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

Sabonis, 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 Sabonis surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Sabonis in America

Sabonis is the 147095th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Sabonis surname appeared 103 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 Sabonis.

The history of the last name Sabonis

The surname Sabonis originates from Lithuania, a country in the Baltic region of Europe. The name first emerged during the late Middle Ages, a period marked by shifting territories and population movements. It is closely connected to the Lithuanian linguistic landscape, where it is believed to derive from an old Lithuanian word or a combination of words related to profession or geographical origin. The closest linguistic roots can be linked to the term "sabonis," meaning soapmaker in Lithuanian, although this is not definitively established.

In historical records, Sabonis first appears in the late 17th century, when surnames began to be systematically recorded. One of the earliest instances is found in parish registers in northeastern Lithuania, specifically in the Panevėžys region. Manuscripts from this period, such as taxation records and military conscriptions, occasionally list individuals bearing this surname, indicating both the presence and the incremental spread of the name.

A prominent historical figure bearing the surname Sabonis is Jonas Sabonis (1798-1856), who was a notable landowner in the Kaunas region. His name appears in several land deeds and court records, reflecting the socioeconomic status Sabonis held in 19th-century Lithuanian society. Another significant mention is Petras Sabonis (1882-1946), a member of the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union, critical to the nation's independence movement in the early 20th century.

In the early 20th century, another notable bearer of the surname is Antanas Sabonis (1889-1951), who was a well-respected figure in the educational sector, known for his contributions to the development of the Lithuanian school system. His works are referenced in various educational reform documents from the interwar period.

A more internationally recognized figure is Arvydas Sabonis, born in 1964, a legendary Lithuanian basketball player whose career spanned from the mid-1980s to the early 2000s. He is celebrated for his contributions to both the Soviet and Lithuanian national teams and for his tenure in the NBA, widely considered one of Europe's greatest basketball players.

Less renowned but equally significant to the cultural tapestry of the name is Monika Sabonis (1920-1989), a folklorist and ethnographer who meticulously documented traditional Lithuanian songs and customs. Her archives and published works serve as invaluable resources for understanding Lithuanian heritage and are frequently cited in academic circles.

Throughout history, the surname Sabonis has been associated with a diverse range of professions and contributions to Lithuanian society. From landowners and educators to athletes and cultural preservers, bearers of the name have significantly influenced various aspects of Lithuanian life and heritage. The evolution of the surname reflects the broader historical contexts and cultural transformations within which it existed, marking its continued legacy within Lithuania and beyond.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Sabonis

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

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

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

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