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

Räpälä, 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 Räpälä surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Räpälä in America

Räpälä is the 150436th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Räpälä surname appeared 100 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Räpälä.

The history of the last name Räpälä

The surname Rapala is believed to have originated from Finland, potentially in the late Medieval period, around the late 14th to early 15th century. Finnish surnames often have roots in ancient place names, physical features, or notable characteristics of the land, and Rapala seems to follow this tradition.

The name Rapala could be derived from the Finnish word rapa, which means "mud" or "slush." Adding the suffix la, which is common in Finnish place names and surnames, it potentially denotes a muddy or slushy place. This suggests that the original bearers of the name could have lived near or owned a muddy piece of land. Alternately, it might refer to a characteristic or nickname given to someone living near such an area. Such naming conventions were typical in Finnish and other Nordic surname traditions.

Historical references to the surname Rapala are sparse, but one of the earliest known mentions dates back to the 16th century, during the Swedish rule over Finland. In a 1582 land record, a farmer named Matti Rapala is listed as holding a sizeable piece of agricultural land in what is now the area around present-day Helsinki. This indicates that the surname was in use at least by the late 1500s and connected to landownership, an important aspect during that era.

Another notable figure was Antti Rapala, born in 1664, who was documented in church records to have been a carpenter and farmer around the Turku region. Such records suggest the family’s involvement in various trades and crafts, which were essential to the local economy in 17th century Finland.

The name gradually spread, and by the 19th century, Rapala could be found in other regions of Finland. In 1825, Johan Rapala, a fisherman from Pori, was noted for his pioneering methods of fishing, which eventually influenced local practices. His ingenuity and skill marked him as a notable individual of his time, renowned within his community.

One of the most famous bearers of the surname in the 20th century was Lauri Rapala, born in 1905, inventor of the renowned Rapala fishing lure. His development in the 1930s revolutionized fishing techniques and brought international fame to the surname. Lauri’s contributions extend the name beyond Finnish borders and into a global context, further cementing its place in history.

In more recent historical records, we find Viljo Rapala, a notable architect born in 1922, who contributed significantly to the post-World War II reconstruction efforts in Finland. His designs and vision helped shape modern Finnish architecture, leaving a lasting legacy associated with the surname Rapala.

From its humble origins linked to the land and natural surroundings of Finland, the surname Rapala carries a legacy of innovation, craftsmanship, and lasting cultural impact, symbolizing both historical continuity and contribution in various fields.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Räpälä

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

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 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Räpälä 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 Räpälä was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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