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

Ashenafi, 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 Ashenafi surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Ashenafi in America

Ashenafi is the 118185th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Ashenafi surname appeared 147 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 Ashenafi.

The history of the last name Ashenafi

The surname Ashenafi has its origins in Ethiopia, with records of the name dating back to the 14th century. It is believed to be derived from the Amharic words "ashena" meaning "soldier" and "fi" meaning "from," suggesting that the name may have originally referred to someone from a family or region associated with soldiers or military service.

Early references to the Ashenafi surname can be found in ancient Ethiopian manuscripts and historical texts, such as the "Kebra Nagast" (Glory of Kings), a 14th-century work that traces the lineage of the Solomonic dynasty in Ethiopia. The name is also mentioned in various accounts of battles and military campaigns during the medieval period.

One of the earliest documented individuals bearing the Ashenafi surname was Gebra Ashenafi, a prominent military leader who served under Emperor Zara Yaqob in the late 15th century. Gebra Ashenafi is credited with leading several successful campaigns against invading forces, solidifying his reputation as a skilled strategist and warrior.

During the 16th century, the Ashenafi name gained further prominence with the rise of Ras Ashenafi, a powerful regional ruler and military commander in the province of Shewa. Ras Ashenafi played a crucial role in the political and military affairs of the Ethiopian Empire, serving as a trusted advisor to several emperors.

Another notable figure with the Ashenafi surname was Aleka Ashenafi, a renowned scholar and diplomat who lived in the 18th century. Aleka Ashenafi was instrumental in establishing diplomatic ties between Ethiopia and various European nations, contributing to the country's political and cultural exchange during that era.

In the 19th century, Dejazmach Ashenafi Gebra Selassie, a high-ranking military leader, gained recognition for his role in defending the Ethiopian Empire against foreign invasions. His bravery and strategic prowess were celebrated in historical accounts and oral traditions.

Throughout the centuries, the Ashenafi surname has been associated with individuals from various walks of life, including scholars, religious leaders, and influential figures in Ethiopian society. The name has also evolved over time, with variations such as Ashenafi, Ashenafe, and Ashenaffy appearing in different regions and historical records.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Ashenafi

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

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

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

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