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

Taumoepeau, 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 Taumoepeau surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Taumoepeau in America

Taumoepeau is the 128249th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Taumoepeau surname appeared 133 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 Taumoepeau.

The history of the last name Taumoepeau

The surname Taumoepeau has its origins in the Tongan language and culture. It is believed to have emerged in the late 18th or early 19th century in the Tongan archipelago, which is located in the southern Pacific Ocean. The name appears to be derived from two Tongan words: "tau," meaning "warrior" or "fighter," and "moepeau," which can be translated as "to be brave" or "to be courageous."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Taumoepeau can be found in the genealogical records maintained by the Tongan royal family. These records, which date back to the early 19th century, mention a prominent chief named Taumoepeau Tuihalafatai, who lived in the village of Mu'a on the island of Tongatapu.

Another notable figure in Tongan history with the surname Taumoepeau was Sione Taumoepeau, a renowned warrior and leader who played a crucial role in the battles against the invading forces of the self-proclaimed King George Tupou I in the 1830s. Sione Taumoepeau's bravery and tactical skills were widely celebrated, and his exploits were recorded in oral traditions and chants that have been passed down through generations.

In the late 19th century, a man named Viliami Taumoepeau gained prominence as a skilled navigator and explorer. He was renowned for his extensive knowledge of the Pacific Ocean and his ability to navigate using traditional Polynesian methods. Viliami Taumoepeau is credited with rediscovering several remote islands and atolls in the region.

During the early 20th century, a woman named Melenaite Taumoepeau made her mark as a pioneering educator and advocate for women's rights in Tonga. She established several schools and played a pivotal role in promoting education and empowerment for girls and women in the kingdom.

More recently, Semisi Taumoepeau, born in 1945, has gained recognition as a renowned artist and sculptor. His works, which often depict traditional Tongan motifs and symbolism, have been exhibited internationally and are celebrated for their intricate craftsmanship and cultural significance.

While the surname Taumoepeau is relatively uncommon outside of Tonga, it has become a source of pride and cultural identity for those who bear it. The name's association with bravery, courage, and a strong connection to the Tongan heritage has endured through the centuries, serving as a reminder of the rich history and traditions of the Tongan people.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Taumoepeau

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

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

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

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