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

Tauai, 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 Tauai surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Tauai in America

Tauai is the 142108th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Tauai surname appeared 117 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 Tauai.

The history of the last name Tauai

The surname TAUAI is believed to have originated from the Polynesian islands, specifically in the region known as French Polynesia. The earliest recorded mention of this surname dates back to the late 18th century, when European explorers and missionaries began documenting the names of the indigenous people they encountered in the islands.

The name TAUAI is thought to be derived from the Tahitian language, which is one of the primary languages spoken in French Polynesia. It is possible that the name is a combination of two or more Tahitian words, although the exact meaning and etymology remain uncertain.

One theory suggests that TAUAI may be related to the Tahitian word "tau," which means "warrior" or "soldier." This could indicate that the name was originally borne by individuals who were known for their strength and bravery in battle or were members of a respected warrior clan.

Another possibility is that TAUAI is connected to the Tahitian word "taua," which can mean "war" or "conflict." This could imply that the name was associated with individuals or families who played a significant role in historical conflicts or were involved in the defense of their communities.

In the early 19th century, several individuals with the surname TAUAI were recorded in French Polynesian census records and other official documents. One notable example is Tauai Tava, a prominent chief who lived on the island of Raiatea in the early 1800s.

Another individual with the surname TAUAI was Tauai Tamaati, who was born in 1832 on the island of Tahiti. Tamaati was a respected community leader and played a crucial role in preserving Tahitian cultural traditions during the period of French colonization.

In the late 19th century, a man named Tauai Tematua gained recognition as a skilled navigator and explorer. Tematua was born in 1855 on the island of Bora Bora and is credited with leading several voyages to neighboring islands, using traditional Polynesian navigation techniques.

During the early 20th century, a woman named Tauai Vahine (1890-1972) became a prominent figure in the Tahitian independence movement. Vahine was an outspoken advocate for preserving Polynesian cultural identity and fought against French colonial rule in the islands.

Another notable individual with the surname TAUAI was Tauai Reva (1920-1995), a renowned artist and sculptor from the island of Moorea. Reva's works, which often depicted traditional Polynesian themes and motifs, are celebrated for their intricate craftsmanship and cultural significance.

While the exact origins and meaning of the surname TAUAI remain shrouded in mystery, it is clear that this name has a rich history and cultural significance within the Polynesian islands of French Polynesia. The individuals mentioned above are just a few examples of the many notable figures who have borne this surname throughout the centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Tauai

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

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

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

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