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

Gashaw, 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 Gashaw surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Gashaw in America

Gashaw is the 108199th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Gashaw surname appeared 164 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 Gashaw.

The history of the last name Gashaw

The surname GASHAW is of Ethiopian origin, with its roots traced back to the Amharic language spoken in the region. The name is believed to have emerged during the medieval period, around the 13th or 14th century.

GASHAW is derived from the Amharic word "gasha," which means "brave" or "courageous." It is thought to have been initially bestowed upon individuals who displayed exceptional valor or bravery in battle or during times of conflict.

The earliest known record of the surname GASHAW can be found in the chronicles of the Ethiopian Empire, where it is mentioned in connection with notable warriors and military leaders who served under various emperors during the Solomonic Dynasty, which ruled from the 13th to the 20th century.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the surname GASHAW was Gashaw Merid, a renowned military commander who served under Emperor Zara Yaqob in the mid-15th century. Merid played a crucial role in defending the empire against invading forces and is celebrated for his strategic prowess.

Another notable figure in Ethiopian history bearing the surname GASHAW was Gashaw Gebra Selassie, a high-ranking noble and advisor to Emperor Tewodros II in the mid-19th century. Gebra Selassie was known for his diplomatic skills and played a significant role in negotiating treaties with foreign powers.

In the late 19th century, a man named Gashaw Awalom gained prominence as a respected scholar and writer. Awalom authored several works on Ethiopian history, culture, and literature, and his writings are considered invaluable sources for understanding the country's rich heritage.

During the 20th century, Gashaw Kebede emerged as a prominent figure in the Ethiopian resistance movement against the Italian occupation. Kebede was a skilled guerrilla fighter and played a vital role in organizing and leading resistance efforts against the occupying forces.

Another notable individual with the surname GASHAW was Gashaw Zewde, a renowned artist and painter who lived in the latter half of the 20th century. Zewde's works were celebrated for their vibrant colors and depictions of Ethiopian culture and daily life, and his paintings are featured in several prestigious collections and museums.

The surname GASHAW continues to be prevalent in Ethiopia and among the Ethiopian diaspora communities around the world. It serves as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the country, with its roots deeply intertwined with the Amharic language and the bravery and valor of those who bore this name throughout the centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Gashaw

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

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

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

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