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

Yakubu, 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 Yakubu surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yakubu in America

Yakubu is the 93921st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yakubu surname appeared 195 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 Yakubu.

The history of the last name Yakubu

The surname Yakubu traces its origins to the West African region, particularly among the Hausa and Fulani ethnic groups. The name is deeply rooted in Islamic culture, as these regions have been significantly influenced by Islam for centuries. Yakubu is derived from the Islamic and Arabic influence and is a variation of the name Yaqub or Jacob, which means "supplanter" in Hebrew. This indicates the name's Semitic roots, spreading through trade and conquest into West Africa by the medieval period.

Yakubu has variations based on phonetic spellings, often in accordance with regional dialects and transliterations. The name's presence can be traced back to the 16th century during the rise of the Songhai Empire, where Arabic script and Islamic names were prevalent due to the influence of Islamic scholars and clerics.

One early reference of the name appears in historical records of the Sokoto Caliphate, which was founded in the early 19th century. In these records, Yakubu is frequently mentioned in connection with religious and military leaders who played crucial roles in the Islamic expansion in West Africa.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the surname is Modibbo Yakubu, a Fulani leader and Islamic scholar born around 1770. He played a significant role in the Fulani Jihad, which led to the establishment of the Sokoto Caliphate. His contributions to the spread of Islam and education in the region are well-documented in historical texts.

Another notable person is Yakubu Gowon, born in 1934, who served as the head of state in Nigeria from 1966 to 1975. He played a pivotal role in the Nigerian Civil War and the subsequent efforts to unify the country. His leadership and political career are subjects of numerous historical and biographical texts.

Yakubu Aiyegbeni, born in 1982, is another distinguished individual with the surname. He is a retired Nigerian professional footballer known for his prolific goal-scoring abilities. His career saw him rise to prominence in various European football clubs, and he remains a celebrated figure in the sports community.

Yakubu Dan Zala Kankara was a prominent Islamic scholar and educator in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He contributed extensively to Islamic jurisprudence and education in Northern Nigeria. His works are preserved in many Islamic libraries and educational institutions in the region.

Yakubu Musa, a contemporary of the early 20th century, was known for his contributions to the political landscape of Northern Nigeria. His influence helped shape the regional politics during the colonial era, and his efforts in advocating for the rights of his people are noted in several historical accounts.

The surname Yakubu reflects a rich tapestry of historical, cultural, and religious influences, weaving through the annals of West African history. Through various prominent individuals, the name has left a lasting imprint on the region's development and continues to hold significant cultural relevance.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yakubu

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

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

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

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