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

Xiu, 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 Xiu surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Xiu in America

Xiu is the 105600th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Xiu surname appeared 169 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 Xiu.

The history of the last name Xiu

The surname Xiu originates from China and dates back to ancient times, specifically around the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). This surname is predominantly found in the southeastern regions of China, particularly in provinces like Guangdong and Fujian. The name is derived from the Chinese character 秀, which means "elegant," "outstanding," or "to excel." The character is often associated with positive traits such as intelligence and beauty, making it a desirable surname.

The surname Xiu is relatively rare and does not appear frequently in historical records or manuscripts. However, it has been documented in various genealogical books and local histories, especially those compiled during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) Dynasties. The name has appeared in ancient Chinese census records known as the Jiapu, which were detailed family histories used to maintain clan records.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the surname Xiu can be traced back to a scholar named Xiu Sheng, who lived during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). Xiu Sheng was renowned for his literary talents and served as an official in the imperial court. Another notable figure with this surname is Xiu Jing, a physician during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD) who made significant contributions to traditional Chinese medicine.

In the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368 AD), Xiu Liang was a military officer known for his strategic acumen and bravery in battle. His contributions to the defense of the empire were documented in various military records of the time. Another significant person bearing the surname Xiu was Xiu Yan, a poet during the Ming Dynasty, whose works were celebrated for their lyrical beauty and depth.

During the Qing Dynasty, Xiu Ren emerged as a prominent calligrapher whose works were highly esteemed and sought after. His calligraphy was featured in many prominent collections and played a significant role in preserving traditional Chinese art forms. His lifetime spanned from 1694 to 1763, marking him as one of the well-documented figures in the annals of Chinese cultural history.

These historical figures highlight the diverse contributions of individuals with the surname Xiu across various fields such as literature, medicine, military, poetry, and calligraphy. Despite its relative rarity, the surname Xiu has left a lasting mark on Chinese history and culture.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Xiu

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

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

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

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