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

Masaniai, 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 Masaniai surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Masaniai in America

Masaniai is the 79846th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Masaniai surname appeared 238 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 Masaniai.

We can also compare 2010 data for Masaniai to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Masaniai

The surname MASANIAI is believed to have originated in Lithuania, with its roots tracing back to the 15th century. This name is thought to be derived from the Lithuanian word "masaniai," which refers to a small village or hamlet. It is likely that the earliest bearers of this surname hailed from a specific location bearing this name.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the MASANIAI surname can be found in the archives of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, dating back to the late 16th century. These historical records mention several individuals bearing this surname, suggesting that it had already been established within the region by that time.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the MASANIAI name appeared in various documents and records throughout the Lithuanian territories. Notable individuals from this period include Jonas MASANIAI (1632-1701), a prominent landowner and local official, and Marija MASANIAI (1718-1782), who is mentioned in church records as a respected member of the community.

As the MASANIAI family expanded and dispersed throughout the region, variations in spelling began to emerge. Some alternative spellings found in historical documents include MASANIAY, MASANAY, and MASANIAY. These variations likely arose due to regional dialects and the influence of other languages, such as Polish or Russian, which were also prevalent in the area at the time.

One notable figure from the 19th century was Kazys MASANIAI (1846-1912), a celebrated poet and writer who played a significant role in the Lithuanian cultural renaissance. His works, which explored themes of national identity and tradition, helped to preserve and promote the Lithuanian language and heritage during a time of significant political and social upheaval.

Another prominent individual bearing the MASANIAI surname was Ona MASANIAI (1879-1957), a pioneering educator and advocate for women's rights. She was instrumental in establishing several schools and educational initiatives in Lithuania, paving the way for greater access to education for women and girls.

Throughout the 20th century, the MASANIAI name continued to be represented across various fields, including academia, the arts, and politics. Antanas MASANIAI (1908-1988) was a respected historian and author, whose works focused on the rich cultural heritage of Lithuania. Juozas MASANIAI (1924-2001) was a renowned sculptor, known for his monumental public artworks that adorned cities across the country.

While the MASANIAI surname may not be among the most common in Lithuania today, its historical significance and deep roots in the region's cultural tapestry are undeniable. The name serves as a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of the Lithuanian people, carrying with it the echoes of a rich and diverse heritage.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Masaniai

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

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 Masaniai 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.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Masaniai has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

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

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

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