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

Dhuka, 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 Dhuka surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Dhuka in America

Dhuka is the 110825th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Dhuka surname appeared 159 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 Dhuka.

The history of the last name Dhuka

The surname DHUKA is believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent, specifically in the region now known as Punjab, which spans parts of modern-day India and Pakistan. The name is thought to date back to the 16th century or earlier, though its precise origins are somewhat obscure.

Many linguists and onomastic experts suggest that the name DHUKA is derived from the Sanskrit word "dhuka," which means "dust" or "earth." This connection implies that the surname may have initially been given to individuals who worked with the earth, such as farmers or potters. However, other scholars propose alternative roots, including a possible link to the word "dhukha," meaning "sorrow" or "suffering."

While no definitive historical references to the surname DHUKA have been found in ancient manuscripts or records, it is likely that the name first emerged during the reign of the Mughal Empire, which ruled over much of the Indian subcontinent from the 16th to the 19th centuries. During this period, many surnames were adopted or formalized, often reflecting occupations, geographic origins, or personal characteristics.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the surname DHUKA was Bhai Dhuka, a Sikh warrior and poet who lived in the late 16th century and was a companion of Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Guru of Sikhism. Bhai Dhuka is renowned for his contributions to Sikh literature and his devotion to the Sikh faith.

Another notable figure was Sardar Dyal Singh Dhuka (1809-1853), a prominent Sikh leader and military commander who served in the armies of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the powerful ruler of the Sikh Empire in the early 19th century. Sardar Dyal Singh Dhuka played a crucial role in the defense of the Sikh territories against British colonial forces.

In the realm of literature, Dhuka Ram Sapra (1860-1937) was a renowned Punjabi poet and writer who contributed significantly to the revival of Punjabi literature in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His works, which often explored themes of love, spirituality, and social commentary, are considered seminal in the Punjabi literary canon.

Moving into the 20th century, Dharamvir Dhuka (1920-2001) was a respected Indian journalist and author who wrote extensively on politics, history, and social issues. His book "The Course of My Life" is a widely acclaimed autobiography detailing his experiences as a journalist during the tumultuous years surrounding India's independence.

In the field of sports, Dhuka Dharmendra Singh (born 1977) is a former Indian cricketer who played domestically for Punjab and represented India in several One Day International (ODI) matches in the early 2000s. He was known for his aggressive batting style and was part of the Indian team that won the NatWest Trophy in 2002.

While the surname DHUKA is not among the most common in India or Pakistan, it has a rich history and a notable presence across various fields, from literature and journalism to sports and military service. Despite its ancient roots, the name continues to be carried forward by individuals who contribute to the cultural and social fabric of the region.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Dhuka

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

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

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

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