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

Rangi, 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 Rangi surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Rangi in America

Rangi is the 133048th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Rangi surname appeared 127 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 Rangi.

The history of the last name Rangi

The surname RANGI has its origins in the Māori language of New Zealand. It is derived from the Māori word "rangi," which means "sky" or "heaven." The name likely originated among the indigenous Māori people of New Zealand, who have a rich cultural tradition and connection to the natural world.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name RANGI can be found in the Māori creation mythology. According to Māori cosmogony, Rangi and Papa were the primordial parents, representing the sky father and the earth mother. Their union and eventual separation were believed to have given rise to the world and all living things.

In the 19th century, the RANGI surname appeared in various historical records and documents related to the Māori people. One notable figure bearing this name was Rangi Hiroa (1877-1951), also known as Sir Peter Buck, a prominent Māori scholar, anthropologist, and military leader. He made significant contributions to the study of Polynesian cultures and was knighted for his achievements.

Another historical figure with the surname RANGI was Rangi Mate Kerepeti (1819-1889), a prominent Māori leader and landowner from the Ngāti Ranginui iwi (tribe) of the Bay of Plenty region. He played a crucial role in negotiating land agreements and establishing relationships between the Māori and the colonial government in the 19th century.

In the 20th century, Rangi Ngarimu (1918-1943) was a highly decorated Māori soldier who served in World War II. He was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military honor in the British Empire, for his bravery and sacrifice during the Battle of Tebaga Gap in Tunisia. His name is remembered in various monuments and memorials throughout New Zealand.

Another notable figure with the surname RANGI was Rangi Hira (1890-1973), a respected Māori leader and expert in traditional woodcarving. He played a crucial role in reviving and preserving the art of Māori woodcarving, and his works can be found in various museums and cultural institutions throughout New Zealand.

The surname RANGI continues to be prevalent among the Māori people of New Zealand, reflecting their rich cultural heritage and connection to the natural world. While its use as a surname may have evolved over time, the name's origins and significance within Māori culture remain deeply rooted in the concept of the sky and the spiritual realm.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Rangi

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

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

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

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