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

Awale, 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 Awale surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Awale in America

Awale is the 90495th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Awale surname appeared 204 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 Awale.

The history of the last name Awale

The surname AWALE is believed to have originated in West Africa, specifically in the present-day countries of Senegal and Gambia. It is thought to have derived from the Wolof language, one of the most widely spoken languages in the region. The Wolof word "awal" means "to rise" or "to ascend," suggesting that the name AWALE may have been associated with individuals who were considered to be of high status or rank within their communities.

Historically, the earliest records of the name AWALE can be traced back to the 16th century, when the region was part of the powerful Wolof Empire. During this period, the name appeared in various manuscripts and documents, often associated with prominent figures within the empire's ruling class or among the influential families of the time.

One notable individual bearing the surname AWALE was Bior Awale, a revered military leader and strategist who served under the Wolof ruler Brak Sine in the late 16th century. Bior Awale was renowned for his tactical genius and played a crucial role in several victories against rival kingdoms.

In the 18th century, the AWALE name gained further prominence when Alioune Awale, a distinguished scholar and diplomat, represented the Wolof Empire in negotiations with European powers. Born in 1725 and known for his linguistic abilities, Alioune Awale facilitated important trade agreements and fostered cultural exchange between the empire and foreign nations.

As the Wolof Empire declined in the 19th century, many individuals bearing the surname AWALE migrated to other parts of West Africa, including present-day Senegal and Gambia. In Senegal, the name became particularly associated with the Serer ethnic group, with several notable figures emerging from this community.

One such individual was Demba Awale (1880-1954), a prominent Serer leader and advocate for education. Demba Awale played a pivotal role in establishing schools and promoting literacy in his region, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of education.

Another notable figure was Fatou Awale (1915-1992), a renowned artist and cultural preservationist. Fatou Awale dedicated her life to reviving and promoting traditional Serer art forms, including textile weaving, pottery, and basketry. Her contributions helped to safeguard and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of her community.

While the name AWALE has historical roots in West Africa, it has since spread to various parts of the world through migration and cultural exchange. The name continues to be associated with individuals of Wolof and Serer descent, carrying the legacy of a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of identity.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Awale

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

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

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

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