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

Babasa, 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 Babasa surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Babasa in America

Babasa is the 151532nd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Babasa surname appeared 108 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 Babasa.

The history of the last name Babasa

The surname BABASA has its origins in the Bantu ethnic groups of Central and Southern Africa. It is believed to have emerged as a clan name among the tribes of present-day Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola sometime in the 16th century.

The name is derived from the Kikongo word "babasa," which translates to "those who have crossed over" or "those who have migrated." This suggests that the surname may have initially referred to a group or family that had traversed significant distances or relocated from one region to another.

Early records of the BABASA name can be traced back to the 17th century, with mentions in Portuguese colonial records and missionary accounts from the region. One such reference is found in the diary of Father Manuel da Silva, a Catholic missionary who worked among the Bakongo people in the late 1600s.

The first known individual to bear the BABASA surname was Nzinga Babasa, a prominent chief of the Bakongo people who lived in the late 16th century. He is credited with leading his clan's migration from the interior regions of present-day Angola to the coastal areas, establishing new settlements and forming alliances with neighboring tribes.

Another notable figure was Kimbesa Babasa, a skilled warrior and respected elder who lived in the early 18th century. He played a crucial role in defending his clan's territory against rival groups and was widely revered for his wisdom and diplomatic abilities.

In the 19th century, Mwana Babasa, a skilled trader and entrepreneur, gained recognition for establishing trade routes between the interior regions and coastal ports. His business acumen and knowledge of local languages facilitated the exchange of goods and fostered economic growth in the region.

Towards the end of the 19th century, Mbenza Babasa, a renowned storyteller and oral historian, was celebrated for preserving and passing down the rich cultural traditions and historical narratives of his people. His accounts provided invaluable insights into the lives and customs of the Bantu tribes.

In the early 20th century, Tshisenge Babasa, a prominent educator and community leader, dedicated his life to establishing schools and promoting literacy among the local population. His efforts laid the foundation for the advancement of education in the region.

These examples illustrate the long and diverse history of the BABASA surname, which has been carried by individuals from various walks of life, including chiefs, warriors, traders, storytellers, and educators, all of whom have left an indelible mark on the cultural tapestry of Central and Southern Africa.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Babasa

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

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

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

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