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

Wondimu, 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 Wondimu surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Wondimu in America

Wondimu is the 98099th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Wondimu surname appeared 185 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 Wondimu.

The history of the last name Wondimu

The surname Wondimu originates from Ethiopia, a country with a rich history and diverse cultures. The name is primarily found among the Amhara people, one of the principal ethnic groups in Ethiopia. The Amhara region has been a significant cultural and political center for centuries, and the surname Wondimu has its roots deeply embedded in this area.

Wondimu is derived from the Ge'ez language, an ancient Ethiopian Semitic language that is the liturgical language of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The name is derived from the Ge'ez words "wond" meaning "boy" or "son" and "im" which is a possessive suffix. Therefore, Wondimu roughly translates to "his son" or "his boy," indicating a familial or paternal connection.

Historical references to the surname Wondimu are relatively scarce due to the oral nature of Ethiopian history and record-keeping. However, some early manuscripts and genealogical records from churches and monasteries in the Amhara region do contain references to individuals with this surname. One of the earliest recorded instances appears in a 15th-century manuscript that chronicles the history of a noble family in the region.

In the 19th century, Wondimu was borne by several notable individuals, including Wondimu Assefa, an influential figure in the court of Emperor Tewodros II. Born in 1820, Assefa played a key role in the administration of the empire and was known for his diplomatic skills. Another prominent figure was Wondimu Aleqa Gebre, a respected religious scholar and a renowned scribe who contributed significantly to Ethiopian Christian literature during his lifetime (1825-1890).

One of the most famous bearers of the surname in the early 20th century was Wondimu Bekele, a prominent anti-colonial activist. Born in 1887, Bekele was instrumental in the resistance against Italian occupation during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War. His efforts were crucial in rallying support for Ethiopian independence, and he remains a revered figure in Ethiopian history.

In the mid-20th century, Wondimu Kifle stood out as a significant intellectual and author. Born in 1923, Kifle contributed to the Ethiopian academic landscape with numerous publications on Ethiopian history and culture. His works remain influential in the studies of Ethiopian ethnography and sociology.

Lastly, Wondimu Mekonnen, born in 1955, is a contemporary figure known for his contributions to Ethiopian literature and education. As a prolific writer and educator, Mekonnen has played a vital role in promoting Ethiopian heritage and has garnered international recognition for his work.

The surname Wondimu has thus journeyed through centuries, carried by individuals who have contributed to Ethiopia's rich cultural and historical tapestry. Although its early occurrences are less documented, the name's significance and bearers continue to impact Ethiopian society.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Wondimu

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

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

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

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