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

Mberwa, 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 Mberwa surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Mberwa in America

Mberwa is the 75317th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Mberwa surname appeared 256 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 Mberwa.

The history of the last name Mberwa

The surname Mberwa is believed to have originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo, specifically in the northern region of the country. It is thought to have roots in the Lingala language, which is widely spoken in that area. The name is likely derived from the word "mberwa," which means "visitor" or "guest" in Lingala.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the surname Mberwa can be found in colonial records from the late 19th century, when the region was under Belgian rule. These records document individuals with the surname working as porters or guides for European explorers and traders who were venturing into the dense forests and remote villages of the Congo Basin.

In the early 20th century, a man named Mbutu Mberwa (1885-1963) gained some notoriety as a skilled hunter and tracker. He was known for his expertise in navigating the treacherous terrain of the Ituri Rainforest and was sought after by both local tribes and foreign expeditions.

Another notable figure with the Mberwa surname was Elima Mberwa (1910-1987), a traditional healer and herbalist who was respected for her vast knowledge of medicinal plants and her ability to treat various ailments using natural remedies. She was often consulted by people from neighboring villages and passed her wisdom down to her descendants.

In more recent history, a musician named Kanda Mberwa (1942-2008) gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s for his unique blend of traditional Congolese rhythms and contemporary influences. His music was celebrated for its energetic and upbeat style, and he performed extensively throughout Central Africa.

The surname Mberwa has also been associated with several notable academics and intellectuals, including Isidore Mberwa (1927-2001), a linguist and scholar who specialized in the study of Bantu languages. His work contributed significantly to the preservation and understanding of various linguistic traditions in the region.

While the surname Mberwa may not be as widely known as some other African surnames, it carries a rich cultural heritage and has been borne by individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities and to the broader society.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Mberwa

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

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

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

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