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

Sibanda, 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 Sibanda surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Sibanda in America

Sibanda is the 124548th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Sibanda surname appeared 138 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 Sibanda.

The history of the last name Sibanda

The surname Sibanda originates from the Ndebele people of Zimbabwe, tracing back to the late 17th century. It is derived from the Ndebele word "isibanda," which means "a leader" or "the head of a household." This name reflects the cultural importance of family structures and traditional leadership roles within Ndebele society.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the Sibanda name can be found in oral histories and accounts passed down through generations of Ndebele storytellers. These narratives often mention influential figures and leaders within the Ndebele communities who carried the Sibanda surname, indicating its association with respect and authority.

In the 19th century, during the era of the Ndebele Kingdom under the rule of King Mzilikazi, the name Sibanda gained prominence as many notable individuals held this surname. Prominent figures included Mafana Sibanda, a renowned warrior and advisor to King Mzilikazi, and Nxele Sibanda, a skilled diplomat who played a crucial role in negotiations with neighboring tribes.

As the Ndebele people migrated and settled in various regions of modern-day Zimbabwe, the Sibanda name spread across the country. Historical records from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, such as land registers and colonial administrative documents, provide evidence of Sibanda families residing in areas like Matabeleland and parts of the Midlands province.

One of the most famous individuals with the Sibanda surname was Thenjiwe Lesabe Sibanda (1858-1938), a revered spiritual leader and healer among the Ndebele people. Her influence and teachings had a profound impact on the preservation of Ndebele cultural traditions and beliefs during a period of significant change and colonial influence.

Another notable figure was Elliot Mafohla Sibanda (1924-1989), a prominent politician and activist who played a pivotal role in the struggle for independence in Zimbabwe. He served as the Secretary-General of the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU) and was a respected voice in the fight against racial segregation and oppression.

In the realm of literature, Albert Ngemukuhe Sibanda (1923-2011) was a celebrated Ndebele writer and poet. His works, including the novel "Izibongo Zamakhosi" (Praises of the Kings), contributed significantly to the preservation and promotion of Ndebele language and cultural heritage.

The Sibanda surname continues to be widely recognized and respected within Zimbabwe and among the Ndebele diaspora communities around the world, serving as a testament to its rich historical significance and cultural roots.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Sibanda

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

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

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

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