Louima
A surname likely originating from Haiti, derived from the French name "Louis".
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 274 Americans carry the last name Louima. That puts it at #83,226 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 0.08 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 1,250,928 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Louima surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
274
1 in 1,250,928
Census rank
#83,226
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
0.1
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
226
very rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 226 bearers of the surname Louima in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 0.08 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 83226th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Louima, the largest self-reported group is Black at 95.6%.
Origin
Meaning and origin of Louima
The surname LOUIMA is believed to have originated in Haiti, with its roots dating back to the late 18th century. It is thought to be derived from the French word "louima," which means "to praise" or "to honor." This name was likely bestowed upon families or individuals who were associated with praiseworthy deeds or actions during the colonial era of Haiti.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name LOUIMA can be found in the archives of the French colonial administration in Saint-Domingue (now Haiti). These records, dating back to the late 1700s, mention a plantation owner named Louima Pierre, who was known for his benevolent treatment of his workers and his efforts to improve their living conditions.
During the Haitian Revolution, which lasted from 1791 to 1804, the name LOUIMA gained prominence. Several notable figures bore this surname, including Jacques Louima, a revolutionary leader who fought alongside Toussaint Louverture for the abolition of slavery and the establishment of an independent Haiti.
In the years following the Haitian Revolution, the LOUIMA name continued to be associated with individuals who played significant roles in shaping the newly formed nation. One such individual was Marie-Jeanne Louima, a renowned educator and activist who established several schools for girls in the early 19th century, promoting literacy and empowerment for women.
Another notable figure with the LOUIMA surname was François Louima, a prominent author and journalist who chronicled the struggles and triumphs of the Haitian people during the late 19th century. His works, which included novels, essays, and newspaper articles, shed light on the social and political issues of his time.
Throughout the 20th century, the LOUIMA name gained recognition in various fields, including politics, arts, and academia. One such individual was Jean-Claude Louima, a renowned Haitian painter and sculptor whose works captured the vibrant culture and history of his homeland.
While the LOUIMA surname is most closely associated with Haiti, it has also spread to other parts of the Caribbean and beyond, carried by Haitian immigrants and their descendants. Today, individuals bearing this name can be found in various parts of the world, serving as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and resilience of the Haitian people.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Louima
Among Census respondents with the surname Louima, the largest self-reported group is Black at 95.6%.
The bar chart below shows how Louima bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Louima surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- Black or African American95.6%
- Unknown or suppressed4.4%
Year on year
2000 vs 2010 Census
How has the Louima surname changed between Census years? The chart shows bearer count side by side, and the table compares rank, count, and frequency.
Census year comparison
| Metric | 2000 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #116,835 | #83,226 | 28.8% |
| Count | 138 | 226 | 63.8% |
| Per 100K | 0.05 | 0.08 | 60.0% |
Between the 2000 and 2010 Census, the number of Louima bearers went from 138 to 226 (+63.8% change). The surname moved up 33,609 positions in the national ranking, going from #116,835 to #83,226.
FAQ
Louima surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Louima?
The surname Louima holds position #83,226 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 274 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 0.08 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Louima surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Louima, the largest self-reported group is Black at 95.6%. These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.