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

Njai, 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 Njai surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Njai in America

Njai is the 129047th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Njai surname appeared 132 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 Njai.

The history of the last name Njai

The surname NJAI is believed to have originated in the West African country of Ghana, with roots dating back to the 16th century. It is derived from the Akan language, one of the most widely spoken languages in Ghana. The word "njai" in Akan means "wanderer" or "traveler," suggesting that the name may have been given to people who were known for their nomadic or migratory lifestyles.

One of the earliest known references to the name NJAI can be found in records from the Ashanti Kingdom, a powerful empire that existed in present-day Ghana between the 17th and 19th centuries. The Ashanti people were known for their rich cultural traditions, including their use of intricate naming practices that often reflected personal characteristics or events.

In the 18th century, there are records of a prominent Ashanti warrior named Njai Mensah, who played a significant role in defending the kingdom against invasions from neighboring tribes. His bravery and leadership on the battlefield earned him a place in Ashanti oral traditions and folklore.

During the colonial era, when Ghana was under British rule, the NJAI surname began to appear in written records and documents. One notable individual from this period was Kwasi Njai, born in 1825, who was a respected elder and chief in the Ashanti region. His influence and wisdom were widely recognized, and he played a crucial role in mediating disputes between local communities and the colonial authorities.

In the late 19th century, a man named Kojo Njai gained recognition as a skilled artisan and woodcarver. His intricate works, often depicting scenes from Ashanti culture and mythology, were highly sought after and can now be found in museums and private collections around the world.

Another significant figure bearing the NJAI surname was Akua Njai, born in 1890, who was a renowned herbalist and traditional healer. She was highly respected in her community for her vast knowledge of medicinal plants and her ability to treat a wide range of ailments using natural remedies.

As Ghanaians migrated to other parts of the world in the 20th century, the NJAI surname spread beyond its West African origins. However, the name remains deeply rooted in the rich cultural heritage and history of Ghana, serving as a reminder of the country's diverse linguistic and ethnic traditions.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Njai

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

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

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

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