Find out how popular the first name Negus has been for the last 9 years (from 1999 to 2007) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Negus by gender

Based on the last 9 years of data, Negus is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2007, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Negus.

The history of the first name Negus

The name Negus has its origins in the Semitic languages of the Horn of Africa, particularly in the Ge'ez language spoken in ancient Ethiopia and Eritrea. The name is derived from the Ge'ez word "Negus," which means "king" or "ruler." This term was used to refer to the monarchs of the ancient Aksumite Empire, which dominated the region from approximately the 1st century AD to the 7th century AD.

The earliest recorded use of the name Negus can be traced back to the Aksumite kings who ruled over the powerful empire centered in modern-day Eritrea and northern Ethiopia. One of the most famous Aksumite kings was Negus Ezana, who reigned in the 4th century AD and is credited with introducing Christianity to the region. The name Negus was also used by subsequent rulers of the Ethiopian Empire, which emerged as a dominant power in the region after the decline of the Aksumite Empire.

Throughout the centuries, the name Negus has been associated with various historical figures and rulers in the Horn of Africa. One notable example is Negus Menelik II, who was the Emperor of Ethiopia from 1889 to 1913. He is remembered for his successful efforts to maintain Ethiopia's independence during the Scramble for Africa by European colonial powers.

Another famous figure with the name Negus was Negus Tafari Makonnen, who later took the throne name Haile Selassie I and served as the Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974. He was a prominent figure in the Pan-African movement and is revered as a messiah by the Rastafarian religious movement.

In the early 20th century, the name Negus also gained recognition in the Western world due to the rise of interest in Ethiopian culture and history. One notable figure was Negus Negasta, an Ethiopian prince who served as a diplomat and cultural ambassador in Europe and the United States in the early 1900s.

While the name Negus has its roots in the ancient Semitic languages of the Horn of Africa, it has also been adopted and used by individuals from various cultures and backgrounds around the world, particularly those with an interest in or connection to African history and culture.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Negus was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Negus, please contact us.

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