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

Xochihua, 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 Xochihua surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Xochihua in America

Xochihua is the 131379th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Xochihua surname appeared 129 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 Xochihua.

The history of the last name Xochihua

The surname Xochihua has its origins in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, particularly among the Nahua people, whose descendants are known as the Nahuatl-speaking communities. The name derives from Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs and other neighboring tribes. The etymology roots itself in the word "xochitl," which means "flower," and the suffix "-ihua," which means "possessor." Therefore, Xochihua roughly translates to "one who possesses flowers" or "flower bearer."

Xochihua originates from the central regions of modern-day Mexico, where the Nahua communities played a significant role in history. Studies show that this surname was used by individuals within high societal and priestly classes during the height of the Aztec Empire, around the 15th and early 16th centuries. The appearance of similar spellings, such as Xochihuahuac and Zochtizihuatl, in ancient codices and manuscripts provide evidence of its prevalence.

Historical references to Xochihua can be found in the Codex Mendoza and the annals of Tlatelolco, where notable individuals acted as intermediaries between the deities and the people, often involved in rituals and cultural preservation. One figure of note is Cacama Xochihua, who was a priest documented in the Florentine Codex by Bernardino de Sahagún around the early 1500s.

Another prominent figure is Tepotzotzin Xochihua, born in 1480, known for his role in the defense of Tenochtitlan during its siege by Spanish Conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés in 1521. His efforts were chronicled in various indigenous manuscripts interpreted by later historians.

In the post-conquest period, the name continued through documented lineages. A notable individual is Coatlicue Xochihua, born in 1530, who played a role in maintaining the cultural and religious traditions of the Nahua peoples amid Spanish colonization. She is referenced in colonial records for her contributions to preserving Nahuatl rituals and songs.

By the 17th century, records indicate that the surname Xochihua had spread to various regions within central Mexico, documented in church registries and land grants. An example is Don Pedro Xochihua, born in 1645, a landowner with significant influence in the Puebla region, recognized for his contributions to local community development.

Into the late 19th century, the name appears less frequently but with notable mentions such as Juana Maria Xochihua, born in 1870, who became known for her work in botanical studies within the region, exemplifying the historical connection to the name's meaning.

By examining these historical references and records, it is evident that the surname Xochihua holds a deep connection to the cultural, religious, and social fabric of pre-Columbian and colonial Mexico. The name's legacy continues through these historical figures and their contributions to the rich heritage of the Nahua people.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Xochihua

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

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

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

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