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

Phothisane, 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 Phothisane surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Phothisane in America

Phothisane is the 99378th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Phothisane surname appeared 182 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 Phothisane.

We can also compare 2010 data for Phothisane 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 Phothisane

The surname Phothisane originates from South Africa and traces its roots back to the Sotho language spoken by the Basotho people. It is believed to have emerged in the late 18th or early 19th century during the reign of King Moshoeshoe I, the founder of the Basotho nation.

Phothisane is derived from the Sesotho word "ho phothisa," which means "to fortify" or "to strengthen." This linguistic connection suggests that the name may have originally been associated with individuals who played a role in fortifying settlements or displaying strength and resilience in times of adversity.

While specific historical references to the name in ancient manuscripts or records are scarce, there are accounts of individuals bearing the Phothisane surname in oral histories and genealogical records passed down through generations within Basotho communities.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name dates back to the mid-19th century, when a chief named Letsie Phothisane was mentioned in the chronicles of the Basotho Wars against the Orange Free State and the Cape Colony. Letsie Phothisane was a notable figure known for his bravery and leadership during these conflicts.

Another prominent individual with the Phothisane surname was Masupha Phothisane, a renowned Basotho warrior and chief who lived in the late 19th century. He played a crucial role in defending his people's territories against colonial encroachment and is celebrated for his unwavering courage and strategic prowess.

In the early 20th century, Ntsu Phothisane gained recognition as a skilled craftsman and potter, contributing to the preservation of traditional Basotho art and culture. His works have been exhibited in various museums and galleries, showcasing the rich heritage of his people.

More recently, in the latter half of the 20th century, Lipolelo Phothisane made her mark as a renowned educator and advocate for women's rights in Lesotho. She dedicated her life to empowering young girls through education and promoting gender equality within her community.

Another notable figure was Tseliso Phothisane, a respected legal scholar and jurist who served as a judge in the Lesotho High Court. His contributions to the country's legal system and his commitment to upholding justice have left a lasting legacy.

While these examples showcase the historical significance of the Phothisane surname within the Basotho community, it is important to note that the name has likely been borne by countless other individuals whose stories and contributions may have gone unrecorded throughout the centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Phothisane

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

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

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

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