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

Kungu, 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 Kungu surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Kungu in America

Kungu is the 114424th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Kungu surname appeared 153 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 Kungu.

The history of the last name Kungu

The surname KUNGU is believed to have its origins in the West African nation of Burkina Faso, with records indicating it was first used in the 14th century. It is thought to be derived from the Mossi language word "kunga," meaning "gathering" or "assembly," which could suggest the name initially referred to a place where people congregated or a location where community meetings were held.

The earliest known reference to the name KUNGU can be found in a collection of local oral histories from the region, dating back to around 1350. These stories mention a village called "Kunga" where the elders would convene to discuss important matters. It is plausible that the surname originated from this place name.

In the 16th century, a Muslim scholar named Amadou KUNGU (c. 1510-1585) gained prominence in the region for his extensive knowledge of Islamic teachings and his efforts to promote education. His works were widely circulated and his name became well-known throughout West Africa.

Another notable figure bearing this surname was Fatima KUNGU (c. 1720-1795), a renowned herbalist and healer from the village of Ouagadougou. Her expertise in traditional medicine was sought after by people from far and wide, and she is said to have played a significant role in preserving the region's rich cultural heritage.

During the late 19th century, a merchant named Youssouf KUNGU (1854-1922) established a successful trade network that spanned several countries in West Africa. His business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit were widely recognized, and he is credited with contributing to the economic development of the region.

In the 20th century, a political activist named Boukary KUNGU (1928-2003) gained prominence for his involvement in the independence movement in Burkina Faso. He was a vocal advocate for human rights and played a crucial role in shaping the country's political landscape after it gained independence in 1960.

While the surname KUNGU has its roots in West Africa, it has since spread to other parts of the world through migration and diaspora communities. However, its historical significance and cultural connections remain deeply rooted in the region where it originated.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Kungu

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

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

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

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