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

Yanqui, 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 Yanqui surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yanqui in America

Yanqui is the 138304th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yanqui surname appeared 121 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 Yanqui.

The history of the last name Yanqui

The surname Yanqui has a unique and fascinating history. Originating from the United States, it is derived from the term "Yankee," which itself has a complex etymology. The term "Yankee" was originally used in the 17th century by Dutch settlers in New Amsterdam (now New York) to refer to English settlers in neighboring areas. The word likely comes from the Dutch "Janke," which is a diminutive form of the name Jan, meaning "Little John."

The surname Yanqui likely emerged in the 18th or 19th century as a phonetic variation among non-native English speakers, particularly in Latin America. Its earliest recorded mentions suggest it appeared with the expansion of American influence in the Western Hemisphere. Historical documents from the early 19th century, such as passenger lists of immigrants, show instances of the name Yanqui, indicating it was used by individuals of possibly mixed Dutch, English, and Spanish heritage.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the surname Yanqui can be found in a 1823 ship manifest, documenting a John Yanqui arriving in Havana, Cuba. This period aligns with increased American maritime activity in the Caribbean. Another notable instance is José Yanqui, mentioned in a 1857 Mexican census, who was a merchant in Veracruz, believed to be of American descent.

Throughout history, individuals with the surname Yanqui have appeared sporadically in records, highlighting their diverse backgrounds. María Yanqui, a well-documented figure, was born in 1892 and became a prominent cultural advocate in Lima, Peru, during the early 20th century. Her work emphasized the blending of American and Peruvian traditions.

In the field of literature, Carlos Yanqui, born in 1929, was a notable figure in Puerto Rican letters. His novels often explored themes of identity and migration, reflecting his own family’s complex heritage and travels between the United States and Puerto Rico. His works remain influential in Caribbean literary studies.

Another individual of significance, Ana Yanqui, born in 1945, made considerable contributions to the field of education in Argentina. Her efforts in bilingual education were instrumental in improving academic opportunities for descendants of American immigrants and indigenous communities.

Lastly, Benjamin Yanqui, recorded in Chilean historical records from the early 20th century, was known for his architectural prowess. Born in 1881, he contributed to several landmark buildings in Santiago and Valparaíso, blending North American styles with local Chilean designs.

The surname Yanqui is a testament to the historical migration and cultural blending that characterize the Americas. Each recorded instance provides a snapshot of the diverse paths taken by those who bore it, reflecting broader socioeconomic and political trends over the centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yanqui

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

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

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

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