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

Zewdu, 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 Zewdu surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zewdu in America

Zewdu is the 93513th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zewdu surname appeared 196 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 Zewdu.

The history of the last name Zewdu

The surname Zewdu has its origins in Ethiopia, a country in East Africa with a rich history and diverse cultural heritage. The name Zewdu is of Amharic origin, the predominant language spoken in Ethiopia, and it is tied to the historical and social context of Ethiopian identity. The meaning of Zewdu in Amharic translates to "the one who expands" or "the one who grows."

The areas where the name Zewdu was originally found are predominantly in the northern regions of Ethiopia, such as in Gondar and Tigray, areas known for their historical significance in Ethiopian history. These regions were once centers of power and culture, contributing to the country's rich historical tapestry. The name Zewdu likely dates back to the medieval period when Amharic began to be widely used in the Ethiopian Highlands.

Historical references to the surname Zewdu are sparse in ancient manuscripts as Ethiopian records often revolved around royal lineage and significant historical figures rather than common surnames. However, the name does appear sporadically in older church records and local chronicles. One of the earliest mentions is in a 16th-century manuscript detailing the lineage of noble families in the Gondar region.

One notable figure was Ras Zewdu, a regional governor in the late 18th century whose influence was recorded in local chronicles. Ras Zewdu played a significant role in regional politics and was known for his efforts to expand agricultural practices in his jurisdiction. Another historical figure is Fitawrari Zewdu Asfaw, a military leader who played a prominent role during the late 19th century in resisting colonial encroachments during the Scramble for Africa.

In the early 20th century, Zewdu Gebrehiwot emerged as a notable intellectual and advocate for education in Ethiopia, contributing to the modernization efforts of the educational system under Emperor Haile Selassie. His writings and policies left a lasting influence on the country's academic institutions.

By mid-20th century, Mengistu Zewdu became a prominent figure in Ethiopian sports, particularly in athletics. As a celebrated runner, he represented Ethiopia in numerous international competitions, contributing to the country's reputation in distance running.

Another prominent individual with this surname is Dr. Tenagne Zewdu, a renowned anthropologist and professor of Ethiopian studies, who published extensively on Ethiopian history and culture. Born in 1945, Dr. Tenagne's work has been instrumental in bringing global attention to Ethiopian heritage and traditions.

In summary, the surname Zewdu is rooted deeply in Ethiopian history and culture, associated with various individuals who have contributed to the country's political, intellectual, and social landscapes across the centuries. The name signifies growth and expansion, which is reflected in the enduring legacy of those who have carried the name through time.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zewdu

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

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

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

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