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

Shibu, 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 Shibu surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Shibu in America

Shibu is the 146201st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Shibu surname appeared 113 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 Shibu.

The history of the last name Shibu

The surname "SHIBU" is of Japanese origin, with its roots dating back to the 14th century. It is believed to have originated in the Kyushu region, particularly in the areas around the ancient city of Hizen (present-day Saga Prefecture).

The name "SHIBU" is thought to be derived from the Japanese word "shibu," which translates to "purple" or "violet." This association with the color purple suggests that the name may have initially been given to individuals who were involved in the cultivation or trade of purple dye, which was highly prized and valuable during that time period.

One of the earliest recorded references to the surname "SHIBU" can be found in the "Taiheiki," a historical chronicle that documents the events of the Nanboku-chō period (1336-1392) in Japan. This text mentions a samurai warrior named Shibu Takatsune, who served under the Southern Court during the Nanboku-chō wars.

In the 16th century, the "SHIBU" surname gained prominence with the rise of Shibu Katsunaga, a prominent daimyo (feudal lord) who ruled over the Shibu Domain in the Echigo Province (present-day Niigata Prefecture). Katsunaga and his descendants played a significant role in the political and military affairs of the region during the Sengoku period.

Another notable figure with the "SHIBU" surname was Shibu Yoshihiro (1539-1611), a skilled swordsmith who lived during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. His works were highly prized and sought after by samurai and daimyo across Japan.

In the realm of literature, the "SHIBU" surname is associated with Shibu Sakuro (1852-1911), a renowned novelist and poet who was a prominent figure in the late Edo and early Meiji periods. His works, which often explored themes of social commentary and human nature, were widely acclaimed and influenced subsequent generations of writers.

During the 20th century, the "SHIBU" surname gained international recognition through the achievements of Shibu Mieko (1909-1998), a pioneering Japanese painter and printmaker. Her vibrant ukiyo-e woodblock prints, which drew inspiration from traditional Japanese art forms as well as modern Western styles, earned her critical acclaim both at home and abroad.

While the surname "SHIBU" may have originated in Japan, it has since spread across the globe, carried by individuals and families who have migrated to other parts of the world. However, its roots remain firmly embedded in Japanese history and culture, serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of this ancient name.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Shibu

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

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

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

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