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

Debebe, 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 Debebe surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Debebe in America

Debebe is the 110825th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Debebe surname appeared 159 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 Debebe.

The history of the last name Debebe

The surname DEBEBE originated in Ethiopia, with its earliest known roots dating back to the 13th century. It is believed to be derived from the Amharic language, which is one of the main languages spoken in Ethiopia. The name DEBEBE is thought to have been a variation or alternate spelling of the word "Debeb," which means "river" or "stream" in Amharic.

Historical records indicate that the DEBEBE surname was prevalent among families who lived near major rivers or waterways in the Ethiopian highlands. Some of the earliest known references to the name can be found in ancient Ethiopian manuscripts and chronicles, particularly those that documented the ruling dynasties and noble families of the time.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the surname DEBEBE was Abba Gebra DEBEBE, a renowned Ethiopian scholar and translator who lived in the late 14th century. He is known for his contributions to the translation and preservation of ancient texts, including religious manuscripts and historical chronicles.

Another notable figure was Balambaras (Commander) Desta DEBEBE, a military leader who fought in the Ethiopian-Adal War in the 16th century. He played a crucial role in defending the Ethiopian Empire against the invading forces of the Adal Sultanate.

In the 18th century, a prominent figure named Gerazmatch (Master of the Horse) Hailu DEBEBE served as a high-ranking military officer and advisor to Emperor Tekle Giyorgis II. He was recognized for his strategic skills and leadership in various military campaigns.

During the 19th century, the DEBEBE surname gained further prominence with the rise of Dejazmatch (Commander of the Gate) Gebru DEBEBE, a powerful regional ruler and military leader in northern Ethiopia. He was known for his political and military influence during the reign of Emperor Yohannes IV.

Another notable figure from this period was Fitawrari (Commander of the Vanguard) Desta DEBEBE, a skilled military strategist who played a significant role in defending the Ethiopian Empire against the Italian invasion in the late 19th century.

The DEBEBE surname has a rich history and has been associated with scholars, military leaders, and influential figures throughout Ethiopian history. While the name's origins can be traced back to the 13th century, it continues to be a prominent surname in Ethiopia to this day, reflecting the country's diverse cultural heritage and traditions.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Debebe

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

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

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

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