The surname Kebede has its roots traced back to Ethiopia, specifically among the Amhara and Oromo peoples. In the Amharic language, "Kebede" means "born on a Saturday." This name is derived from the Christian tradition that assigns days of the week to the names of saints. In this case, it refers to someone born on Saint Benedict's Day, as Saturday in Ethiopia corresponds to the Coptic calendar's Saint Benedict's Day celebration. However, it is important to note that surnames can have multiple origins and variations, and this explanation is one possible origin for the name Kebede.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Kebede
The surname Kebede is of Ethiopian origin, specifically from the Amharic language, where it translates to "born ruler" or "given by God". The name is composed of two elements: "Keba", meaning "God", and "ade", which means "birth" or "gift". This surname is common among Ethiopians, particularly in the Amhara region. Its use as a surname reflects the strong religious and cultural traditions of Ethiopia, where names often have symbolic and meaningful origins. The name Kebede signifies divine appointment or a royal lineage, reflecting the historical significance of heredity and religion in Ethiopian society.
Geographical distribution of the last name Kebede
The surname Kebede is predominantly of Ethiopian origin and is most commonly found within Ethiopia, particularly in its capital city Addis Ababa and the surrounding Oromia and Amhara regions. It is one of the country's most prevalent surnames, reflecting the name's historical and cultural significance in Ethiopia. Beyond Ethiopia, there are also significant numbers of people with the last name Kebede in North America, Europe, Australia, and other parts of the world, particularly among the Ethiopian diaspora. In these regions, the name is often found concentrated in urban areas with large Ethiopian populations such as Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Toronto, London, and Sydney.
Variants and spellings of the last name Kebede
The surname Kebede has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and local dialects. Here are some common versions:
1. Kebede: This is the most common spelling and the original Amharic form of the name, which means "born of the king" or "son of a king."
2. Kebaday: An alternative spelling found in some records, although less common than Kebede.
3. Kabebe: A variation used by Ethiopians who may have Anglicized their names upon migration to English-speaking countries.
4. Cabedee: This is another variant, typically found among Ethiopian immigrants.
5. Kabete: A different spelling that can be found in some databases or documents, although it does not appear to be a common variation of the name Kebede.
6. Kibede: A possible typo or an alternative spelling, although not widely used among people with the surname Kebede.
Famous people with the last name Kebede
Haile Kebede, born in Ethiopia, is a renowned physician and researcher specializing in breast cancer genetics. He attended the University of Addis Ababa for medical school before pursuing his doctoral degree at Harvard Medical School. He has published numerous groundbreaking studies in prestigious journals such as Nature Genetics and Science, focusing on identifying genetic risk factors associated with breast cancer.
Another notable figure with the surname Kebede is Abebe Bikila Kebede, an Ethiopian long-distance runner. He won gold medals in the marathon at both the 1960 and 1964 Summer Olympics, becoming the first African athlete to win Olympic gold in track and field events. His achievements are celebrated as a significant milestone for African athletes in international competitions.
Lastly, Yonas Kebede is an Ethiopian-born American fashion designer based in New York City. He launched his eponymous label, KEBEDÉ, in 2009, which features traditional Ethiopian cloth called "shemma" reinterpreted for contemporary fashion. His designs have been showcased at New York Fashion Week and featured in various international publications.
Genealogical research on the last name Kebede
The surname Kebede is predominantly of Ethiopian origin and is derived from the Amharic word "Kebed," meaning "strong" or "powerful." This name has its roots in the ancient Ethiopian dynasty, with historical figures such as Emperor Haile Selassie I (1892-1975) carrying this surname. The Kebede lineage can be traced back to the medieval era, with notable ancestors playing significant roles in Ethiopian politics and religion. In the 13th century, King Lalibela, a renowned figure in Ethiopian history who is believed to have built the rock-cut churches of Lalibela, had several descendants bearing the Kebede name. The surname remains common among Ethiopians today, particularly within the Amhara and Tigray regions.
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.
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