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Last Name Abebe

What is the origin of the last name Abebe?

The last name "Abebe" is of Ethiopian origin. It is a common Ethiopian surname and is often used as a first name as well. It is believed to have originated from the Amharic language, one of the most widely spoken languages in Ethiopia. The name "Abebe" is typically used to signify the child is a male.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Abebe

The ethnic identity distribution for the surname Abebe also saw some interesting shifts between 2000 and 2010, according to the Decennial U.S. Census data. The proportion of individuals identifying as Black with the Abebe surname increased by approximately 10% to 95.57%, becoming even more dominant among those carrying the name. However, the percentage of individuals of two or more races fell dramatically from 10.17% to just 1.81%. The proportion of those identifying as White remained stable at 1.66%, while the Hispanic representation dropped slightly from 0.88% to 0.50%. No individuals with the Abebe surname reported Asian/Pacific Islander or American Indian and Alaskan Native identities in either census year.

20002010Change
Black86.74%95.57%10.18%
Two or More Races10.17%1.81%-82.2%
White1.66%1.66%0%
Hispanic0.88%0.5%-43.18%
Asian/Pacific Islander0%0%0%
American Indian and Alaskan Native0%0%0%

Learn more about the origin of the last name Abebe

The meaning and origin of the last name Abebe

The surname Abebe is of Ethiopian origin and is commonly found among the Amharic-speaking population in Ethiopia. The name has its roots in the Amharic language and is believed to mean "flower" or "blossom". In Ethiopian culture, names often have deep symbolic meanings and are chosen to reflect positive qualities or aspirations for the individual. The name Abebe may have been given to individuals as a way to signify their beauty, growth, or potential. It is a popular surname in Ethiopia and can be found among people of different backgrounds and social statuses. The name Abebe carries with it a sense of elegance and grace, reflecting the cultural significance of flowers in Ethiopian society.

Geographical distribution of the last name Abebe

The last name Abebe is common in Ethiopia, particularly among the Amhara ethnic group. It is also found in Eritrea, as well as in diaspora communities around the world, with significant populations in North America and Europe. In Ethiopia, Abebe is a popular surname that is often passed down through generations, reflecting the cultural significance of family heritage. The name likely originated from the Amharic language, with variations in spelling and pronunciation based on regional dialects. The distribution of the last name Abebe is indicative of the Ethiopian diaspora, with individuals and families carrying on their ancestral legacy in various parts of the world. Despite this global presence, the name remains most closely associated with its Ethiopian roots, serving as a reminder of the rich cultural history and traditions of the region.

Variants and spellings of the last name Abebe

The last name Abebe can be spelled in various ways depending on the transliteration from the original language. Some variations of the name include Ababe, Abebé, Abebi, Abib, Abibi, and Abebeye. In some cases, the name may also be spelled as Habibi or Habbe. These variations can be due to different dialects, phonetic interpretations, or regional influences. The name Abebe is commonly found in Ethiopia and Eritrea, and it carries important cultural significance in the Amharic and Tigrinya languages. Despite the different spellings, the name remains a strong and timeless symbol of identity and heritage for those who carry it.

Famous people with the last name Abebe

A famous person with the last name Abebe is Abebe Bikila, an Ethiopian long-distance runner who won the Olympic marathon in 1960 and 1964. Bikila made history by becoming the first African to win a gold medal in the marathon event at the Olympics. His performance at the 1960 Rome Olympics, where he ran barefoot and set a new world record, is legendary in the world of track and field. Abebe Bikila's pioneering achievements and his impact on the sport of running have inspired countless athletes around the world. His legacy continues to live on through the annual Abebe Bikila Day race, held in Ethiopia to honor his memory and commemorate his remarkable athletic feats.

Genealogical research on the last name Abebe

The last name Abebe is of Ethiopian origin and is commonly found in the Amhara region. The name is often of religious significance, as it means "blossom" in Amharic and is associated with growth and prosperity. Genealogical research on the Abebe name shows that it has been passed down through generations within families, indicating a strong sense of lineage and tradition. Many individuals with the last name Abebe can trace their roots back to prominent figures in Ethiopian history, such as religious leaders, scholars, and political figures. The name Abebe carries a sense of honor and respect within Ethiopian society, and those who bear the name often take pride in their heritage and ancestry. Overall, the genealogical research on the last name Abebe highlights a rich and storied history within Ethiopian culture.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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