Explore the Family Name Wai
The meaning of Wai
1. Chinese: Cantonese form of the surnames 韋 and 衛, see Wei 3 and 4. 2. Chinese: Cantonese form of the surname 惠, see Hui 1. 3. Chinese: Cantonese form of the surname 懷, see Huai 1. 4. Burmese: from a personal name usually forming part of a compound name, from wai ‘to be luxuriant’. — Note: Since Burmese do not have hereditary surnames, this name was registered as such only after immigration of its bearers to the US. Some characteristic forenames: Chinese Chi, Chan, Ming, Chi Kwong, Chien, Chow, Fong, Fung Ying, Hoi, Kam, Khin, Kin, Tha, Tin.
Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.
How common is the last name Wai in the United States?
Based on the Decennial U.S. Census data, the popularity of the surname Wai has seen significant growth from 2000 to 2010. Initially placed at rank 24,243 in 2000, the name climbed up to rank 21,320 in 2010, marking a positive change of 12.06%. The number of individuals bearing this surname also increased from 969 to 1,229 during the same period, indicating a 26.83% rise. Moreover, the proportion per 100k jumped by 16.67%, moving from 0.36 to 0.42.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #24,243 | #21,320 | 12.06% |
| Count | 969 | 1,229 | 26.83% |
| Proportion per 100k | 0.36 | 0.42 | 16.67% |
Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Wai
Discussing ethnicity as per the Decennial U.S. Census information, the majority of the Wai surname bearers identified themselves as Asian/Pacific Islander both in 2000 and 2010, though the percentage dropped slightly from 90.09% to 86.90%. Interestingly, those identifying as belonging to two or more races saw a remarkable increase of 46.92% over the decade. White Wai surname holders also rose by 12.46%, while those identifying as Black escalated by 28.57%. In contrast, those with Hispanic ethnicity and American Indian and Alaskan Native identity remained stagnant at 0% in 2010.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 90.09% | 86.9% | -3.54% |
| Two or More Races | 4.54% | 6.67% | 46.92% |
| White | 2.89% | 3.25% | 12.46% |
| Black | 1.96% | 2.52% | 28.57% |
| Hispanic | 0.52% | 0% | 0% |
| American Indian and Alaskan Native | 0% | 0% | 0% |