Lual
An occupational surname possibly referring to someone who worked with candles or lamps.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 240 Americans carry the last name Lual. That puts it at #86,645 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 0.07 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 1,428,143 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Lual 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
240
1 in 1,428,143
Census rank
#86,645
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
0.1
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
215
very rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 215 bearers of the surname Lual in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 0.07 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 86645th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Lual, the largest self-reported group is Black at 93.0%. The next largest groups are White (3.3%) and American Indian/Alaska Native (2.3%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Lual
The surname LUAL has its origins in the highlands of South Sudan, a region known for its diverse ethnic groups and rich cultural traditions. The name is believed to have emerged during the 16th century, derived from the Nuer language, one of the prominent languages spoken in the region.
The etymology of LUAL can be traced back to the Nuer word "lual," which translates to "wild cattle" or "antelope." This connection suggests that the name may have initially been attributed to individuals or families who were skilled hunters or had a close association with these animals.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname LUAL can be found in the oral histories and folklore of the Nuer people. These stories often depict individuals bearing this name as brave warriors or respected elders within their communities.
In the 18th century, a notable figure named Lual Makuei (1742-1815) gained prominence as a revered spiritual leader and peacemaker among the Nuer clans. His efforts to promote unity and resolve conflicts were widely recognized, solidifying the LUAL name's association with wisdom and diplomacy.
During the 19th century, the LUAL surname appeared in various record-keeping efforts by colonial administrators and missionaries in the region. One such example is the diary of a British explorer, which mentions a Nuer chief named Lual Kueth (1820-1892), who guided the expedition through treacherous terrain.
As South Sudan underwent significant political and social changes in the 20th century, the LUAL name continued to be represented in various spheres. Lual Achuek Lual (1932-2005), a prominent educator and advocate for women's rights, played a pivotal role in establishing educational opportunities for girls in rural areas.
Another notable figure was Lual Aciek Alaak (1948-2018), a renowned artist whose vibrant paintings depicted the rich cultural heritage and daily life of the Nuer people. His works are celebrated both locally and internationally, showcasing the artistic talents associated with the LUAL surname.
While the LUAL name has its roots in South Sudan, it has since spread to various parts of the world through migration and diaspora communities. Individuals bearing this surname can be found in countries like Uganda, Kenya, and the United States, where they have contributed to diverse fields such as academia, business, and community leadership.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Lual
Among Census respondents with the surname Lual, the largest self-reported group is Black at 93.0%. The next largest groups are White (3.3%) and American Indian/Alaska Native (2.3%).
The bar chart below shows how Lual 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 Lual surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- Black or African American93.0%
- White3.3%
- American Indian and Alaska Native2.3%
- Unknown or suppressed1.4%
FAQ
Lual surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Lual?
The surname Lual holds position #86,645 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 240 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 0.07 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Lual surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Lual, the largest self-reported group is Black at 93.0%. The next largest groups are White (3.3%) and American Indian/Alaska Native (2.3%). 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.