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

Ketema, 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 Ketema surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Ketema in America

Ketema is the 66164th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Ketema surname appeared 299 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 Ketema.

We can also compare 2010 data for Ketema 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 Ketema

The surname KETEMA has its roots in Ethiopia, where it originated during the medieval period. It is derived from the Amharic language, spoken by the Semitic people of the Ethiopian Highlands. The name is believed to have originated as a topographic name, referring to a person who lived near a prominent hill or elevated land.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name KETEMA can be found in the Kebre Negest, an ancient manuscript dating back to the 14th century. This text, which recounts the lineage of Ethiopian rulers, mentions a nobleman with the surname KETEMA who served as a trusted advisor to Emperor Yekuno Amlak, the founder of the Solomonic Dynasty.

In the 16th century, a prominent scholar and poet named Zena Ketema gained recognition for his contributions to the preservation of Ethiopian literature and culture. His works, which were widely circulated in the royal courts of the time, helped to cement the name's association with intellectual pursuits and artistic expression.

During the 18th century, a military commander named Dejazmach Ketema rose to prominence for his role in defending the Ethiopian Empire against foreign invaders. His bravery and strategic prowess earned him a place in the annals of Ethiopian history and further solidified the name's association with valor and leadership.

In the early 20th century, a renowned Ethiopian artist named Afewerk Ketema gained international acclaim for his intricate and vibrant paintings, which captured the essence of Ethiopian culture and tradition. His works have been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, cementing the name's connection to artistic excellence.

Another notable figure with the surname KETEMA was Haile Ketema, a pioneering educator who founded one of the first modern schools in Ethiopia in the late 19th century. His efforts to promote literacy and education played a pivotal role in shaping the country's intellectual landscape and paved the way for future generations of scholars and leaders.

While the name KETEMA has its roots in Ethiopia, it has since spread to other parts of the world through migration and diaspora communities. However, its rich history and cultural significance remain deeply rooted in the ancient traditions and heritage of the Ethiopian people.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Ketema

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

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

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

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