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

Sae, 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 Sae surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Sae in America

Sae is the 136783rd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Sae surname appeared 113 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 Sae.

The history of the last name Sae

The surname Sae has its origins in East Asia, specifically from Japan and Korea. The name first appeared in Japan during the Heian period (794 to 1185 AD), a time when the country was under the rule of the imperial court. The areas where this name originated are primarily rural regions. In its original Japanese form, the name Sae may derive from the Japanese word "sae," which means "bloom" or "shine," reflecting a connection to beauty and nature.

In historical references, the surname Sae makes a notable appearance in ancient Japanese literature. One of the earliest recorded examples can be found in the Man'yōshū, an eighth-century anthology of poems, where it might have been referred to in various forms. While it is challenging to pinpoint exact records, manuscripts from the period occasionally mention names similar in phonetic structure.

The Korean origin of the surname Sae can be traced back to the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392). In Korea, the surname Sae is less common but it exists and is believed to derive from the Middle Korean word "sae," which means "bird" or "new." This suggests a symbolic value, perhaps indicating new beginnings or freedom.

One of the famous historical figures with the surname Sae is Sae Shonagon, a renowned Japanese author and court lady who lived around 966–1017 AD. She served Empress Teishi during the Heian period and was the author of The Pillow Book, a collection of essays, lists, and anecdotes offering a glimpse into court life.

Another notable individual is Sae Koma, an obscure but critical figure in Japanese folklore, reportedly living around the early 12th century. He was known for his role in several local myths and legends concerning the spiritual traditions of the region.

During the Edo period (1603-1868), records indicate a merchant named Sae Hiroki, born in 1650 and died in 1709, who amassed considerable wealth trading silk and spices. He played a significant role in the local economy and is remembered in the town records of Kyoto.

Crossing over to the Korean origins, a lesser-known scholar by the name of Sae Gyeong, born in 1383 and died in 1436, contributed to the development of early Korean literature. He served under King Sejong the Great and was known for his literary works and poetry.

In more recent centuries, Sae Kimura, born in 1845 and died in 1912, stands out in Japanese history. He was a political figure involved in the Meiji Restoration, a period that marked the modernization and westernization of Japan. His efforts played a role in transforming the political landscape of the country during this transformative period.

The surname Sae exists in various forms and spellings across these cultures, yet it consistently carries connotations of beauty, brightness, and new beginnings. Historical documents may not always provide extensive details, but the legacy of the name can be traced through literature, trade, politics, and folklore, encapsulating the rich tapestry of its origins and significance.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Sae

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

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

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

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