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

Zeleke, 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 Zeleke surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zeleke in America

Zeleke is the 45569th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zeleke surname appeared 469 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 Zeleke.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zeleke to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Zeleke

The surname Zeleke has its origins deeply rooted in Ethiopia, a country in the Horn of Africa with a rich history and diverse culture. The name Zeleke is Ethiopian in origin and primarily belongs to the Amharic-speaking people. Amharic, a Semitic language, is one of the principal languages of Ethiopia. The surname Zeleke is historically derived from the Ge'ez language, an ancient and now liturgical language of Ethiopia, which has significantly influenced modern Ethiopian languages.

The term Zeleke translates to "he who has been blessed" or "blessed one" in Amharic. This reflects a common practice in Ethiopian naming customs where names often embody positive attributes, blessings, or prayers. The linguistic roots of Zeleke are linked to the Ge'ez word "zäläk’ä," which carries a similar meaning of blessing or being exalted.

One of the earliest historical references to the name Zeleke can be traced back to manuscripts and records from the Ethiopian Empire, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries. However, there were no widespread records such as Europe's Domesday Book; instead, these references can be found in local historical documents and royal decrees preserved in Ethiopian monasteries and archives.

Among the notable historical figures with the surname Zeleke is Dejazmach Balcha Zeleke (1863–1936), an Ethiopian military commander who served under Emperor Menelik II. Dejazmach Balcha became well-known for his role in the Battle of Adwa, which was a defining moment in Ethiopia's fight against Italian colonialism. His leadership and bravery cemented his legacy in Ethiopian history.

Another significant figure bearing the surname is Zerihun Zeleke, a renowned Ethiopian artist born in 1931 and passed away in 1986. Zerihun was celebrated for his contributions to modern Ethiopian art and his works often depicted the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Ethiopia. His art continues to inspire many in the region and beyond.

Colonel Bezabih Zeleke, an Ethiopian military strategist, was an important figure during the Derg regime, which ruled Ethiopia from 1974 to 1987. His influence on the military strategies of the time highlights the recurring presence of influential individuals with the surname in Ethiopia's military history.

In more recent history, Mesfin Zeleke, born in 1960, is recognized in the field of Ethiopian literature and education. His contributions expanded the reach of Amharic literature and enriched the academic discourse surrounding Ethiopian culture and heritage.

Another prominent individual is Dr. Hirut Zeleke, an Ethiopian anthropologist born in 1965. Her research on Ethiopian cultural practices and her advocacy for preserving indigenous traditions have made her a respected figure in academic circles.

Throughout Ethiopian history, the surname Zeleke has been associated with individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation's military, cultural, and academic fields. The enduring presence of the surname in Ethiopia underscores its deep cultural and historical significance, reflecting the values and legacy of those who have carried it through the generations.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zeleke

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

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 Zeleke 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.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Zeleke has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

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

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

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