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

Mbagwu, 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 Mbagwu surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Mbagwu in America

Mbagwu is the 135593rd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Mbagwu surname appeared 124 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 Mbagwu.

The history of the last name Mbagwu

The surname Mbagwu is of Igbo origin from the southeastern region of Nigeria. It is believed to have originated in the 15th or 16th century, derived from the Igbo words "mba" meaning "children" and "agwu" meaning "wealth or prosperity." The name likely referred to the abundance or prosperity of a family's offspring.

Some of the earliest recorded instances of the Mbagwu name can be found in historical records and documents from the Igbo-speaking regions of Nigeria, particularly in the areas of Anambra and Enugu states. The spelling and pronunciation of the name may have varied slightly over time and across different Igbo dialects.

While there are no known references to the Mbagwu name in ancient manuscripts or books, it is possible that the name appeared in local community records or oral traditions that have not been widely documented or preserved.

One of the earliest known individuals with the Mbagwu surname was Nnamdi Mbagwu, a prominent Igbo leader and trader who lived in the late 17th century. He was known for his entrepreneurial spirit and his role in facilitating trade between Igbo communities and neighboring regions.

In the 19th century, Chukwuma Mbagwu was a respected Igbo chief and landowner who played a significant role in mediating disputes and promoting peace among various Igbo clans. He was born around 1820 and was known for his wisdom and diplomacy.

Nnenna Mbagwu, born in 1875, was a renowned Igbo storyteller and oral historian. She was widely respected for her knowledge of Igbo folklore, customs, and traditions, and her ability to captivate audiences with her storytelling prowess.

Okechukwu Mbagwu, born in 1912, was a prominent Nigerian educator and author. He wrote several books on Igbo culture, language, and history, and his works are widely regarded as important contributions to the preservation and dissemination of Igbo heritage.

Adaora Mbagwu, born in 1942, was a pioneering Nigerian filmmaker and activist. She directed several acclaimed films that explored themes of cultural identity, gender roles, and social justice. Her work helped to amplify the voices and experiences of Nigerian women on a global stage.

The Mbagwu surname has a rich history rooted in the Igbo culture of southeastern Nigeria. While its origins can be traced back several centuries, the name has been carried forward by individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields, including leadership, storytelling, education, and the arts.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Mbagwu

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

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

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

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