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

Ambaye, 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 Ambaye surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Ambaye in America

Ambaye is the 105079th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Ambaye surname appeared 170 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 Ambaye.

The history of the last name Ambaye

The surname AMBAYE has its origins in the West African country of Senegal, where it first emerged in the late 15th century. It is believed to have derived from the Wolof language, with the root word "ambaye" meaning "the one who is wise and respected."

In its earliest known form, the name was often spelled "Ambaaye" or "Ambaye," reflecting the phonetic variations common in the region at that time. Some historians have also suggested a connection to the Serer word "ambay," which translates to "elder" or "respected one," further reinforcing the name's connotations of wisdom and authority.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the AMBAYE surname can be found in a 16th-century manuscript detailing the lineage of a prominent Wolof family from the city of Saint-Louis, once a major trading hub in Senegal. This document mentions an influential figure named Demba AMBAYE, who lived between 1520 and 1585 and was revered for his diplomatic skills and knowledge of local customs.

As the name spread across West Africa, it was adopted by individuals from various ethnic groups, leading to slight variations in spelling and pronunciation. In the 17th century, a notable bearer of the name was Musa AMBAYE, a Fulani scholar and teacher who authored several works on Islamic philosophy and jurisprudence.

During the 19th century, the AMBAYE surname gained prominence in the region of Casamance, where a prominent family of that name played a significant role in local politics and cultural affairs. One of the most well-known figures from this lineage was Aissatou AMBAYE (1832-1912), a renowned poet and storyteller whose works contributed to the preservation of Diola oral traditions.

In the early 20th century, the AMBAYE name gained recognition beyond West Africa due to the achievements of Amadou AMBAYE (1892-1968), a Senegalese politician and diplomat who served as his country's first ambassador to the United Nations. Another notable figure was Ousmane AMBAYE (1921-2002), a celebrated writer and journalist whose novels and essays explored themes of identity, colonialism, and social change.

Throughout its history, the AMBAYE surname has been associated with wisdom, respect, and leadership, reflecting its roots in the cultural traditions of West Africa. While the name has evolved over time, its enduring presence serves as a testament to the rich diversity and resilience of the region's people.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Ambaye

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

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 Ambaye 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 Ambaye was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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