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

Nwaneri, 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 Nwaneri surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Nwaneri in America

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

The Nwaneri 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 Nwaneri.

We can also compare 2010 data for Nwaneri to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Nwaneri

The surname NWANERI is of Nigerian origin, with roots dating back several centuries. It is derived from the Igbo language, spoken predominantly in the southeastern part of Nigeria. The name is believed to have originated in the region of Igboland, which encompasses parts of present-day Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Abia, and Ebonyi states.

NWANERI is a compound word formed by combining the Igbo words "nwa" and "neri." "Nwa" means "child" or "offspring," while "neri" means "worthy" or "valuable." Thus, the name NWANERI can be interpreted as "a worthy or valuable child" or "a child of worth or value." This name likely emerged as a way to express the high regard and value placed on children within the Igbo culture.

Early mentions of the name NWANERI can be found in historical records and oral traditions passed down through generations in Igboland. While there may be variations in spelling due to the nature of transliterating Igbo names into written form, NWANERI has remained a prominent surname among the Igbo people.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the surname NWANERI was Okonkwo Nwaneri, a prominent trader and community leader who lived in the late 18th century in the town of Nri, considered the ancestral homeland of the Igbo people. Nri was a significant cultural and spiritual center, and the Nwaneri family played an influential role in the region's affairs.

Another notable figure was Nwoke Nwaneri, a skilled blacksmith and craftsman who lived in the early 19th century. His works, particularly intricate bronze and iron sculptures, were highly regarded and can still be found in various museums and private collections today.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Nwaneri surname gained further recognition through the accomplishments of individuals like Adaku Nwaneri, a renowned educator who established one of the first schools for girls in Igboland, and Obinna Nwaneri, a respected traditional healer and herbalist whose knowledge was widely sought after.

During the colonial era, several Nwaneri individuals played pivotal roles in the resistance against British rule and the fight for independence. One such figure was Chika Nwaneri, a prominent activist and leader of the Igbo Women's Union, who organized protests and advocated for the rights of women and indigenous communities.

Throughout history, the NWANERI surname has been associated with various place names and locations within Igboland, reflecting the close connection between surnames and geographical origins in the Igbo culture. Examples include Nwaneri Village in Enugu State and the Nwaneri Clan in Anambra State.

These are just a few examples of the rich history and significance of the surname NWANERI within the Igbo culture and Nigerian heritage. The name continues to be proudly carried by individuals of Igbo descent, serving as a reminder of their ancestry, cultural values, and the enduring legacy of their forebears.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Nwaneri

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

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 Nwaneri 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.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Nwaneri has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

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

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

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