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

Senna, 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 Senna surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Senna in America

Senna is the 41100th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Senna surname appeared 530 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 Senna.

We can also compare 2010 data for Senna 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 Senna

The surname Senna has its origins in Italy, where it can be traced back to the late medieval period. It is believed to derive from the Latin word "senna," which refers to a Mediterranean shrub known for its purgative properties. This plant was widely used in herbal remedies and medicines, suggesting a possible connection to the name's origins.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Senna can be found in a document from the city of Siena, dated around the 13th century. The name appeared as "Senna," indicating its longstanding presence in the region. Additionally, variations such as "Sennae" and "Sennai" have been documented in historical records from various parts of Italy.

The surname Senna has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One prominent individual was Pietro Senna, a renowned Italian architect and sculptor who lived from 1594 to 1648. He is best known for his contributions to the design and construction of the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome, where he worked alongside famous artists like Bernini.

Another historical figure bearing the surname Senna was Girolamo Senna, an Italian philosopher and theologian who lived from 1624 to 1691. He was a member of the Jesuit order and authored several works on theology and moral philosophy, which were widely read and discussed during his time.

In the literary realm, the name Senna is associated with the Italian writer and poet Antonio Senna, who lived from 1673 to 1737. He is best known for his collection of sonnets and lyrical poetry, which explored themes of love, nature, and spirituality.

Moving forward in history, the surname Senna gained international recognition through the legendary Brazilian racing driver Ayrton Senna (1960-1994). He is considered one of the greatest Formula One drivers of all time, having won multiple world championships and setting numerous records. Senna's exceptional skill and determination on the track earned him a place in the pantheon of motorsports legends.

While the surname Senna has its roots in Italy, it has since spread to various parts of the world, including Brazil, where it has become particularly prominent due to the fame of Ayrton Senna. The name continues to carry a rich historical legacy, reflecting its origins in the medicinal plant and its association with notable figures across different fields.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Senna

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

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

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

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