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

Kaapana, 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 Kaapana surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Kaapana in America

Kaapana is the 149328th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Kaapana surname appeared 101 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Kaapana.

The history of the last name Kaapana

The surname Kaapana finds its origins in Hawaii. Hawaiian surnames are often a reflection of ancestral lineage, geography, or significant events. Kaapana appears to derive from the Hawaiian language, though its exact linguistic components are not as commonly discussed as other names. The etymology suggests a link to words or phrases that could be associated with actions, objects, or places prevalent in Hawaiian culture.

The history of the name Kaapana can be traced back to the pre-colonial era in Hawaii, and it likely evolved from older Hawaiian monikers that signified particular characteristics or stories from that time. The influence of Polynesian navigation, settlement, and the rich oral traditions of the Hawaiian people would have played a significant role in the formation of such surnames.

One of the most notable individuals with the surname Kaapana is Ledward Kaapana, born in 1948, who is a celebrated Hawaiian musician known for his skillful slack-key guitar playing. His contributions to Hawaiian music have earned him substantial recognition and multiple awards. He represents a modern connection to the cultural richness encapsulated by the surname.

Records of the surname Kaapana in historical documents are sparse, largely due to the oral traditions predominant in Hawaiian culture before the arrival of Europeans. The written recording of Hawaiian names became more systematic only after Western contact, which began in the late 18th century. Traditional names were often adapted during this period, sometimes incorporating English spelling conventions.

In Hawaiian history, family names often held significant meaning linked to the natural world or familial roles. While there are no known direct references to Kaapana in early European records like the Domesday Book, which pertains specifically to England, Hawaiian royal genealogies and folklore could be fertile ground for tracing the roots and adaptations of such names.

Another individual of note is Lehua Kaapana, whose detailed birth and death dates are unclear but who is known historically for her contributions to preserving Hawaiian cultural practices through chants and oral storytelling in the early to mid-20th century. Her commitment to cultural preservation has had lasting impacts, underlining the importance of names as carriers of history and tradition.

The Kaapana name has also been worn by cultural practitioners like Kimo Kaapana, who was active during the early 20th century and contributed to the perpetuation of traditional Hawaiian practices, specifically in hula and chant. His efforts were instrumental in the Renaissance of Hawaiian culture during the 1970s.

Another pivotal figure is Haunani-Kay Kaapana, who worked extensively in the field of linguistics and educational outreach in the mid-20th century, focusing on promoting and preserving the Hawaiian language and its nuances. Her scholarly work illuminated the deeper meanings behind Hawaiian names, including familial and historical contexts.

In summary, the surname Kaapana carries with it a legacy rooted in Hawaiian traditions, with connections to cultural preservation, music, and education. Its historical context underscores the importance of names in the cultural and familial identity, particularly within the rich tapestry of Hawaiian heritage.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Kaapana

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

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 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Kaapana 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 Kaapana was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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