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

Mbow, 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 Mbow surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Mbow in America

Mbow is the 148347th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Mbow surname appeared 111 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 Mbow.

The history of the last name Mbow

The surname MBOW has its origins in the West African country of Senegal, with records indicating its use dating back to the 16th century. The name is derived from the Wolof language, which is spoken by a significant portion of the population in Senegal. It is believed that MBOW is a variation of the word "mbaaw," which translates to "king" or "ruler" in Wolof.

In the early days, the MBOW surname was primarily associated with members of the royal families or those holding positions of authority within the various Wolof kingdoms that existed in Senegal. The earliest known reference to the name can be found in a manuscript from the late 16th century, which documents the reign of a local ruler named Mbow Ndour.

As time progressed, the MBOW surname spread beyond the confines of royalty and became more widely adopted by commoners who were either associated with or claimed descent from the ruling families. This practice was not uncommon in many African societies, where surnames often carried a sense of prestige and were used to establish connections to influential lineages.

One notable figure in Senegalese history bearing the MBOW surname was Makalou Mbow, a revered spiritual leader and mystic who lived in the 18th century. Makalou Mbow was renowned for his wisdom and healing abilities, and his teachings had a profound impact on the spiritual beliefs and practices of the Wolof people.

In the 19th century, Matar Mbow emerged as a prominent military leader and played a significant role in the resistance against French colonial rule in Senegal. His bravery and strategic acumen earned him respect among his peers and contributed to the preservation of Wolof cultural identity during a turbulent period.

Another individual of historical significance was Massamba Mbow, a renowned diplomat and scholar who served as the Director-General of UNESCO from 1974 to 1987. His leadership and advocacy for education and cultural preservation on a global scale brought recognition to the MBOW surname beyond the borders of Senegal.

Abdou Mbow, a prominent Senegalese writer and academic, made significant contributions to the literary landscape in the latter half of the 20th century. His works explored themes of identity, tradition, and modernity, reflecting the cultural richness and complexities of Senegalese society.

While the MBOW surname originated in Senegal, it has since spread to other parts of West Africa and beyond, carried by individuals who have migrated or established communities in different regions. Despite its geographical dispersion, the name remains closely tied to its Wolof roots and the rich cultural heritage of Senegal.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Mbow

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

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

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

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