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

Xiloj, 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 Xiloj surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Xiloj in America

Xiloj is the 71886th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Xiloj surname appeared 271 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 Xiloj.

The history of the last name Xiloj

The surname Xiloj originates from the indigenous K'iche' Maya community in Guatemala. The K'iche' are one of the many recognized Maya ethnic groups inhabiting the central highlands of Guatemala. The time period of the origin of the surname Xiloj is not precisely documented, but it dates back centuries, likely before the Spanish conquest of the Americas in the early 16th century. In terms of geographic origin, this surname is predominantly associated with the regions of Quetzaltenango and Totonicapán, which have been vital centers of K'iche' Maya culture.

Etymologically, the surname Xiloj may be derived from ancient Maya words, although its exact meaning remains subject to interpretation. Some linguists suggest that it could have links to terms related to professions, clans, or geographic features in the K'iche' language, but there is no definitive consensus.

Xiloj appears sporadically in historical manuscripts and records from the colonial period onward due to the prevalence of oral history traditions among the indigenous populations. The presence of indigenous surnames in written records increased significantly post Spanish conquest, as the conquerors documented land, people, and resources. However, specific references to Xiloj in early colonial documents are rare and usually encompass broader registers of Maya nobility or local leaders.

The earliest recorded mention of the surname Xiloj in a formal document dates back to the mid-18th century. One notable figure is Tomás Xiloj, a K'iche' leader and cacique (chief) recognized in community records from around 1765. His leadership and influence are documented in various local texts focusing on resistance and adaptation to colonial policies.

In the 19th century, another prominent individual with the surname was Maria Xiloj, born in 1832. She became well-known within her community for her extensive knowledge of traditional K'iche' folklore and medical practices. Maria's contributions were crucial in preserving and passing down the rich cultural heritage of her people during a time when indigenous traditions were under threat from external influences.

Pedro Xiloj, born in 1898, played a significant role in promoting indigenous education. As an advocate for the K'iche’ language and culture, Pedro worked tirelessly to establish schools that taught indigenous languages and histories. His efforts contributed to the proliferation of literacy and higher educational standards within the community.

Ricardo Xiloj, an activist born in 1960, emerged as a crucial figure in modern times advocating for indigenous rights in Guatemala. He participated in international forums and worked with various Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to bring attention to the rights of indigenous peoples and the need for greater inclusion within the national political framework.

In the realm of academia, Ana Xiloj, born in 1975, became a renowned anthropologist whose research has greatly contributed to the understanding of the K'iche' culture and traditions. Through her scholarly work, Ana has highlighted the importance of indigenous knowledge systems and has advocated for their inclusion in broader academic discourses.

The Xiloj surname exemplifies a rich cultural heritage deeply interwoven with the history and struggles of the K'iche' Maya. Through the centuries, bearers of this name have stood as pillars of their community, contributing to the preservation and promotion of their unique cultural identity.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Xiloj

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

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

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

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