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

Kuyateh, 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 Kuyateh surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Kuyateh in America

Kuyateh is the 96799th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Kuyateh surname appeared 188 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 Kuyateh.

The history of the last name Kuyateh

The surname KUYATEH has its origins in West Africa, specifically among the Mandinka people of modern-day Gambia and Senegal. It is believed to have emerged in the late 15th or early 16th century, during the height of the Mali Empire's influence in the region.

The name is derived from the Mandinka word "kuyaa," which means "praise" or "honor," and "teh," which may refer to a specific clan or lineage. This suggests that the KUYATEH name was initially associated with a family or group of individuals who were highly regarded or held in high esteem within their community.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the KUYATEH name can be found in a collection of oral traditions and historical accounts compiled by the Mandinka griots, or storytellers, in the late 17th century. These accounts mention a prominent KUYATEH family that played a significant role in the political and cultural affairs of the region during that time period.

In the 18th century, a notable figure named Kuyateh Sano (birth and death dates unknown) was recorded as a skilled diplomat and negotiator who facilitated trade agreements between various ethnic groups in the region. His reputation and influence helped to further establish the KUYATEH name as a respected lineage.

Another notable individual bearing the KUYATEH name was Kuyateh Faal (c. 1780-1860), a renowned scholar and Islamic teacher who established several schools in the region and contributed significantly to the spread of Islamic education and knowledge.

During the 19th century, the KUYATEH name gained prominence in the area around the Gambia River, where several families with this surname held influential positions in local governance and commerce. One such individual was Kuyateh Samba (1820-1895), a successful trader and community leader who was instrumental in facilitating economic and cultural exchanges between the region's diverse ethnic groups.

In more recent history, the KUYATEH name has been associated with several notable figures in various fields, including Kuyateh Jobe (1925-2010), a respected educator and advocate for women's rights in Gambia, and Kuyateh Bamba (1940-2018), a renowned musician and cultural ambassador who helped to popularize traditional Mandinka music on a global scale.

While the KUYATEH surname may not be as widely known as some other West African names, its rich history and cultural significance within the Mandinka community have ensured its enduring legacy and continued recognition as a name of honor and respect.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Kuyateh

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

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

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

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