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

Xerri, 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 Xerri surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Xerri in America

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

The Xerri 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 Xerri.

The history of the last name Xerri

The surname Xerri originates from the island of Malta, situated in the central Mediterranean. Malta has a rich and varied history, having seen numerous rulers and influences, from the Phoenicians and Romans to the Normans and Arabs. The surname Xerri likely emerged around the Medieval period, a time when Malta was influenced significantly by Sicilian and Arabic cultures.

The etymology of Xerri can be traced back to the Arabic influence on the Maltese language. One prevailing theory suggests that the surname is derived from the Arabic word "sharif," which means "noble" or "high-born." This connection indicates that those who originally bore the surname may have had a noble or distinguished lineage. Another possible origin is derived from the Sicilian word "sciarra," meaning "quarrel" or "dispute," which could have been used as a nickname for someone who was argumentative or contentious.

One of the earliest historical references to the surname Xerri appears in medieval Maltese manuscripts. The name was recorded in various church documents and notarial archives, which are rich with records of births, marriages, and deaths. These documents date back to the 15th and 16th centuries, providing valuable insights into the families who bore the name.

The earliest recorded examples of the name appear in church records from the 1500s. A prominent early bearer of the surname was Pietro Xerri, a notary in Valletta, the capital of Malta, during the late 16th century. Another notable figure was Giovanni Xerri, a sailor documented in maritime records in the early 17th century, reflecting Malta's long-standing seafaring traditions.

One of the most famous individuals with the surname was Dun Mikiel Xerri (1737-1799), a Maltese patriot and priest. He played a key role during the 1798-1800 Maltese uprising against the French occupation. Dun Mikiel Xerri was ultimately executed by the French for his involvement in the rebellion, and his legacy is commemorated in Maltese history as a symbol of national resistance.

Another well-known bearer of the surname was Fortunato Xerri (1829-1902), a distinguished Maltese poet and writer. His works contributed significantly to the cultural and literary heritage of Malta in the 19th century, capturing the essence of Maltese identity and folklore.

Moreover, the surname has also been connected to locations within Malta. One example is the village of St. Paul's Bay, where several families named Xerri resided for generations. The name was often spelled phonetically in old records, leading to various orthographic variations such as Scherri or Scerri.

The Xerri family name also includes persons in the arts, such as Vincenzo Xerri (1879-1942), a prominent Maltese composer and musician. Another contemporary figure was Lino Xerri (1934-2012), a sculptor whose works are well-regarded within Maltese artistic circles.

These historical references and notable individuals demonstrate the deep roots of the surname Xerri in Maltese history and culture, tracing its evolution from Arabic and Sicilian influences to its prominent place in the annals of Malta.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Xerri

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

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

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

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