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

Attah, 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 Attah surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Attah in America

Attah is the 107134th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Attah surname appeared 166 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 Attah.

The history of the last name Attah

The surname Attah is believed to have originated from the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. It is likely derived from the Igbo word "atta," which means "father" or "patriarch." The name's roots can be traced back to the 15th century, during the height of the Igbo kingdoms in the region.

In the early days of the Igbo civilization, surnames were not widely used. Instead, people were identified by their village or town of origin, their lineage, or their profession. The Attah name emerged as a way to denote the head of a family or clan, highlighting the importance of patriarchal authority in Igbo society.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the Attah name can be found in the oral histories and traditions of the Igbo people. These accounts often referred to the "Attah" as the leader or chief of a particular community, responsible for guiding and protecting their people.

As the Igbo migrated and spread across various regions of Nigeria, the Attah name traveled with them. In the 18th and 19th centuries, written records began to appear, documenting individuals with the surname Attah. One notable example is Attah Ameh, a prominent Igbo trader and merchant who lived in the late 18th century and facilitated trade between the Igbo and neighboring ethnic groups.

Another significant figure bearing the Attah name was Nwakediuko Attah, a renowned warrior and leader of the Aro Confederacy in the mid-19th century. He played a crucial role in defending the Aro people against foreign invaders and preserving their cultural heritage.

In more recent times, the Attah surname has gained recognition through individuals like Emmanuel Attah, a Nigerian novelist and playwright born in 1945, whose works explored themes of identity and social justice. Additionally, Ladi Attah, born in 1957, is a prominent Nigerian architect and urban planner known for her contributions to sustainable urban development.

While the Attah name originated in Nigeria, it has since spread to other parts of the world through migration and diaspora communities. However, its roots remain firmly grounded in the rich cultural traditions of the Igbo people, serving as a testament to their historical significance and enduring influence.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Attah

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

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

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

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