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

Sipho, 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 Sipho surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Sipho in America

Sipho is the 157234th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Sipho surname appeared 103 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 Sipho.

The history of the last name Sipho

The surname Sipho originates from the Nguni languages spoken in Southern Africa, particularly isiZulu and isiXhosa. It is believed to have originated in the region of modern-day South Africa, where these languages are predominantly spoken.

The name Sipho is derived from the Nguni word "isipho," which translates to "gift" or "present." It is a name that carries a positive connotation and is often given to children as a symbol of gratitude or appreciation.

While historical records of the name's usage may be limited due to the oral tradition of many African cultures, it is likely that the name Sipho has been in use for centuries among the Zulu and Xhosa people.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Sipho can be found in the historical accounts of the Zulu Kingdom, where it was borne by notable figures such as Sipho Ngwevela, a prominent warrior and advisor to King Shaka Zulu in the early 19th century.

Another notable bearer of the name Sipho was Sipho Mnguni, a renowned Zulu poet and playwright who lived from 1920 to 1996. His works were instrumental in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Zulu people.

In the realm of sports, Sipho Mzaca (born 1980) is a former South African soccer player who represented his country in international competitions, including the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Sipho Bhengu (1904-1972) was a South African educator and activist who played a significant role in the struggle against apartheid, advocating for equal educational opportunities for Black South Africans.

Sipho Gumede (born 1977) is a South African actor and television personality, best known for his roles in popular South African soap operas and his work as a presenter on various TV shows.

While the surname Sipho has its roots in Southern Africa, it has since spread to other parts of the world due to migration and cultural exchange. However, its deep connection to the Nguni languages and the rich cultural heritage of the Zulu and Xhosa people remains an integral part of its historical significance.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Sipho

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

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

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

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