Origin & Meaning of the Begay Surname
What does the last name Begay mean?
The surname Begay carries the meaning "Surname of Native American origin." It is derived from the Native American language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 17,553 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Begay ranks as the #2,053 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Begay come from?
The Begay surname has its roots in Native American heritage. Names of Native American origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Begay name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Begay trace back to Native American. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Begay |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Surname of Native American origin |
| Origin | Native American |
| Language | Native American |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,053 |
| US Count (2010) | 17,553 |
| Per 100K People | 5.95 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Begay
According to the US Census, the Begay surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 17,553 Americans with the Begay last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 1.95% |
| Black | 0.44% |
| Hispanic | 1.78% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.29% |
| Native American | 93.84% |
| Two or More Races | 1.7% |
Popularity of Begay Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Begay surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Begay surname increased by 1,477 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Native American Surnames
Explore more surnames with Native American roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Native American origin as Begay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Begay
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