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

Gizaw, 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 Gizaw surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Gizaw in America

Gizaw is the 55505th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Gizaw surname appeared 370 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 Gizaw.

We can also compare 2010 data for Gizaw to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Gizaw

The surname "GIZAW" has its origins in Ethiopia, where it first emerged in the early 15th century. It is derived from the Amharic word "Giza," which means "period" or "era," and the suffix "-aw," which is a common ending for Amharic surnames.

The name is believed to have been initially adopted by families living in the northern regions of Ethiopia, particularly in the provinces of Tigray and Amhara. It is thought to have been associated with individuals who lived during significant historical periods or eras, hence the connection to the word "Giza."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in a manuscript from the mid-16th century, which mentions a nobleman named Gizaw Aklilu, who served as a courtier in the court of Emperor Gelawdewos (reigned 1540-1559). This document provides valuable insight into the early use and prominence of the surname within the Ethiopian nobility.

Another notable figure in Ethiopian history bearing the surname Gizaw was Aklilu Gizaw, a military commander who played a pivotal role in the Battle of Adwa in 1896, where Ethiopian forces defeated the invading Italian army. Aklilu Gizaw's bravery and leadership during this conflict cemented his place in the annals of Ethiopian history.

The surname Gizaw has also been associated with several prominent scholars and religious figures throughout the centuries. One such individual was Abba Gizaw, a renowned Ethiopian monk and scholar who lived during the 17th century and authored numerous works on theology and philosophy.

In the 19th century, the name gained further prominence with the birth of Gizaw Worku (1841-1912), a respected Ethiopian educator and writer who played a significant role in the development of modern education in the country. His writings and teachings influenced generations of students and intellectuals.

Another notable figure was Gizaw Ayalew (1875-1954), a prominent Ethiopian artist and painter who is celebrated for his vibrant depictions of Ethiopian culture and landscapes. His works are highly regarded and can be found in various museums and galleries around the world.

While the surname Gizaw has deep roots in Ethiopia's history and culture, it has also gained recognition beyond the country's borders, with individuals bearing this name making significant contributions in various fields.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Gizaw

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

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 Gizaw 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.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Gizaw has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

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

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

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