I found this case quite unusual.
Leslie Joseph Yingyue (1903-1925)
He was born in South Wales, Australia to a single Chinese mother, and was raised by her extended family. At the age of 13, he worked in an import-and-export company and rose the ranks to become ship pursuer.
Leslie Joseph Hooker (1925-1979)
| Old Name | Change | Assimilation | Commemorative | Homophone/Anagram | New Name | Etymology |
| Leslie | – | – | – | Leslie | – | |
| Joseph | – | – | – | Joseph | – | |
| Tingyou | Anglicization | after stepfather’s surname “Hookin” | first 4 letters sound similar | Hooker | – |
He would change his name in commemoration of his stepfather, and to assimilate into society due to the White Australian Policy. He would buy up land in Blacktown, and would start a real estate business, which grew with time. Due to his hospitality brand, he became knighted in 1973.
This case definitely shows how nebulously defined and, ultimately, subject to multiple interpretations about who is white or not.
Sources
- “Australian Government It’s An Honor Australia Celebrating Australians”.
- Jacobson, Michael. “The Millionaire’s Secret: What LJ Hooker Kept Quiet For A Lifetime.” Paradise. April 23-24, 2011.
- “LJ Hooker, the man behind the brand”. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 23 March 2011.
- “Piecing Together the Puzzle of LJ Hookers Heritage”
- “Sir Leslie Joseph Hooker (1903–1976)”. Hooker, Sir Leslie Joseph (1903–1976). National Centre of Biography, Australian National University.