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

Woldeselassie, 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 Woldeselassie surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Woldeselassie in America

Woldeselassie is the 156044th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Woldeselassie surname appeared 104 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 Woldeselassie.

The history of the last name Woldeselassie

The surname Woldeselassie originates from Ethiopia, specifically within the Amhara and Tigray regions. The name is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious history of Ethiopia, dating back several centuries. Woldeselassie is an Afro-Asiatic name comprised of two primary elements: "Wolde," meaning "son" in Ge'ez (an ancient Ethiopian liturgical language), and "Selassie," derived from the Ge'ez word "Selasse," meaning "Trinity." The combination thus translates to "Son of the Trinity," reflecting the strong Christian influence in Ethiopia, especially Ethiopian Orthodoxy.

Historical records of Ethiopian surnames are relatively sparse due to the patronymic naming tradition, where children inherit their father's first name as a last name. Some of the earliest mentions of Woldeselassie in written records date back to the 19th century, found in royal chronicles and missionary reports. One such reference appears in the journals of European explorers like James Bruce, who documented his travels in Ethiopia in the late 18th century. Though not explicit, similar naming conventions are noted.

One significant historical figure with this name was Ras Woldeselassie, a nobleman and military leader in the 19th century. He played a crucial role in the power dynamics of the Ethiopian Empire during Emperor Tewodros II's reign. Ras Woldeselassie was born around 1820 and was a key figure until his death in 1868. His influence extended over the Tigray and Semien provinces, and his strategic marriages fortified the alliances that benefited Emperor Tewodros II's consolidation of power.

Another notable individual was Dejazmach Woldeselassie, a regional governor in the early 20th century, known for his resistance against Italian colonial forces during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War (1935-1937). His defiance and dedication to Ethiopian sovereignty made him a celebrated figure, although less documented. Born in 1885, he continued to influence regional politics until his death in the mid-20th century, around 1950.

In academia, Dr. Abebe Woldeselassie, born in 1943, made significant contributions to Ethiopian history and archaeology. His extensive research on the Axumite civilization provided valuable insights into Ethiopia's ancient history and heritage. Dr. Abebe's work throughout the 1970s and 1980s laid the groundwork for future studies in Ethiopian ancient history.

Another eminent person is Mekonnen Woldeselassie, a noted contemporary scholar in Ethiopian studies and linguistics. His research work in the 1980s and 1990s focused on the preservation of the Ge'ez language and culture. His publications have been influential in academic circles, offering a deeper understanding of Ethiopia's linguistic heritage.

Lastly, Woldeselassie Gebre-Medhin was a well-known Ethiopian entrepreneur and philanthropist active in the mid-20th century. Born in 1905, he became known for his contributions to education and healthcare in Ethiopia. He founded several schools and clinics, significantly impacting the socio-economic development of his region until his death in 1973.

The historical and cultural significance of the surname Woldeselassie is substantial, embodying a rich legacy tied to Ethiopia's Christian heritage and socio-political history. While records are limited due to the high reliance on oral traditions and the predominantly patronymic system, the name continues to resonate within Ethiopian culture, symbolizing religious devotion and historical prominence.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Woldeselassie

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

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

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

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