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

Yirga, 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 Yirga surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yirga in America

Yirga is the 158432nd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yirga surname appeared 102 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 Yirga.

The history of the last name Yirga

Yirga is a surname with roots in Ethiopia, specifically from the Amharic-speaking regions. The name Yirga is believed to have ancient origins, deriving from the Ge'ez term "ይርጋ" (yərgä), which translates to "he will ascend" or "he will rise." This term carries connotations of elevation and prominence, suggestive of a person who would rise to a position of importance or greatness.

Historically, the name Yirga first gained prominence in the medieval period of Ethiopian history, around the 13th and 14th centuries. During this time, Ethiopia was characterized by its rich tapestry of cultures and kingdoms, including the influential Zagwe and Solomonic dynasties. Unfortunately, much of the early records and manuscripts from this period are fragmented or lost, making it challenging to pinpoint specific historical documents mentioning the surname Yirga definitively.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the surname Yirga in written form can be traced back to the early 16th century. A nobleman named Yirga Desta was mentioned in the Royal Chronicles of Ethiopia, a document that chronicled the reigns of Ethiopian emperors. Yirga Desta's appearance in these chronicles suggests that he held a position of some prestige, possibly within the military or the royal court.

Another notable figure with this surname is Abba Yirga, a 17th-century Ethiopian Orthodox monk renowned for his scholarly works and devotion to the Church. Born in 1598 and passing away in 1672, Abba Yirga contributed significantly to Ethiopian religious literature and is remembered for his piety and wisdom.

In the 19th century, Tewodros Yirga became a prominent figure during the reign of Emperor Tewodros II. Born in 1806, Tewodros Yirga was an influential advisor and diplomat who played a crucial role in the emperor’s efforts to modernize Ethiopia. His involvement in various diplomatic missions helped foster relationships between Ethiopia and European powers. He passed away in 1875.

Shifting towards the early 20th century, another notable bearer of the surname was Alemayehu Yirga, an Ethiopian freedom fighter and politician. Born in 1882, Alemayehu Yirga actively participated in the resistance against Italian occupation during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War (1935-1937). His efforts in organizing guerrilla warfare and rallying local resistance groups were instrumental in the Ethiopian struggle for independence. Alemayehu Yirga died in 1946, leaving behind a legacy of patriotism.

The surname continues to be found among modern-day Ethiopians, with individuals tracing their lineage back to significant historical figures who carried the surname Yirga. The name retains its original meaning and has been borne by influential figures throughout Ethiopian history.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yirga

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

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

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

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