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

Wiredu, 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 Wiredu surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Wiredu in America

Wiredu is the 129047th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Wiredu surname appeared 132 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 Wiredu.

The history of the last name Wiredu

The surname Wiredu originates from the Akan people of Ghana, a country in West Africa. The Akan are one of the largest ethnic groups in Ghana, and their surnames are steeped in rich cultural and linguistic heritage. The name Wiredu is derived from the Akan language, particularly from the root words "wira" meaning "greatness" or "excellence," and "du" meaning "to lead" or "to be ahead." Thus, the name Wiredu can be interpreted to signify someone who is a leader of excellence or a person of great stature.

Historical references to the surname Wiredu can be traced back to pre-colonial Ghana, when naming conventions were deeply connected to one's status, profession, or lineage within the community. However, due to the lack of written records from this period, much of the early history is preserved through oral traditions. The name began to appear in colonial records during the 19th century as British influence in Ghana increased and record-keeping practices were introduced.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the surname in written form is found in missionary records from the mid-19th century. During this period, European missionaries often documented local names, including Wiredu, as part of their evangelizing efforts. For instance, Reverend Thomas Birch Freeman, an early Methodist missionary in Ghana, made mention of several local leaders with the surname Wiredu in his journals circa 1843.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the surname Wiredu. One such figure is Kwasi Wiredu (1931-2022), a celebrated Ghanaian philosopher known for his work in conceptual decolonization within African philosophy. Born in Kumasi, he made significant contributions to the field of philosophy, with notable works such as "Philosophy and an African Culture." Another prominent individual is Kofi Wiredu, a 19th-century Asante noble known for his role in local governance during the British colonial period.

In the realm of politics, Yaw Wiredu served as an influential figure during the late 20th century. Born in 1965, he became known for his advocacy on issues of national development and educational reforms within Ghana. His efforts in parliament during the 1990s helped shape policy directions and left a lasting impact on Ghanaian society.

The Wiredu surname also appears in connection with rural place names in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Several villages and towns, such as Wira Nyarko and Wira Krodua, are believed to have been named after early leaders from the Wiredu lineage. These place names underscore the broader influence of families bearing the Wiredu surname in local histories and geographical nomenclatures.

Additionally, the arts have seen contributions from Wiredu families. For instance, Akosua Wiredu, an esteemed artist and cultural historian born in 1947, has gained recognition for her work in preserving Akan cultural traditions through visual arts and academic pursuits.

Overall, the surname Wiredu carries with it a historical narrative rich in leadership, excellence, and cultural significance. This name remains a proud identifier for many within the Akan community and contributes to the tapestry of Ghana's national heritage.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Wiredu

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

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

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

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