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

Tembo, 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 Tembo surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Tembo in America

Tembo is the 89753rd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Tembo surname appeared 206 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 Tembo.

The history of the last name Tembo

The surname "TEMBO" is of Swahili origin, originating from the East African region. It is derived from the Swahili word "tembo," which translates to "elephant." The name likely originated as a descriptive surname, possibly given to an individual with a physical resemblance to an elephant or one known for their strength and endurance, much like the majestic animal.

The earliest recorded instances of the surname "TEMBO" can be traced back to the 18th century in various historical records and documents from the East African region, particularly in what is now Tanzania and Kenya. It is believed that the name may have been used earlier, but written records from that time are scarce or have not been adequately preserved.

One notable historical figure with the surname "TEMBO" was Abdallah Tembo, a prominent Swahili trader and explorer who lived in the 19th century. He was born around 1830 in Zanzibar and is known for his extensive travels throughout East and Central Africa, where he established trade routes and documented his travels.

Another individual of note was Musa Tembo, a Swahili-Arab explorer and trader from Zanzibar who lived in the late 19th century. He was known for his travels throughout the interior regions of East Africa and his involvement in the ivory trade.

In the 20th century, one of the most recognized individuals with the surname "TEMBO" was Julius Tembo, a Tanzanian politician and diplomat. He was born in 1923 and served as the Prime Minister of Tanzania from 1962 to 1972, playing a significant role in the country's early years of independence.

In the realm of literature, Raphael Tembo, a Malawian author and poet, gained recognition for his works exploring themes of identity, culture, and social issues. He was born in 1935 and his works, including the collection "Tainted Souls," have received critical acclaim.

Another notable figure was Peter Tembo, a Zambian lawyer and human rights activist who played a crucial role in the country's independence movement. He was born in 1937 and served as the President of the Law Association of Zambia, advocating for legal reforms and the protection of human rights.

While the surname "TEMBO" has its roots in East Africa, it has since spread to other parts of the world due to migration and diaspora communities, carrying with it a rich cultural heritage and historical significance.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Tembo

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

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

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

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