Origin & Meaning of the Kamau Surname
What does the last name Kamau mean?
The surname Kamau 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 1,552 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kamau ranks as the #17,992 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kamau come from?
The Kamau 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 Kamau name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kamau 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 | Kamau |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Surname with roots in African American heritage |
| Origin | African American |
| Language | English |
| US Rank (2010) | #17,992 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,552 |
| Per 100K People | 0.53 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kamau
According to the US Census, the Kamau surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,552 Americans with the Kamau last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 3.03% |
| Black | 88.53% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 3.16% |
| Two or More Races | 4.12% |
Popularity of Kamau Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kamau surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kamau surname increased by 1,024 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Kamau
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Kamau.
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 Kamau.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kamau
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