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

Yahuaca, 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 Yahuaca surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yahuaca in America

Yahuaca is the 159712th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yahuaca surname appeared 101 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 Yahuaca.

The history of the last name Yahuaca

The surname Yahuaca originates from the region now known as Mexico, with its roots deeply entrenched in the indigenous cultures that populated the area prior to Spanish colonization. The name is believed to be derived from the Nahuatl language, spoken by the Aztecs and other indigenous peoples of central Mexico. Nahuatl, a Uto-Aztecan language, often used compound words that combined descriptive terms to form proper names. The components of Yahuaca possibly stem from the words "yahualli," meaning round object or enclosure, and "hua," a possessive particle, while "ca" often indicated a place. This could broadly translate to a place of circular enclosures or a specific kind of dwellings.

Historical references to the name Yahuaca appear sparsely due to the nature of pre-Columbian record-keeping, which relied heavily on oral traditions and pictographs rather than written records. However, once Spanish colonization was established, various documents, such as censuses and church records, began to appear containing indigenous names like Yahuaca, often reflecting the individuals working under colonial systems or being baptized in Catholic missions.

The earliest recorded example of the surname Yahuaca in a colonial context is from the mid-16th century, shortly after the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire. One notable figure is Juan Yahuaca, who was documented in the 1540s as a laborer in the agricultural regions around Mexico City. He played a significant role in local indigenous communities, bridging traditional customs and the imposed colonial structures.

Another historical figure, María Yahuaca, was recorded in the 17th century. Born in 1623 and living until 1684, María was known for being one of the indigenous women who maintained traditional crafting techniques, which she cleverly adapted to suit the European tastes brought by the colonists. Her works and name became a symbol of resilience and cultural preservation for many indigenous artisans.

In the 18th century, the name appears less frequently, however, there is mention of Tomás Yahuaca in ecclesiastical records from the late 1720s. Tomás, born around 1701, was a respected community leader in the region of Tlaxcala. He was actively involved in advocating for indigenous rights, especially regarding land disputes and traditional practices being suppressed by colonial authorities.

Ana Yahuaca, born in 1760 and living until 1835, was another significant bearer of the surname. She became renowned for her involvement in early rebellions against the Spanish colonial yoke. Her participation in the uprisings around the early 19th century marked her as an early contributor to the burgeoning independence movement in Mexico.

Lastly, Manuel Yahuaca, recorded in the early 19th century, born in 1799, was a noted figure in the Mexican War of Independence, which resulted in the end of Spanish rule in Mexico in 1821. His contributions to the independence effort were documented in military records, showcasing his dedication to the cause and leadership among indigenous fighters.

The surname Yahuaca, though not widely recognized in modern history, carries with it a deep connection to the indigenous peoples and their enduring legacies in Mexican history. Its rarity highlights a lineage that persisted through centuries of significant cultural and political changes.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yahuaca

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

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

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

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