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

Norkus, 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 Norkus surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Norkus in America

Norkus is the 33499th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Norkus surname appeared 681 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 Norkus.

We can also compare 2010 data for Norkus 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 Norkus

The surname NORKUS is of Lithuanian origin, with roots dating back to the 15th century. It is believed to have originated in the Samogitia region, which was once a distinct cultural and linguistic region within the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

NORKUS is a toponymic surname, derived from the Lithuanian word "norks," which refers to a particular type of aquatic rodent, similar to a muskrat. It is likely that the name was initially given to someone who lived near a body of water or a marshy area where these creatures were commonly found.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the NORKUS surname can be traced back to a 16th-century manuscript from the town of Raseiniai, which mentions a farmer named Jonas Norkus. This document provides valuable insight into the agricultural heritage associated with the name.

During the 17th century, the NORKUS surname gained prominence in the Samogitian cultural movement, which aimed to preserve the unique traditions and language of the region. Several notable figures, such as the poet Antanas Norkus (1609-1677), played a significant role in this movement.

In the 18th century, the NORKUS family established itself as a respected lineage in the town of Kretinga, which was known for its rich cultural and religious heritage. The Norkus family contributed to the local community through their involvement in various trades and professions.

One of the most notable individuals with the NORKUS surname was Jurgis Norkus (1818-1892), a prominent Lithuanian educator and writer. He authored several influential works on Lithuanian language and culture, and his efforts played a crucial role in the nation's cultural renaissance during the 19th century.

Another remarkable figure was Kazimieras Norkus (1873-1945), a Lithuanian military officer who fought for the country's independence during World War I. He later served as a member of the Lithuanian Constituent Assembly and was instrumental in shaping the newly independent nation's political landscape.

Throughout history, the NORKUS surname has been associated with several place names and locations within the Samogitian region, such as Norkiškiai, a village located near the town of Plungė, and Norkūnai, a small hamlet in the Kretinga district.

While the NORKUS surname may not be as widely recognized as some others, its rich history and cultural significance in Lithuania make it a unique and enduring part of the nation's heritage.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Norkus

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

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

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

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