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

Mbonu, 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 Mbonu surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Mbonu in America

Mbonu is the 112568th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Mbonu surname appeared 156 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 Mbonu.

The history of the last name Mbonu

The surname Mbonu is of Nigerian origin, deriving from the Igbo language. It emerged as a distinct family name during the late 15th century, primarily concentrated in the southeastern regions of present-day Nigeria.

The name Mbonu is believed to have originated from the Igbo word "mbonu," which translates to "child born during a period of hardship or famine." This suggests that the earliest bearers of this name were likely born during times of scarcity or adversity, a reflection of the challenging circumstances faced by their ancestors.

Historical records indicate that the Mbonu name first appeared in written documents dating back to the early 16th century. These records include accounts of trade interactions between local communities and Portuguese explorers along the West African coast. The name is also found in several ancient Igbo oral traditions and folklore, cementing its deep roots in the region's cultural heritage.

One of the earliest known individuals bearing the Mbonu name was Nnamdi Mbonu, a prominent trader and diplomat from the Arochukwu region of present-day Abia State. Born in the late 1500s, Nnamdi Mbonu played a pivotal role in facilitating commercial exchanges between his community and European merchants, contributing to the region's economic prosperity.

In the 18th century, Eze Mbonu, a renowned warrior and leader from the Owerri area, gained recognition for his military prowess and leadership during inter-community conflicts. His exploits were chronicled in various oral histories and songs, solidifying his place in the annals of local history.

Another notable figure was Adaobi Mbonu, a respected healer and herbalist from the Nsukka region, who lived in the early 19th century. Her extensive knowledge of traditional medicine and natural remedies earned her a reputation that transcended her local community, attracting patients from far and wide.

During the colonial era, Chukwuma Mbonu, a prominent farmer and community leader from the Enugu region, played a significant role in advocating for the rights and interests of his people in the face of British colonial rule. His name is recorded in various British administrative documents from the late 19th century.

In more recent times, Chimamanda Ngozi Mbonu, a celebrated Nigerian author and writer, has brought global recognition to the Mbonu name. Born in 1977, her literary works exploring themes of identity, culture, and post-colonial experiences have garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the prestigious Booker Prize.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Mbonu

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

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

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

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