Origin & Meaning of the Jama Surname
What does the last name Jama mean?
The surname Jama carries the meaning "Surname with roots in African American heritage." It is derived from the English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 2,907 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Jama ranks as the #10,951 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Jama come from?
The Jama surname has its roots in African American heritage. Names of African American origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Jama name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Jama trace back to English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Jama |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Surname with roots in African American heritage |
| Origin | African American |
| Language | English |
| US Rank (2010) | #10,951 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,907 |
| Per 100K People | 0.99 |
| First Letter | J |
Ethnic Distribution of Jama
According to the US Census, the Jama surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,907 Americans with the Jama last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 4.06% |
| Black | 92.78% |
| Hispanic | 1.34% |
| Two or More Races | 1.17% |
Popularity of Jama Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Jama surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Jama surname increased by 1,680 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Jama
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Jama.
Other African American Surnames
Explore more surnames with African American roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same African American origin as Jama.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jama
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