Lumumba
A surname meaning "abundance" or "prodigality" of uncertain African origin.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 137 Americans carry the last name Lumumba. That puts it at #132,206 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 0.04 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 2,501,856 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Lumumba surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
137
1 in 2,501,856
Census rank
#132,206
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
0.0
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
128
very rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 128 bearers of the surname Lumumba in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 0.04 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 132206th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Lumumba, the largest self-reported group is Black at 95.3%.
Origin
Meaning and origin of Lumumba
The surname Lumumba is of Congolese origin and traces back to the mid-20th century. It is associated with the prominent Congolese independence leader and Pan-Africanist, Patrice Lumumba, who served as the first Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1960.
The name Lumumba is believed to have its roots in the Lingala language, which is spoken in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo, and neighboring regions. Some linguists suggest that the name may derive from the Lingala word "lumumbamu," meaning "to be industrious" or "to strive."
Patrice Lumumba (1925-1961) was a key figure in the Congolese independence movement and a vocal advocate for Pan-Africanism. He led the Mouvement National Congolais (Congolese National Movement) and played a pivotal role in the negotiations that led to the independence of the Belgian Congo in 1960.
Tragically, Patrice Lumumba's tenure as Prime Minister was short-lived, as he was deposed and assassinated in 1961 under controversial circumstances. His legacy, however, lived on, and the name Lumumba became a symbol of resistance against colonialism and a rallying cry for African unity.
Beyond Patrice Lumumba, other notable individuals with this surname include his sons, Francois Lumumba (1942-2021) and Guy Lumumba (born 1948), who were also active in the Congolese political landscape. Georges Lumumba (1934-2021) was a Congolese historian and scholar who wrote extensively about the life and legacy of Patrice Lumumba.
In the artistic realm, Isidore Lumumba (born 1937) is a renowned Congolese painter and sculptor whose works often explore themes of African identity and cultural heritage. Antoine Lumumba (born 1988) is a Congolese basketball player who has represented the Democratic Republic of the Congo in international competitions.
The surname Lumumba has gained widespread recognition as a powerful symbol of African nationalism and the struggle for independence across the continent. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for the liberation of their people from colonial rule.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Lumumba
Among Census respondents with the surname Lumumba, the largest self-reported group is Black at 95.3%.
The bar chart below shows how Lumumba bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Lumumba surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- Black or African American95.3%
- Unknown or suppressed4.7%
FAQ
Lumumba surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Lumumba?
The surname Lumumba holds position #132,206 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 137 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 0.04 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Lumumba surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Lumumba, the largest self-reported group is Black at 95.3%. These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.