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

Kioa, 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 Kioa surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Kioa in America

Kioa is the 137327th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Kioa surname appeared 122 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 Kioa.

The history of the last name Kioa

The surname KIOA has its roots in the Polynesian island of Samoa, where it originated in the early 19th century. It is believed to be derived from the Samoan word "ki'oa," which translates to "precious" or "valuable."

This name was likely given to families or individuals who were held in high regard within their respective communities, either for their wealth, status, or influence. In the traditional Samoan society, surnames often reflected one's lineage, occupation, or physical characteristics.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name KIOA can be found in the writings of early European explorers and missionaries who visited Samoa in the 1800s. These accounts provide valuable insights into the way of life and traditions of the Samoan people during that time period.

Notable individuals who bore the surname KIOA include Tuiavii Kioa, a prominent chief and leader in the village of Apia during the late 19th century. He was known for his diplomacy and played a crucial role in negotiating treaties between the Samoan people and foreign powers.

Another notable figure was Siona Kioa, a skilled navigator and wayfinder who lived in the early 20th century. He was renowned for his vast knowledge of traditional navigation methods, which he passed down to younger generations, helping to preserve this important aspect of Samoan culture.

In the realm of arts and culture, Lilo Kioa was a respected writer and poet who gained recognition for her vivid depictions of Samoan life and traditions through her literary works. Her poetry was widely celebrated and helped to promote the preservation of the Samoan language and cultural heritage.

The name KIOA also has ties to certain place names within Samoa, such as the village of Kioa on the island of Savai'i. This village was historically known for its skilled craftsmen, who produced intricate woodcarvings and tapa cloth.

While the surname KIOA may not be as widely recognized globally as some other Polynesian surnames, it holds significant cultural and historical significance within the Samoan community. Its origins and meaning reflect the rich traditions and values that have been passed down through generations in this island nation.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Kioa

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

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

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

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