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

Dereje, 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 Dereje surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Dereje in America

Dereje is the 95545th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Dereje surname appeared 191 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 Dereje.

The history of the last name Dereje

The surname DEREJE is believed to have originated in Ethiopia, with its roots dating back to the ancient Semitic languages spoken in the region. The name is derived from the Amharic word "derej," which translates to "stairs" or "steps." This connection to stairs or steps may signify a person's journey through life or their ascent to success or enlightenment.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname DEREJE can be found in the Kebra Nagast, a 14th-century manuscript that details the history and legends of Ethiopia's Solomonic dynasty. This ancient text mentions a prominent figure named Dereje, who played a significant role in the court of one of the kings.

During the 16th century, a renowned Ethiopian scholar and philosopher named Zena Dereje made significant contributions to the study of Ge'ez, an ancient Semitic language. His writings and teachings on the language and its literature have left an indelible mark on Ethiopian intellectual history.

In the 18th century, a famous Ethiopian military leader named Dejazmach Dereje led several successful campaigns against invading forces, earning him a reputation as a skilled strategist and brave warrior. His exploits were recorded in various historical narratives and oral traditions of the time.

Another notable figure with the surname DEREJE was Lij Dereje, a 19th-century Ethiopian nobleman and diplomat who played a crucial role in negotiating treaties and fostering international relations during his time as an envoy to several European countries.

In more recent history, Dereje Nedi, born in 1927, was a prominent Ethiopian artist and painter known for his vibrant depictions of traditional life and landscapes. His works have been exhibited in galleries across the world and are celebrated for their unique style and cultural significance.

Throughout its history, the surname DEREJE has been associated with individuals from various walks of life, including scholars, warriors, diplomats, and artists. While its origins can be traced back to ancient Ethiopia, the name has transcended geographical boundaries and continues to be a part of the rich cultural tapestry of the region.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Dereje

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

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

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

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