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

Nyakundi, 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 Nyakundi surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Nyakundi in America

Nyakundi is the 110286th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Nyakundi surname appeared 160 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 Nyakundi.

The history of the last name Nyakundi

The surname "NYAKUNDI" originates from the Gusii community in western Kenya, near the border with Tanzania. It is believed to have emerged in the 16th century as a patronymic name, derived from the personal name "Nyakundi" which means "the one who conquers" in the Gusii language.

The earliest recorded instances of the name can be traced back to oral histories and genealogical records kept by elders in the region. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Nyakundi Ogwangi, a renowned warrior and leader who lived in the late 17th century.

In the 19th century, the name gained prominence with Nyakundi Obare, a respected traditional healer and herbalist who was renowned for his knowledge of medicinal plants. His descendants continue to use the surname to this day.

During the colonial era in Kenya, the name "NYAKUNDI" appeared in various administrative records and documents kept by the British authorities. Notable individuals from this period include Nyakundi Ondieki (1875-1952), a prominent farmer and community leader who was instrumental in the establishment of the first schools in the region.

Another historical figure was Nyakundi Nyamweya (1902-1987), a renowned orator and political activist who fought for the rights of the Gusii people during the struggle for independence. His speeches and writings have been preserved in various archives and historical collections.

In more recent times, the name "NYAKUNDI" has been carried by several notable individuals, including Nyakundi Oracha (1932-2010), a celebrated writer and poet whose works explored themes of culture, identity, and social justice. His poetry collections, such as "Echoes of the Hills" and "Whispers from the Valley," have been widely studied and acclaimed.

Another prominent bearer of the name is Nyakundi Nyambane (born 1958), a distinguished academic and researcher who has made significant contributions to the field of environmental science and sustainable development. He has authored numerous scholarly publications and received several awards for his work.

Overall, the surname "NYAKUNDI" has a rich history and cultural significance within the Gusii community, reflecting the achievements and legacies of various individuals who have carried this name over the centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Nyakundi

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

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

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

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