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

Nayokpuk, 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 Nayokpuk surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Nayokpuk in America

Nayokpuk is the 158432nd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Nayokpuk surname appeared 102 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 Nayokpuk.

The history of the last name Nayokpuk

The surname NAYOKPUK has its origins in the Inuit culture of the Canadian Arctic. It is believed to have emerged in the late 18th century among the Inuit communities in the region now known as Nunavut. NAYOKPUK is likely derived from the Inuktitut word "nayuq," which means "good" or "kind," combined with the suffix "-puk," indicating a person or individual.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname NAYOKPUK can be found in the journals of British explorer William Parry, who documented his encounters with Inuit groups during his expeditions in the 1820s. Parry's accounts mention an Inuit guide named Nayokpuk, who assisted his crew in navigating the treacherous Arctic waters.

In the late 19th century, the name NAYOKPUK appeared in the records of the Hudson's Bay Company, which maintained trading posts throughout the Canadian Arctic. These records document various Inuit individuals with the surname, including Nayokpuk Ittinuar (1841-1912), a respected hunter and guide from the Kivalliq region.

Another notable bearer of the surname was Nayokpuk Qinuajuak (1879-1966), an Inuit artist and carver from the Qamani'tuaq (Baker Lake) area. Qinuajuak's intricate carvings of animals and mythological figures are now housed in museums across Canada and abroad, providing a glimpse into the rich cultural traditions of the Inuit people.

In the early 20th century, the NAYOKPUK surname gained further prominence with Nayokpuk Alasuaq (1908-1987), a respected elder and storyteller from the Arviat region. Alasuaq's oral narratives and traditional knowledge were instrumental in preserving Inuit history and culture for future generations.

During the latter half of the 20th century, the name NAYOKPUK was carried on by individuals like Nayokpuk Arnaqaq (1928-2001), a prominent Inuit rights activist and advocate for the preservation of Inuit language and traditions. Arnaqaq played a pivotal role in the establishment of Nunavut as a separate territory in 1999.

While the surname NAYOKPUK may not be widely known outside of the Inuit communities of the Canadian Arctic, its rich history and cultural significance serve as a testament to the resilience and enduring traditions of the Inuit people.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Nayokpuk

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

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

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

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