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

Xuncax, 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 Xuncax surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Xuncax in America

Xuncax is the 144141st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Xuncax surname appeared 115 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 Xuncax.

The history of the last name Xuncax

The surname Xuncax is of Mayan origin, specifically from the region that now constitutes parts of Mexico and Guatemala. Historical references to the name can be traced back to the Late Postclassic period, which spanned from the 13th century to the early 16th century, a period marked by significant cultural and political development among the Maya people.

One of the earliest appearances of the name Xuncax is found in the Chilam Balam, a series of Mayan manuscripts from Yucatan, Mexico, that include historical writings. The surname is believed to derive from the Mayan words "xun," meaning "guide" or "leader," and "cax," which might signify "forest" or "jungle," reflecting a possible meaning of "leader of the forest."

The earliest recorded example of the Xuncax surname can be traced back to a lineage mentioned in the annals of the Cakchiquel people, one of the Maya groups in Guatemala. These historical records date back to the early 16th century, just before the Spanish conquest of the Maya region. The name was included in various land grants and tax documents created by Spanish colonial authorities, who often documented the names of local leaders and notable figures.

One notable historical figure with the surname Xuncax was K'el Xuncax, a prominent leader of the K'iche' Maya during the early 16th century whose politics were integral to resistance against the Spanish invaders. The records suggest K'el Xuncax was born around 1490 and met his demise in the mid-1500s.

Another individual from the late 1500s was Atan Xuncax, a Cakchiquel diplomat recorded in Spanish colonial documents around 1570. His work in negotiating with the Spanish authorities provides valuable insights into the strategies employed by indigenous leaders during the early colonial period.

By the late 17th century, Mariano Xuncax, a figure recorded as a local scribe in the region of Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, emerged. He was responsible for transcribing several important documents related to land holdings and local governance, indicating the family’s continuing significance.

In the 18th century, Andres Xuncax, born around 1720, appears in the records of the Franciscan friars who documented significant events and notable families. As a respected elder within his community, he played a crucial role in maintaining traditional practices and mediating in disputes.

Finally, in the early 19th century, Pedro Xuncax, another notable member of the surname, is chronicled as participating in local governance during the turbulent period following Guatemala’s independence from Spain. His actions in 1823, particularly in advocating for indigenous rights, reflect the ongoing legacy and influence of the Xuncax name.

Throughout history, the Xuncax surname has signified leadership and resilience, deeply rooted in the Maya cultural heritage. With a history rich in notable figures and documented presence in significant manuscripts, the name carries a legacy that extends over centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Xuncax

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

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

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

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