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

Poonai, 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 Poonai surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Poonai in America

Poonai is the 129047th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Poonai surname appeared 132 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 Poonai.

The history of the last name Poonai

The surname POONAI has its origins traced back to India, specifically the Tamil region of the country. Records suggest that the name emerged during the medieval period, around the 12th to 15th centuries. It is believed to have derived from the Tamil word "ponnu," which means "gold," combined with the suffix "ai," indicating a possessive or belonging.

In ancient Tamil literature and inscriptions, the name POONAI can be found associated with individuals who were involved in the trade or crafting of gold ornaments and jewelry. One of the earliest known references to the name comes from a 13th-century manuscript detailing the artisans and merchants of the Pandya Kingdom, which ruled parts of present-day Tamil Nadu.

The POONAI name has been documented in various historical records, including land ownership documents and tax registers from the Vijayanagar Empire, which ruled large portions of southern India between the 14th and 17th centuries. During this period, the name was predominantly concentrated in the regions of present-day Tamil Nadu and parts of Karnataka.

Notable individuals who carried the POONAI surname include Annan Poonai (1452-1521), a renowned goldsmith and jeweler who worked for the royal court of the Vijayanagar Empire. His intricate designs and exceptional craftsmanship earned him widespread recognition, and his works were highly sought after by nobility and wealthy patrons.

Another prominent figure was Muthu Poonai (1628-1698), a successful merchant and trader who established trade routes between the Tamil region and coastal cities in Southeast Asia, facilitating the exchange of gold and other precious metals. His business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit contributed significantly to the economic prosperity of the region during his lifetime.

In the 18th century, the POONAI surname gained further recognition with the rise of Rajah Poonai (1745-1821), a wealthy landowner and philanthropist known for his generous contributions to the construction of temples and educational institutions in the region.

Manikka Poonai (1812-1887) was a revered scholar and poet who wrote extensively on Tamil literature and culture, preserving the rich heritage and traditions of the language. His works are still widely studied and celebrated today, serving as a valuable resource for understanding the history and customs of the Tamil people.

Lastly, Sivakami Poonai (1923-2002) was a prominent social activist and educator who dedicated her life to promoting women's rights and education in rural Tamil communities. Her tireless efforts and advocacy helped establish numerous schools and vocational training centers, empowering generations of women and contributing to the region's social and economic development.

These are just a few examples of the many individuals who carried the POONAI surname throughout history, each leaving a significant mark on the cultural, economic, and intellectual landscape of the Tamil region and beyond.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Poonai

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

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

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

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