Akaka
A Hawaiian surname referring to a shadow, reflection, or likeness.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 206 Americans carry the last name Akaka. That puts it at #101,737 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 0.06 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 1,663,856 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Akaka surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
206
1 in 1,663,856
Census rank
#101,737
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
0.1
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
177
very rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 177 bearers of the surname Akaka in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 0.06 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 101737th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Akaka, the largest self-reported group is Two or More Races at 55.4%. The next largest groups are Asian/Pacific Islander (23.2%) and White (10.2%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Akaka
The surname AKAKA has its origins in Hawaii, where it is believed to have emerged in the late 18th or early 19th century. Akaka is thought to be derived from the Hawaiian word "akāka," which means "bold" or "brave." This suggests that the name may have been bestowed upon individuals who displayed courage or fearlessness in their actions.
Historically, the AKAKA surname appears to have been concentrated primarily in the Hawaiian Islands, particularly on the island of Hawaii. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the writings of missionary William Ellis, who visited the Hawaiian Islands in the 1820s and documented the name "Akaka" in his journals.
In the late 19th century, a notable figure bearing the AKAKA surname was Keoni Ana Akaka, a Hawaiian farmer and rancher who lived from 1833 to 1913. He was known for his efforts in preserving Hawaiian cultural traditions and advocating for the rights of Native Hawaiians.
Another prominent individual was Joseph Kealoha Akaka, born in 1904 and who served as a judge in the District Court of Hawaii. He was instrumental in establishing the Hawaiian Homestead Commission, which aimed to provide land and housing opportunities for Native Hawaiians.
In more recent history, Daniel Kahikina Akaka, born in 1924, gained recognition as a United States Senator representing Hawaii from 1990 to 2013. He was the first Native Hawaiian to serve in the U.S. Senate and played a key role in advocating for Hawaiian rights and issues during his tenure.
Additionally, the AKAKA surname is linked to the Akaka Falls, a stunning 442-foot waterfall located on the island of Hawaii. The falls are named after the nearby Akaka family, who once owned the land surrounding the area.
While the exact origins of the AKAKA surname may be shrouded in mystery, its connection to Hawaiian culture and history is undeniable. The name has been carried by individuals who have left an indelible mark on the islands and have contributed to the preservation of Hawaiian heritage.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Akaka
Among Census respondents with the surname Akaka, the largest self-reported group is Two or More Races at 55.4%. The next largest groups are Asian/Pacific Islander (23.2%) and White (10.2%).
The bar chart below shows how Akaka bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Akaka surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- Two or more races55.4%
- Asian and Pacific Islander23.2%
- White10.2%
- Hispanic or Latino9.6%
- Unknown or suppressed1.7%
Year on year
2000 vs 2010 Census
How has the Akaka surname changed between Census years? The chart shows bearer count side by side, and the table compares rank, count, and frequency.
Census year comparison
| Metric | 2000 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #107,565 | #101,737 | 5.4% |
| Count | 153 | 177 | 15.7% |
| Per 100K | 0.06 | 0.06 | 0.0% |
Between the 2000 and 2010 Census, the number of Akaka bearers went from 153 to 177 (+15.7% change). The surname moved up 5,828 positions in the national ranking, going from #107,565 to #101,737.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Akaka
FAQ
Akaka surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Akaka?
The surname Akaka holds position #101,737 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 206 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 0.06 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Akaka surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Akaka, the largest self-reported group is Two or More Races at 55.4%. The next largest groups are Asian/Pacific Islander (23.2%) and White (10.2%). These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.