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

Moeai, 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 Moeai surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Moeai in America

Moeai is the 103181st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Moeai surname appeared 174 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 Moeai.

The history of the last name Moeai

The surname MOEAI originated in the late 15th century on the remote Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. It is believed to have derived from the Rapa Nui language, with 'moe' meaning 'to sleep' and 'ai' meaning 'there,' suggesting a possible connection to a place where people may have slept or rested.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the MOEAI surname can be found in the incomplete census records from the early 1800s, when European explorers first made contact with the island's indigenous population. These records document several individuals bearing this surname, though the exact spelling may have varied due to the challenges of transcribing the Rapa Nui language into written form.

The MOEAI name gained historical significance during the latter half of the 19th century, when the island's iconic moai statues became the subject of intense study and fascination among archaeologists and anthropologists. Kainga Moeai, born in 1842 and believed to be one of the last individuals with direct knowledge of the moai construction and transportation methods, provided invaluable insights into the island's rich cultural heritage.

Another notable figure was Tuki Moeai, a carver and artisan born in 1875, renowned for his intricate woodcarvings and preservation of traditional Rapa Nui art forms. His works can be found in various museums and private collections worldwide, serving as a testament to the island's artistic legacy.

In the early 20th century, Rano Moeai, born in 1903, gained recognition as a skilled navigator and fisherman, leading expeditions across the treacherous waters surrounding Easter Island. His expertise in traditional navigation techniques and knowledge of local currents and weather patterns were essential for the survival of the island's community.

During the mid-20th century, Kava Moeai, born in 1928, emerged as a prominent figure in the island's cultural revival efforts. As a respected elder and storyteller, she played a crucial role in preserving and passing down the oral traditions, myths, and legends of the Rapa Nui people to younger generations.

The MOEAI surname continues to be associated with the rich heritage and cultural identity of Easter Island, serving as a reminder of the island's unique history and the resilience of its people in the face of colonization and outside influences.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Moeai

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

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

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

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