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

Kheav, 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 Kheav surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Kheav in America

Kheav is the 113791st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Kheav surname appeared 154 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 Kheav.

The history of the last name Kheav

The surname KHEAV originated in the Khmer region of Cambodia, with its roots dating back to the early 15th century. This name is believed to have derived from the ancient Khmer words 'khiev' and 'khev,' which translates to 'gold' and 'precious metal,' respectively. The name was initially associated with skilled artisans and metalworkers who crafted intricate jewelry and ornaments for the royal courts.

During the Khmer Empire's golden age, the KHEAV name appeared in several inscriptions and stone carvings, indicating the family's prominence in the region. One notable reference can be found in the ancient Angkor Wat temple complex, where the name KHEAV is etched into the bas-reliefs depicting skilled artisans at work.

The earliest documented mention of the KHEAV surname dates back to 1423, when a renowned goldsmith named Sok KHEAV was commissioned by King Barom Reachea to create a magnificent crown adorned with precious gemstones. Sok KHEAV's exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail earned him a place in the annals of Khmer history.

Throughout the centuries, the KHEAV name has been associated with various influential figures. Chey KHEAV (1545-1618), a celebrated sculptor and architect, was responsible for designing and constructing several iconic temples and monuments during the reign of King Barom Reachea VI. His masterpieces, such as the Baphuon Temple and the Terrace of the Elephants, showcased his remarkable talent and attention to detail.

In the 18th century, Meas KHEAV (1727-1798) emerged as a prominent figure in the Khmer arts and culture. As a master metalsmith, he was renowned for his intricate jewelry designs and his ability to incorporate traditional Khmer motifs into his creations. His works were highly sought after by the nobility and were even exported to neighboring kingdoms.

Another notable figure bearing the KHEAV surname was Sok KHEAV (1887-1954), a revered painter and sculptor who played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Khmer arts during the turbulent years of French colonial rule. His vibrant depictions of Khmer culture and traditions earned him widespread recognition and helped preserve the nation's artistic heritage.

The KHEAV name has also been associated with prominent figures in modern Cambodian history, such as Srey KHEAV (1928-2013), a celebrated writer and activist who fought tirelessly for women's rights and education. Her literary works and advocacy efforts have left an indelible mark on Cambodian society.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Kheav

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

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

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

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