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

Salibī, 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 Salibī surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Salibī in America

Salibī is the 146011th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Salibī surname appeared 104 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Salibī.

The history of the last name Salibī

The surname Salibi originates from the Middle East, specifically from the Levant region, which includes countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. The name is derived from the Arabic word "ṣalīb," meaning "cross." It is indicative of Christian heritage, often associated with the Christian communities in these areas. The name likely emerged in the early centuries of the first millennium, reflecting the religious and cultural influences of the time.

The Arabic root "ṣ-l-b" is central to understanding the etymology of Salibi. This root is often associated with crucifixion or cross-bearing, which ties into significant Christian religious symbolism. Salibi could be interpreted as "of the Cross" or "one who carries the cross," highlighting the Christian faith of its bearers.

Salibi has appeared in historical records and manuscripts primarily in the form of church documents, legal contracts, and property records from the Ottoman era, which lasted from the 14th to early 20th centuries. In these documents, variations in the spelling of Salibi can be found, such as Salib and Slaybi, pointing to its phonetic transliterations over time.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Salibi appears in the chronicles of the Maronite Church, which played a significant role in preserving Lebanese Christian culture. A notable figure in these early records is Father Youssef Salibi, a Maronite priest mentioned in mid-17th-century ecclesiastical documents, helping to cement the surname in historical texts.

Renowned historian and author Kamal Salibi (1929–2011) is among the most famous bearers of this surname. Kamal Salibi made significant contributions to Middle Eastern historiography with his comprehensive works on the history of Lebanon and the Near East. His scholarship and dedication to historical accuracy have left a lasting legacy in academic circles.

In the realm of Christian ecclesiastical history, Bishop Gabriel Salibi (1825–1898) serves as another prominent figure. He played a pivotal role in the 19th-century Maronite Church, advocating for educational reform and the establishment of several religious institutions across Lebanon.

Prominent in the arts, Antoine Salibi (1873–1965), a Lebanese painter known for his religious and cultural depictions, has earned recognition for his contribution to the cultural heritage of Lebanon. His works continue to be celebrated in regional art galleries and exhibitions.

In contemporary history, Joseph Salibi (1945–2007), a significant political figure in Lebanon, worked tirelessly for human rights and interfaith dialogue. His efforts were instrumental in fostering understanding and cooperation among diverse religious communities in Lebanon.

Splitting history and notable figures into academic, religious, and cultural realms provides a comprehensive view of the surname Salibi. This analysis highlights the name's deep roots in Christian symbolism, historical significance, and the enduring impact of its bearers on Middle Eastern heritage.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Salibī

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

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 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Salibī 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 Salibī was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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