Find out how popular the last name Afari is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Afari.

Afari, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Afari surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Afari in America

Afari is the 124548th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Afari surname appeared 138 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Afari.

The history of the last name Afari

The surname AFARI is believed to have originated in the region of West Africa, particularly in the present-day country of Ghana. Its origins can be traced back to the 16th century, when the region was inhabited by various ethnic groups, including the Akan people.

The name AFARI is thought to be derived from the Akan word "afari," which means "born on a Friday." In many West African cultures, names were often given based on the day of the week or circumstances surrounding a child's birth. This practice was particularly prominent among the Akan people, who placed great significance on naming traditions.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname AFARI can be found in the writings of Portuguese explorers who visited the region in the 15th and 16th centuries. These explorers documented the names of local leaders and notable individuals they encountered during their travels.

In the 18th century, a notable figure named Kwasi AFARI was a prominent chief in the Asante Kingdom, which was a powerful empire in what is now present-day Ghana. Kwasi AFARI was renowned for his leadership and military prowess, playing a significant role in the expansion and defense of the Asante Kingdom.

Another historical figure with the surname AFARI was Yaa AFARI, a celebrated Akan priestess and spiritual leader who lived in the late 17th century. She was revered for her wisdom and spiritual guidance, and her name was often invoked in traditional rituals and ceremonies.

In the 19th century, a prominent Ghanaian trader and businessman named Kwame AFARI gained recognition for his successful trading ventures and philanthropic efforts. He was instrumental in establishing educational institutions and supporting economic development in his community.

The surname AFARI has also been documented in various historical records and manuscripts, including those maintained by European traders and missionaries who visited the region during the colonial era.

While the surname AFARI has its roots in West Africa, it has since spread to other parts of the world through migration and diaspora communities. Notable individuals with the surname AFARI have made contributions in various fields, including politics, education, and the arts.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Afari

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Afari.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Afari was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

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

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

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