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

Hwee, 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 Hwee surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Hwee in America

Hwee is the 77522nd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Hwee surname appeared 247 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 Hwee.

We can also compare 2010 data for Hwee 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 Hwee

The surname Hwee is believed to have originated in China, likely during the Tang Dynasty which spanned from 618 to 907 CE. It is thought to have derived from the Chinese word "hui" which means "brilliant" or "radiant." This name may have initially been used as a descriptive term for someone who was particularly intelligent or enlightened.

While the exact origin is uncertain, some historians suggest that the name Hwee can be traced back to the region of Fujian Province in southeastern China. This area was known for its scholars and intellectuals during ancient times, lending credence to the theory that the name was bestowed upon those deemed exceptionally knowledgeable or wise.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Hwee can be found in the Xin Tang Shu, a historical text compiled during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE). This work mentions a notable scholar and statesman named Hwee Zongxian who lived during the Tang Dynasty and served as a high-ranking official under Emperor Xuanzong.

Another prominent figure bearing the Hwee surname was Hwee Yuandao, a renowned Zen Buddhist monk who lived in the 12th century. He was highly respected for his teachings and writings, which greatly influenced the spread of Chan Buddhism throughout China and beyond.

In the 14th century, a man named Hwee Qizhen gained fame as a skilled calligrapher and painter. His works were highly sought after by the imperial court and wealthy patrons of the time. Several of his pieces can still be found in museums and private collections today.

During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), a military general named Hwee Zhongxuan rose to prominence for his strategic prowess and loyalty to the emperor. He played a crucial role in suppressing various rebellions and defending the empire's borders.

Another notable figure from this era was Hwee Wenying, a renowned poet and scholar who served as a high-ranking official in the imperial court. His literary works and scholarly contributions were widely celebrated during his lifetime and continue to be studied by scholars today.

Throughout history, the surname Hwee has been associated with intellectuals, artists, and individuals of exceptional talent and wisdom. While its origins may be shrouded in some uncertainty, it has left an indelible mark on Chinese culture and history.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Hwee

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

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

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

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