Find out how popular the last name Harraka is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Harraka.
An Arabic surname indicating someone who rushed or hurried.
Harraka, 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 Harraka surname is from the 2010 census data.
Harraka is the 146201st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.
The Harraka surname appeared 113 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 Harraka.
The surname "HARRAKA" originates from North Africa, specifically Tunisia and Algeria, and traces its roots back to the 13th century. It is derived from the Arabic word "harraka," which means "to move" or "to set in motion." This suggests that the name may have been initially associated with individuals involved in trades or occupations that required frequent travel or movement.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in a 14th-century manuscript detailing the travels of a merchant named Yusuf al-Harraka. This document provides valuable insights into the trade routes and commercial activities of the time, showcasing the significance of the name in the region's economic landscape.
In the late 15th century, the name appeared in various administrative records of the Ottoman Empire, which ruled over parts of North Africa during that period. These records often listed individuals with the surname Harraka, indicating their presence and involvement in various aspects of society.
One notable figure bearing this surname was Ahmed al-Harraka, a 16th-century scholar and poet from Tunis. His works have been preserved and studied by historians, offering a glimpse into the intellectual and cultural fabric of the region during the Renaissance era.
Moving into the 17th century, records from the city of Algiers mention a family of merchants and traders known as the Harraka clan. Their extensive trading networks spanned the Mediterranean region, connecting them with markets and trading partners across Europe and the Middle East.
In the 19th century, a prominent figure named Fatima al-Harraka gained recognition for her contributions to the women's rights movement in Tunisia. Her advocacy efforts and writings challenged traditional gender norms and paved the way for greater social and political participation of women in the region.
Another notable individual was Khalil al-Harraka, a renowned historian and scholar from Algiers who lived during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His extensive research and publications on the history and culture of North Africa have been widely cited and remain influential in academic circles.
While the surname "HARRAKA" has roots in North Africa, it has since spread to other parts of the world through migration and diaspora communities. However, its origins and historical significance remain closely tied to the rich tapestry of Arabic culture and the vibrant trade networks that once flourished in the region.
We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Harraka.
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:
For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Harraka was:
Race/Ethnicity | Percentage | Total Occurrences |
---|---|---|
Non-Hispanic White Only | 90.27% | 102 |
Non-Hispanic Black Only | (S)% | (S) |
Non-Hispanic Asian and Pacific Islander Only | (S)% | (S) |
Non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaskan Native | 0.00% | 0 |
Non-Hispanic of Two or More Races | (S)% | (S) |
Hispanic Origin | (S)% | (S) |
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.
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 Harraka was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.
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<a href="http://namecensus.com/last-names/harraka-surname-popularity/">Harraka last name popularity, history, and meaning</a>
"Harraka last name popularity, history, and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on July 16, 2025. http://namecensus.com/last-names/harraka-surname-popularity/.
"Harraka last name popularity, history, and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/last-names/harraka-surname-popularity/. Accessed 16 July, 2025
Harraka last name popularity, history, and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/last-names/harraka-surname-popularity/.
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