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

Rapanut, 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 Rapanut surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Rapanut in America

Rapanut is the 154907th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Rapanut surname appeared 105 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 Rapanut.

The history of the last name Rapanut

The surname Rapanut has its origins in the ancient island nation of Tuvalu, located in the Polynesian region of the Pacific Ocean. Historical records trace the name back to the 12th century, derived from the Proto-Polynesian phrase "rapa-nut," which translates to "fertile garden" or "bountiful land."

During the Middle Ages, Tuvalu was a cluster of small island communities governed by chieftains and clan leaders. The name Rapanut was likely associated with families or individuals who held prominence in agricultural or horticultural endeavors, reflecting the importance of cultivation in these island societies.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the Rapanut name can be found in the chants and oral traditions of the Tuvaluan people, passed down through generations of storytellers and bards. These ancient legends often reference individuals bearing the name, though specific details remain elusive due to the nature of oral histories.

In the 16th century, a notable figure named Tane Rapanut emerged as a revered high chief on the island of Funafuti. He is credited with establishing a system of sustainable farming practices and overseeing the construction of intricate taro pits, which enabled the cultivation of the region's staple crop even during periods of drought.

Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the Rapanut name appeared in various records kept by European explorers and traders who visited the Tuvaluan islands. One such explorer, Captain Samuel Wallis of the British Royal Navy, documented interactions with a local leader named Fetu Rapanut during his voyage in 1767.

Another prominent individual bearing the Rapanut name was Sione Rapanut, born in 1825, who served as a respected orator and diplomatic emissary for the island of Nanumea. His contributions to fostering peaceful relations between neighboring islands and facilitating trade were widely celebrated.

In the late 19th century, Mafala Rapanut, a skilled navigator and fisherman, gained renown for his ability to guide canoes and vessels through the treacherous waters surrounding the Tuvaluan archipelago. His expertise in reading the stars and interpreting ocean currents saved countless lives and voyages.

While the Rapanut surname has its roots in the islands of Tuvalu, it has since spread to various parts of the world through migration and cultural exchange. However, its historical significance remains deeply intertwined with the rich traditions and agricultural heritage of the Polynesian people.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Rapanut

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

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

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

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