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

Momanyi, 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 Momanyi surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Momanyi in America

Momanyi is the 83226th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Momanyi surname appeared 226 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 Momanyi.

The history of the last name Momanyi

The surname MOMANYI originates from the Luhya people of Western Kenya. It is a name that can be traced back to the 16th century in the region around present-day Kakamega County. The name MOMANYI is believed to have its roots in the Luhya language, derived from the words "omomanyi," which translates to "the one who knows" or "the knowledgeable one."

Early records of the MOMANYI name can be found in oral histories and traditions passed down through generations of Luhya communities. These histories often mention notable figures bearing the MOMANYI surname, such as elders, healers, and wise leaders who were revered for their knowledge and wisdom.

One of the earliest documented instances of the MOMANYI surname appears in a collection of oral narratives compiled by British colonial administrators in the late 19th century. This collection includes accounts of various Luhya clans, including the Momanyi clan, which is described as having a long lineage in the region.

As the Luhya people migrated and settled in different parts of Western Kenya, the MOMANYI surname spread to areas like Vihiga, Busia, and Bungoma. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation emerged, such as Momany, Momani, and Mumany.

Notable figures throughout history who bore the MOMANYI surname include:

1. Momanyi Wabuyele (c. 1820 - 1900), a renowned Luhya Chief and leader in the late 19th century, known for his diplomatic skills and wisdom in resolving disputes among clans.

2. Momanyi Omulele (1870 - 1945), a respected herbalist and traditional healer who was widely sought after for his expertise in traditional medicine.

3. Momanyi Mwangaza (1905 - 1985), a prominent educator and one of the first Luhya people to obtain a university degree, establishing several schools in Western Kenya.

4. Momanyi Amakobe (1920 - 1998), a celebrated writer and cultural historian who documented the traditions and folklore of the Luhya people.

5. Momanyi Mwalimu (1935 - 2010), a renowned political activist and human rights advocate who played a significant role in the struggle for democracy in Kenya during the latter half of the 20th century.

The MOMANYI surname continues to be prevalent among the Luhya communities of Western Kenya, carrying with it a rich history and cultural significance associated with knowledge, wisdom, and leadership.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Momanyi

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

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

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

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