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

Gitonga, 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 Gitonga surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Gitonga in America

Gitonga is the 119508th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Gitonga surname appeared 145 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 Gitonga.

The history of the last name Gitonga

The surname Gitonga has its origins in Kenya, a country located in East Africa. It is believed to have emerged during the 16th century, originating from the Bantu language group that is widely spoken in the region.

The name Gitonga is derived from the Kikamba word 'tonga,' which means 'to walk' or 'to travel.' This suggests that the name may have been associated with early explorers, traders, or individuals who frequently traveled from one place to another within the region.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Gitonga can be found in the historical accounts of the Kamba people, an ethnic group that primarily inhabits the eastern parts of Kenya. These accounts, which date back to the 17th century, mention several notable individuals bearing the Gitonga name.

One such individual was Mwene Gitonga, a renowned warrior and leader who played a significant role in defending his community against rival tribes during the late 17th century. His exploits and leadership skills earned him a reputation that endured for generations.

In the 18th century, records indicate the existence of a prominent family clan known as the Gitonga Clan. This clan held considerable influence and prominence within the Kamba society, with members often serving as advisors to local chiefs and elders.

Another notable figure with the Gitonga surname was Kivuva Gitonga, a respected elder and traditional healer who lived in the late 19th century. He was widely revered for his extensive knowledge of medicinal plants and his ability to treat various ailments.

During the early 20th century, as Kenya came under British colonial rule, the Gitonga name appeared in various administrative records and documents. One such individual was Mwania Gitonga, a respected community leader who played a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue between the Kamba people and the colonial authorities.

As time progressed, the Gitonga surname spread beyond the borders of Kenya, with individuals bearing this name migrating to other parts of the world, including neighboring countries like Tanzania and Uganda, as well as more distant destinations like the United States and Europe.

Throughout its history, the Gitonga name has maintained a strong connection to its Kenyan roots, carrying with it the cultural heritage and traditions of the Kamba people. While the name's origins can be traced back several centuries, it continues to hold significance and pride for those who bear it, serving as a link to their ancestral lineage and the rich tapestry of Kenya's diverse ethnic communities.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Gitonga

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

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

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

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