate metalwork and jewelry designs, often incorporating indigenous motifs and techniques. Diego Canahui's birth and death dates are unclear, but he is believed to have lived between 1680 and 1750.

During the 19th century, the CANAHUI surname gained prominence in the region of Guatemala. One notable figure was Tomás Canahui, a political activist and advocate for Indigenous rights. He was born in 1825 and played a significant role in the struggle for independence and self-determination in Guatemala until his death in 1892.

In more recent times, the CANAHUI surname has been carried by individuals across various professions and walks of life. One example is Ana Canahui, a renowned Mexican writer and poet born in 1935. Her works often explored themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the experiences of Indigenous communities in Mexico.

While the CANAHUI surname may have evolved over time and taken on different spellings or variations, its origins can be traced back to the rich cultural tapestry of Mexico and Central America, where it has left an indelible mark on history.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Cañahui

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

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

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

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