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

Demessie, 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 Demessie surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Demessie in America

Demessie is the 160975th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Demessie surname appeared 100 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 Demessie.

The history of the last name Demessie

The surname DEMESSIE is believed to have originated in Ethiopia, derived from the Amharic language spoken in that region. It is thought to have emerged sometime in the 16th or 17th century, during the height of the Solomonic dynasty that ruled over the Ethiopian Empire.

One theory suggests that DEMESSIE may have been derived from the Amharic word "demessie," which translates to "judge" or "one who judges." This could indicate that the name was initially given to individuals who held roles as judges or legal officials in the imperial court or local communities.

Another possibility is that DEMESSIE is a locational surname, referring to a specific place or region within Ethiopia. It is not uncommon for surnames to originate from the names of villages, towns, or geographical features where families resided or held influence.

In terms of historical references, the earliest known record of the DEMESSIE surname can be traced back to the 17th century, where it appears in various imperial chronicles and legal documents from the reign of Emperor Fasilides (r. 1632-1667). These documents mention individuals with the DEMESSIE surname serving in administrative and judicial capacities.

One notable figure bearing the DEMESSIE name was Abba Melake Tsehay DEMESSIE, a prominent scholar and ecclesiastical leader who lived in the late 17th century. He was known for his contributions to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and his extensive writings on religious and philosophical subjects.

In the 19th century, Dejazmach Guddissa DEMESSIE was a respected military leader and provincial governor who played a significant role in the expansionist campaigns of Emperor Tewodros II (r. 1855-1868). His exploits are documented in various historical accounts from that era.

Another individual of note was Liqe Mekwas DEMESSIE, a renowned artist and calligrapher who lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His intricate religious manuscripts and paintings are considered masterpieces of Ethiopian art and are preserved in various museums and collections.

During the 20th century, Blattengeta Heruy DEMESSIE (1892-1976) was a prominent politician and diplomat who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Ethiopia under Emperor Haile Selassie I. He played a crucial role in representing Ethiopia on the international stage and advocating for the country's sovereignty.

Lastly, Yohannes DEMESSIE (1923-2004) was a distinguished Ethiopian writer, historian, and academic. He authored numerous books and scholarly works on Ethiopian history, culture, and literature, contributing significantly to the preservation and dissemination of knowledge about his country's rich heritage.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have carried the DEMESSIE surname, which has deep roots in the cultural and historical tapestry of Ethiopia.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Demessie

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

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

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

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