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

Bisrat, 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 Bisrat surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Bisrat in America

Bisrat is the 141140th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Bisrat surname appeared 118 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 Bisrat.

The history of the last name Bisrat

The surname Bisrat is of Ethiopian origin, tracing its roots back to the ancient Amharic language spoken in the Horn of Africa region. It is believed to have emerged during the medieval era when the Solomonic dynasty ruled the Kingdom of Aksum.

The name Bisrat is derived from the Amharic word "ብርሃት" (bɨrhāt), which means "light" or "illumination." This linguistic connection suggests that the surname may have been initially bestowed upon individuals who possessed a distinguished or enlightened demeanor, or perhaps those who held esteemed positions within the clergy or scholarly circles.

One of the earliest documented mentions of the Bisrat surname can be found in the 14th-century manuscript "Kebre Negest" (Glory of Kings), a renowned literary work that chronicles the reign of Ethiopian rulers and their genealogies. This text provides valuable insights into the historical significance and prominence of the Bisrat lineage during that era.

Among the notable figures bearing the Bisrat surname is Gebre Bisrat (c. 1590-1660), a renowned Ethiopian scholar and theologian who made significant contributions to the study of the Ge'ez language and the translation of religious texts. His scholarly works are widely regarded as seminal contributions to the preservation of Ethiopian literary heritage.

Another prominent individual with the Bisrat surname was Abba Bisrat Amlak (c. 1700-1780), a revered Ethiopian monk and spiritual leader who played a pivotal role in the establishment of several monasteries throughout the country. His teachings and religious writings continue to influence the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church to this day.

In the 19th century, Yohannes Bisrat (1810-1878) gained recognition as a skilled military strategist and commander during the reign of Emperor Tewodros II. His tactical acumen and leadership on the battlefield earned him a distinguished reputation among his contemporaries.

The Bisrat surname has also been associated with various geographic locations within Ethiopia, including the historic town of Bisrat Gebriel, which was once a thriving center of trade and commerce. The town's name is believed to have been derived from the surname itself, suggesting the presence of a prominent Bisrat family or clan in the region.

Furthermore, the name Bisrat has been documented in ancient Ethiopian manuscripts and chronicles, such as the "Fetha Negest" (Laws of the Kings), further solidifying its deep-rooted historical significance within the nation's cultural tapestry.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Bisrat

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

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

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

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