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

Phongsa, 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 Phongsa surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Phongsa in America

Phongsa is the 109258th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Phongsa surname appeared 162 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 Phongsa.

We can also compare 2010 data for Phongsa 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 Phongsa

The surname "PHONGSA" is believed to have originated from the Lao region of Southeast Asia, specifically in the areas around present-day Laos and northeastern Thailand. It likely dates back several centuries, with roots tracing back to the Lao language and culture.

One theory suggests that the name "PHONGSA" may have derived from the Lao word "phong," which means hill or mountain, combined with the word "sa," meaning field or area. This could indicate that the name was initially associated with a specific geographic location or region, perhaps referring to a mountainous or hilly area where the family originated.

Another possibility is that the name has its origins in an older Lao or Tai phrase or word that has since evolved or been modified over time. The exact meaning and derivation of the name may have been lost or obscured through the passage of centuries and the natural evolution of language.

While historical records from the region are limited, there are a few notable mentions of individuals bearing the surname "PHONGSA" in ancient manuscripts and chronicles. One such reference appears in a 16th-century Lao literary work, where a figure named Thao Phongsa is depicted as a revered community leader and advisor to the local monarch.

The earliest recorded individual with the surname "PHONGSA" dates back to the late 17th century, when a man named Nang Phongsa was listed as a prominent landowner and influential figure in the Vientiane region of what is now Laos.

In the 19th century, a renowned Lao scholar and poet named Maha Sila Phongsa gained recognition for his contributions to literature and the preservation of traditional Lao cultural heritage. His works and teachings helped shape the intellectual landscape of the region during that era.

Another notable figure was Thao Phongsa, a military commander who played a crucial role in the conflicts and power struggles that took place in the region during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His exploits and leadership were well-documented in historical accounts of the time.

In more recent times, a prominent Lao artist and sculptor named Sivilay Phongsa has gained international acclaim for his intricate and culturally significant works of art, which often draw inspiration from traditional Lao motifs and symbolism.

While the exact origins and meaning of the surname "PHONGSA" may be shrouded in the mists of time, it remains a testament to the rich cultural heritage and history of the Lao people and their ancestral homelands in Southeast Asia.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Phongsa

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

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

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

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