Explore the Family Name Soy

The meaning of Soy

1. Indian (Kashmir): probably a clipping of Soya from the name of the founder of Sopore region, Soya Pandit. 2. Cambodian: written សយ, corresponding to the Khmer word meaning ‘mane’. 3. Turkish: ornamental name or nickname from soy ‘lineage’, also ‘pure-blooded’. 4. East African (Kenya): unexplained.

Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.

How common is the last name Soy in the United States?

Based on the Decennial U.S. Census data, the surname 'Soy' has seen a rise in popularity between 2000 and 2010. In 2000, it ranked 44,497 in popularity and increased to 40,610 by 2010, indicating an 8.74% change. The count of this surname also witnessed growth from 455 to 538 during the same period, marking an 18.24% rise. Additionally, the proportion per 100,000 people slightly increased from 0.17 to 0.18, showing a 5.88% shift.

20002010Change
Rank#44,497#40,6108.74%
Count45553818.24%
Proportion per 100k0.170.185.88%

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Soy

When it comes to the ethnic identity associated with the surname 'Soy', the Decennial U.S. Census data shows that majority identify as Asian/Pacific Islander. Between 2000 and 2010, this group saw an increase from 53.19% to 58.36%, signifying a 9.72% change. The White ethnicity dropped marginally from 31.87% to 29.00%, a decrease of 9.01%. Both Hispanic and Black identities showed minor changes; the former increasing from 5.27% to 5.58% and the latter reducing from 5.05% to 4.46%. There were no recorded changes for those identifying with two or more races or as American Indian and Alaskan Native.

20002010Change
Asian/Pacific Islander53.19%58.36%9.72%
White31.87%29%-9.01%
Hispanic5.27%5.58%5.88%
Black5.05%4.46%-11.68%
Two or More Races0%0%0%
American Indian and Alaskan Native0%0%0%