Tootoo
An Inuit surname possibly derived from the word 'tuttu' meaning 'caribou'.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 137 Americans carry the last name Tootoo. That puts it at #131,379 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 0.04 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 2,501,856 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Tootoo surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
137
1 in 2,501,856
Census rank
#131,379
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
0.0
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
129
very rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 129 bearers of the surname Tootoo in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 0.04 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 131379th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Tootoo, the largest self-reported group is Asian/Pacific Islander at 74.4%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (10.8%) and Two or More Races (7.8%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Tootoo
The surname TOOTOO is believed to have originated in the Inuit communities of the Canadian Arctic region, particularly in the areas of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. The name is thought to be derived from the Inuit language, with possible roots in words related to naming traditions or geographic features.
In the historical context, the TOOTOO surname is closely tied to the indigenous Inuit culture, which has a rich oral tradition and a deep connection to the Arctic landscape. Records of the name can be traced back to the early 19th century, when European explorers and missionaries first encountered and documented the Inuit people in the Canadian Arctic.
One of the earliest recorded individuals with the TOOTOO surname was Tookoolito, an Inuit woman born around 1838 in the area now known as Nunavut. She gained recognition for her contributions as a guide and interpreter during several Arctic expeditions, including the search for the ill-fated Franklin expedition.
Another notable figure was Kingoaloak TOOTOO, born in the late 19th century on the Boothia Peninsula in present-day Nunavut. He was a respected Inuit leader and hunter who played a crucial role in assisting the Canadian Arctic Expedition of 1913-1916, providing invaluable knowledge and expertise to the explorers.
In more recent times, Joanasie TOOTOO, born in 1953 in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, gained prominence as a skilled carver and artist. His sculptures, depicting Inuit life and traditions, have been exhibited in galleries across Canada and internationally, earning him numerous awards and recognition.
Hunter TOOTOO, born in 1962 in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, made history as the first Inuit member of the Canadian Parliament, serving as a Member of Parliament from 2015 to 2019. He also held various ministerial positions, including Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard.
Jordin TOOTOO, born in 1983 in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, achieved fame as the first Inuit player in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for several teams, including the Nashville Predators and the Chicago Blackhawks, and has been an inspiration to many young Inuit athletes.
The TOOTOO surname continues to be prominently associated with the Inuit communities of the Canadian Arctic, carrying a rich cultural heritage and a connection to the land and traditions of the indigenous people.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Tootoo
Among Census respondents with the surname Tootoo, the largest self-reported group is Asian/Pacific Islander at 74.4%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (10.8%) and Two or More Races (7.8%).
The bar chart below shows how Tootoo bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Tootoo surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- Asian and Pacific Islander74.4%
- Hispanic or Latino10.8%
- Two or more races7.8%
- White6.2%
Year on year
2010 vs 2010 Census
How has the Tootoo surname changed between Census years? The chart shows bearer count side by side, and the table compares rank, count, and frequency.
Census year comparison
| Metric | 2010 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #131,379 | #131,379 | 0.0% |
| Count | 129 | 129 | 0.0% |
| Per 100K | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.0% |
Between the 2010 and 2010 Census, the number of Tootoo bearers went from 129 to 129 (+0.0% change). The surname held its position in the national ranking, going from #131,379 to #131,379.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Tootoo
FAQ
Tootoo surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Tootoo?
The surname Tootoo holds position #131,379 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 137 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 0.04 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Tootoo surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Tootoo, the largest self-reported group is Asian/Pacific Islander at 74.4%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (10.8%) and Two or More Races (7.8%). These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.