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

Zenebe, 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 Zenebe surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zenebe in America

Zenebe is the 152628th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zenebe surname appeared 107 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 Zenebe.

The history of the last name Zenebe

The surname Zenebe originates from Ethiopia, an East African country with a rich history and diverse cultural heritage. The name is derived from the Ge'ez language, an ancient Semitic language of Ethiopia, where it appears as Zäñäbä, meaning "rain," symbolizing prosperity, fertility, and the sustenance of life. The earliest roots of the surname can be traced back to the regions of Tigray and Amhara, areas known for their historical kingdoms and ancient civilizations.

The name Zenebe does not appear in European historical documents like the Domesday Book, but it is recorded in Ethiopian manuscripts and church records due to the strong tradition of historiography in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. These records, often inscribed in Ge'ez, provide valuable insights into the genealogies and histories of prominent Ethiopian families.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the surname Zenebe was Abba Zenebe, an Ethiopian monk from the 14th century who was known for his scholarly works and pious contributions to the Ethiopian monastic community. His legacy is preserved in the records of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, which highlight his role in religious and educational reforms.

Another notable historical figure is Zenebe Bekele, an Ethiopian military leader from the mid-19th century. He played a crucial role during the reign of Emperor Tewodros II, assisting in various military campaigns aimed at unifying the Ethiopian Empire. Bekele's contributions are documented in several Ethiopian chronicles from that era, celebrating his strategic acumen and leadership.

In the 20th century, Zenebe Tadesse emerged as a significant cultural figure in Ethiopia. Born in 1928, Tadesse was a prominent author and historian whose works focused on Ethiopian traditions, history, and literature. His books are still referenced by scholars studying Ethiopian culture, and his influence persists in contemporary Ethiopian historiography.

Zenebe Asfaw, born in 1935, was another influential person who carried the surname. He was a respected economist and politician who played a key role in Ethiopia's development policies during the late 20th century. Asfaw's contributions to the field of economics and his efforts towards the modernization of Ethiopia's economic infrastructure remain noteworthy.

Lastly, Zenebe Kebede, an influential figure in Ethiopian diplomacy, served as an ambassador to various countries during the latter half of the 20th century. His efforts in fostering international relationships and representing Ethiopia on the global stage are well-documented, emphasizing the impact of the Zenebe surname in both historical and contemporary contexts.

The surname Zenebe carries a significant historical weight, deeply rooted in the Ethiopian tradition and language. Its origins, historical references, and the notable individuals bearing this surname illustrate its contribution to Ethiopian society over the centuries. The recurring prominence of the name in various fields—from religion and military to literature, economics, and diplomacy—reflects the enduring legacy and influence of families who bear the surname Zenebe.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zenebe

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

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

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

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