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

Ngwa, 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 Ngwa surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Ngwa in America

Ngwa is the 97210th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Ngwa surname appeared 187 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 Ngwa.

The history of the last name Ngwa

The surname NGWA originates from the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. It is believed to have emerged in the 15th century, deriving from the Igbo word "ngwa," which means "leopard." This association with the powerful and revered leopard likely signified strength, agility, and bravery.

In some historical records from the 16th and 17th centuries, the name appears with variations such as "Ngwah" or "Ngwaa," reflecting the fluidity of spelling conventions during that era. The earliest documented instances of the surname can be traced back to village chieftains and notable individuals within Igbo communities.

One notable figure bearing the NGWA surname was Nwachukwu Ngwa, a respected leader and diplomat who played a crucial role in negotiating trade agreements between the Igbo people and Portuguese explorers in the late 16th century. His efforts facilitated cultural exchange and economic growth in the region.

During the 18th century, the NGWA surname gained prominence among the Igbo diaspora as they migrated across West Africa and beyond. Okonkwo Ngwa, born in 1721, was a skilled trader who established trade routes between the Igbo territories and the Akan people of present-day Ghana, fostering economic ties between the two regions.

In the 19th century, Nneka Ngwa, born in 1838, emerged as a prominent figure in the resistance against British colonial rule in southeastern Nigeria. Her courage and leadership during the Aro Expedition of 1901-1902 earned her a place in the annals of Igbo history.

Another noteworthy individual was Chukwuma Ngwa, a scholar and linguist born in 1875. He contributed significantly to the preservation and documentation of Igbo language and culture, publishing several works that served as invaluable resources for future generations.

During the 20th century, the NGWA surname continued to be associated with influential figures in various fields. Adaeze Ngwa, born in 1920, was a pioneering educator who established several schools in rural Igbo communities, promoting education and empowering generations of students.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Ngwa

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

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

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

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