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

Zewde, 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 Zewde surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zewde in America

Zewde is the 106570th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zewde surname appeared 167 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 Zewde.

The history of the last name Zewde

The surname Zewde has its origins in Ethiopia, a country located in the Horn of Africa. The name is deeply embedded within the Amharic language, which is a Semitic language and one of the most widespread languages in Ethiopia. Amharic has been the working language of the nation for centuries, and many Ethiopian surnames have roots in ancient Ethiopian words and expressions.

The name Zewde is derived from the Amharic word "zewde," which translates to "he has survived" or "he has endured." This etymological meaning carries connotations of resilience and permanence, traits that are highly valued in Ethiopian culture. Surnames in Ethiopia typically carry significant meanings that reflect the family's history, characteristics, or hoped-for attributes.

Records of the surname Zewde can be traced back to the medieval period in Ethiopia, during the reign of various Ethiopian emperors. While there are no direct references to the name Zewde in global records akin to the Domesday Book, Ethiopian genealogical records and oral histories have preserved the name through generations. Manuscripts from the 15th and 16th centuries mention families bearing the surname Zewde, indicating its presence during that era.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the surname Zewde was Ras Zewde, a noble in the Ethiopian Empire during the 17th century. Ras Zewde was known for his military prowess and leadership, serving under Emperor Susenyos I. This era was marked by religious and political challenges, and Ras Zewde's contributions were significant in maintaining the empire's stability.

In the modern historical context, one of the most prominent bearers of the surname is Sahle-Work Zewde, born in 1950. She made history by becoming the first female president of Ethiopia in 2018. Sahle-Work Zewde has had a distinguished career in diplomacy, having served as Ethiopia's representative to several countries and international organizations. Her achievements have brought contemporary recognition to the surname.

Another figure of historical importance is Zewde Gebre-Sellassie, an Ethiopian historian and political scientist. Born in 1936, he has made significant contributions to the understanding of Ethiopian history through his scholarly works and teachings. His extensive research on Ethiopia's political history has been influential in both academic and policy-making circles.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the name Zewde continued to be prominent in various regions of Ethiopia. Zewde Reta, born in 1936, is another notable individual who contributed immensely to Ethiopian literature and education. As an author and educator, Zewde Reta played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the Amharic language and Ethiopian culture through his writings and teachings.

Lastly, the name Zewde can be linked to Zewde Asfaw, an Ethiopian military officer born in the early 20th century. His leadership during times of conflict and his role in the modernization of the Ethiopian military are well-documented in Ethiopian military history. His actions and decisions had lasting impacts on the structure and strategy of the Ethiopian armed forces.

The surname Zewde continues to be a symbol of endurance and resilience in Ethiopian society. Its history is rich with individuals who have made significant contributions to Ethiopia's cultural, political, and intellectual heritage. These historical figures highlight the enduring legacy and the cultural importance of the name within Ethiopia.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zewde

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

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

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

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