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

Xelhua, 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 Xelhua surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Xelhua in America

Xelhua is the 82908th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Xelhua surname appeared 227 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 Xelhua.

The history of the last name Xelhua

The surname XELHUA finds its origins in the region that is now known as Mexico. Its roots can be traced back to pre-Hispanic times, specifically in the Nahuatl-speaking communities. Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs and other civilizations within central Mexico, is where this surname derives its meaning and history. The name XELHUA is closely associated with an ancient giant from Aztec mythology known as Xelhua, one of the seven giants who survived a great flood by seeking refuge in the mountains.

Historical references to the surname XELHUA are sparse but can be found in the chronicles written by Spanish conquistadors and clerics during the early colonial period in Mexico. These manuscripts often referenced native legends and deities, including Xelhua. Specifically, Fray Bernardino de Sahagún’s works in the 16th century mention Xelhua in his accounts of Aztec mythology. Sahagún's "Florentine Codex" mentions the construction of the Great Pyramid of Cholula, attributing it to the giant Xelhua.

The earliest recorded examples of the surname XELHUA appear in colonial-era documents from the 16th and 17th centuries. One notable figure was Pedro Xelhua, who was mentioned in 1545 in the annals of Hernán Cortés’s administration. Pedro Xelhua is believed to have been an indigenous nobleman who played a role in the negotiation of land and titles during the Spanish colonization process.

Another prominent individual bearing the name was María Xelhua, recorded in the early 1600s as a Nahua woman who owned a considerable amount of land in the Puebla region. She was noted for her resistance against the encroachment of Spanish settlers on her inherited properties, marking a significant figure in the history of indigenous land rights.

In the 18th century, Gabriel Xelhua emerged as a notable community leader in the Cholula region. He was deeply involved in the local governance and religious practices, often serving as the intermediary between Spanish colonial authorities and indigenous populations. His role was crucial in maintaining cultural practices and negotiating colonial demands.

The name XELHUA also appears in legal documents and church records of the 19th century. One such figure was José Ignacio Xelhua, documented in 1823 as a landowner and local politician in the state of Tlaxcala. His contributions to the community included the establishment of schools and efforts to preserve traditional Nahua rituals.

Throughout history, the surname XELHUA has been borne by notable individuals who played significant roles in their communities, often serving as bridge figures between indigenous traditions and colonial influences. The legacy of the Xelhua family name continues to be a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Nahua people and their enduring presence in Mexico.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Xelhua

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

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

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

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