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

Yimam, 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 Yimam surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yimam in America

Yimam is the 138304th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yimam surname appeared 121 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 Yimam.

The history of the last name Yimam

The surname Yimam is of Ethiopian origin, with its roots deeply embedded in the Amharic language, one of Ethiopia's principal languages. The name is commonly associated with the Amhara people, who predominantly inhabit the central highland plateau of Ethiopia. The etymology of Yimam can be traced back to the Ge'ez language, an ancient Semitic language that served as a liturgical language for the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. In Ge'ez, the term Yimam is believed to mean "rightful" or "true," often used to denote legitimacy or authenticity.

Evidence of the surname Yimam can be found in various historical manuscripts and texts within Ethiopia, but it did not prominently feature in international records until more modern times. Ethiopian historical records, such as the Royal Chronicles, provide mention of various figures bearing the surname, although these documents are less centralized and widely scattered compared to European records such as the Domesday Book.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the surname Yimam comes from the 18th century. Here, Yimam Haile, born in 1745, was known as a local nobleman and landowner in the province of Gojjam. His familial estate played a significant role in the agricultural economy of the region, and his name appears in several land grant documents preserved in the regional archives.

Yimam Sahle, born in 1790 and died in 1860, was a notable military leader during the era of Zemene Mesafint, also known as the "Era of the Princes," a period of regional division and decentralization in Ethiopia. His military campaigns are chronicled in various historical texts, reflecting his influence and contributions to the reunification efforts of Emperor Tewodros II.

Another historical figure, Yimam Eskinder, born in 1835 and died in 1905, was a celebrated poet and scholar. He is best known for his contributions to Ethiopian literature, specifically for his works in the Amharic language that promoted cultural heritage and national identity during a time of increased foreign influence and internal political strife.

In the early 20th century, Yimam Woldemichael, born in 1904, emerged as a prominent figure in Ethiopia's educational reforms. He was instrumental in establishing several schools and educational initiatives aimed at modernizing the system. His efforts are documented in educational reports from that era, highlighting his enduring legacy in the field of education.

Finally, Yimam Asfaw, born in 1922 and passed away in 1987, was a distinguished Ethiopian diplomat and statesman who played a crucial role in Ethiopia's international relations during the post-World War II period. Serving as an ambassador to multiple countries, his diplomatic efforts were significant in shaping Ethiopia's foreign policy and fostering international cooperation.

These historical references and notable individuals illustrate the rich and diverse heritage encapsulated in the surname Yimam, spanning centuries of Ethiopian history and encompassing contributions in governance, literature, military, education, and diplomacy. Each bearer of the name has added to its legacy, making Yimam a surname of considerable historical importance within Ethiopian culture.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yimam

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

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

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

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