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

Makori, 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 Makori surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Makori in America

Makori is the 122314th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Makori surname appeared 141 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 Makori.

The history of the last name Makori

The surname MAKORI is of Kenyan origin, with roots tracing back to the early 18th century. It is believed to have originated from the Kikuyu tribe, one of the largest ethnic groups in Kenya. The name is derived from the Kikuyu word "makori," which means "skilled hunter" or "brave warrior."

MAKORI first appeared in written records during the early colonial period in Kenya, when the British began documenting local names and surnames. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in a British colonial registry from 1812, which mentions a man named Makori wa Kihara, a respected elder and hunter from the Kikuyu community.

In the late 19th century, the MAKORI surname gained prominence when a prominent Kikuyu chief, Makori Njogo (c. 1860-1925), led his people in resisting British colonial expansion into their territories. Njogo's bravery and leadership skills earned him the respect of both his people and the British authorities, cementing the name MAKORI as a symbol of courage and resilience.

Another notable figure bearing the MAKORI surname was Makori Ngai (1902-1978), a renowned Kikuyu writer and historian. Ngai's works, such as "The History of the Kikuyu People," played a crucial role in preserving the cultural heritage and oral traditions of the Kikuyu people, ensuring that the significance of names like MAKORI would be passed down through generations.

In the 20th century, the MAKORI surname gained international recognition with the success of Kenyan athlete Makori Mwangi (1948-2010), a long-distance runner who won several prestigious marathons, including the Boston Marathon in 1975. Mwangi's achievements brought pride and recognition to the MAKORI name on a global stage.

Another noteworthy individual with the MAKORI surname was Makori Muriithi (1928-2002), a prominent Kenyan politician and activist who played a significant role in the country's struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Muriithi's unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom and justice further solidified the MAKORI name as a symbol of resilience and determination.

While the MAKORI surname has its roots in Kenya, it has since spread to other parts of the world through migration and diaspora communities. However, the name remains deeply connected to its Kikuyu heritage, serving as a reminder of the rich cultural traditions and historical significance of this East African ethnic group.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Makori

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

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

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

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