Bangura Surname

Introduction to the Surname 'Bangura'

The surname 'Bangura' is derived from the Mandingo and Mende ethnic groups, which are predominantly found in parts of West Africa, particularly in Sierra Leone and surrounding regions. This surname holds cultural significance and is entwined with the lineage and history of the families that bear it. The distribution of the surname globally can also shine a light on migration patterns, colonial histories, and socio-economic interactions across continents.

Geographical Distribution of the Bangura Surname

African Roots

The highest incidence of the surname 'Bangura' is found in Sierra Leone, where it is rooted in the local culture. This is evidenced by the significant number of individuals carrying this surname in the country, with an incidence rate of 310,010. The presence of the name in Sierra Leone reflects the ethnic diversity and historical migrations within West Africa.

Global Incidence

The surname has also spread to various parts of the globe, a testament to the migration trends during and after the colonial era. Countries with notable incidences include:

  • Germany (3,823)
  • United States (1,773)
  • United Kingdom (1,141)
  • Ghana (950)
  • Zimbabwe (717)
  • Liberia (484)

Each of these regions showcases unique demographic characteristics and reasons for the migration of individuals, often linked to economic opportunities, political unrest, or social networks established by expatriate communities.

Historical Context of the Bangura Surname

Origins and Etymology

The origin of the surname 'Bangura' can be traced back to the Fulani word meaning "to plan" or "to arrange". The Fulani are a significant ethnic group in West Africa, and their historical interactions with other tribes contributed to the cultural and linguistic landscape of the region. In Mandingo, the surname can also denote a connection to a person's occupational role or social standing within a clan.

Cultural Significance

Within Sierra Leonean culture, surnames like 'Bangura' often carry familial lineage and denote the ancestral practices of the communities. It represents a connection to one's heritage and can embody pride in one's identity. Families bearing this surname often emphasize the importance of history, storytelling, and traditions handed down through generations.

Migration Patterns and Global Presence

Sierra Leone to the World

The migration of individuals with the surname 'Bangura' from Sierra Leone can be attributed to various factors, including civil wars, economic challenges, and the search for education and employment opportunities. The Sierra Leone Civil War (1991–2002) caused significant upheaval and prompted many to emigrate in search of stability and safety.

Bangura in the United States

In the United States, the Bangura surname has gained recognition within various immigrant communities. The largest concentrations of individuals with this surname can be found in urban areas with diverse populations, such as New York and Washington, D.C. The active Sierra Leonean diaspora contributes to the cultural vibrancy of these cities, introducing elements of their rich traditions and fostering social networks that support new immigrants.

Bangura in Europe

Countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands have developed significant populations of individuals bearing the Bangura surname. This can be traced back to historical ties between these European countries and West Africa during colonial times. The UK, in particular, has been a common destination for migrants from Sierra Leone, driven by its colonial connections and established community networks.

Contemporary Significance of the Surname

Notable Individuals with the Surname Bangura

The Bangura surname is carried by numerous individuals across various fields, including politics, sports, and academia. Some notable figures include:

  • Alhaji Bangura – A politician in Sierra Leone known for his contributions to local governance.
  • Mohamed Bangura – A professional footballer who has represented various teams in international competitions.
  • Sajida Bangura – An emerging academic often cited for her research on post-colonial studies and the global diaspora.

These individuals not only contribute to the recognition of the surname but also carry the legacy of their ancestors in their respective domains.

Bangura in Social Media and Modern Culture

The rise of social media has also allowed individuals with the surname 'Bangura' to connect more profoundly across the globe. Online platforms host numerous Banguras who share their stories, cultural insights, and personal connections to their heritage. This digital presence reinforces a sense of community and culture, allowing for intercultural exchange and collaboration.

The Surname 'Bangura' in Genealogy and Family Research

Tracing Family Lineage

For many individuals with the surname 'Bangura', tracing family lineage is crucial for understanding their historical roots. In communities where oral history is paramount, families often recount stories of ancestors, migration journeys, and traditions that have shaped their family identity.

Genealogical Records and Challenges

Researching the Bangura surname may present some challenges, particularly in West Africa, where formal records may be sparse. However, increased interest in genealogy has led to more resources being made available online, including DNA testing services, which can help individuals connect with lost relatives or uncover new branches of their family tree.

Conclusion

In understanding the significance of the surname 'Bangura', we appreciate the profound history, cultural implications, and contemporary relevance that accompany it. This surname remains a symbol of resilience, identity, and the interconnectedness of global communities.

The surname Bangura into the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it can be done to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Exactly the same happens in the case of Bangura, which as you're able to corroborate, it can be said that it's a surname which can be found in the majority of the countries of the globe. In the same way there are nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of people with all the surname Bangura is greater than in other countries.

The map of this Bangura surname

View Bangura surname map

The likelihood of examining on a globe map about which nations hold a greater number of Bangura on earth, helps us plenty. By putting ourselves in the map, for a tangible country, we can begin to see the tangible number of people with all the surname Bangura, to have in this way the complete information of all Bangura that you could presently find in that country. All this also assists us to understand not just in which the surname Bangura arises from, but also in excatly what way the individuals that are initially the main family members that bears the surname Bangura have moved and moved. In the same way, you can see by which places they will have settled and developed, which is the reason why if Bangura is our surname, it seems interesting to which other countries of the world it's possible this one of our ancestors once relocated to.

Countries with more Bangura on earth

  1. Sierra Leone Sierra Leone (310010)
  2. Gambia Gambia (3823)
  3. United States United States (1773)
  4. England England (1141)
  5. Ghana Ghana (950)
  6. Zimbabwe Zimbabwe (717)
  7. Liberia Liberia (484)
  8. Kenya Kenya (253)
  9. Nigeria Nigeria (165)
  10. Canada Canada (138)
  11. Netherlands Netherlands (93)
  12. Australia Australia (55)
  13. Germany Germany (55)
  14. Kuwait Kuwait (47)
  15. Sweden Sweden (45)
  16. Portugal Portugal (38)
  17. Spain Spain (32)
  18. Norway Norway (28)
  19. Sudan Sudan (25)
  20. Iraq Iraq (21)
  21. Scotland Scotland (17)
  22. Switzerland Switzerland (15)
  23. Belarus Belarus (14)
  24. Belgium Belgium (13)
  25. France France (13)
  26. Finland Finland (11)
  27. Ukraine Ukraine (10)
  28. Russia Russia (10)
  29. Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia (9)
  30. Ecuador Ecuador (9)
  31. Lebanon Lebanon (8)
  32. Wales Wales (7)
  33. United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates (6)
  34. India India (6)
  35. Kazakhstan Kazakhstan (6)
  36. China China (6)
  37. Nothern Ireland Nothern Ireland (5)
  38. Italy Italy (5)
  39. Ivory Coast Ivory Coast (5)
  40. Colombia Colombia (5)
  41. Guinea Guinea (4)
  42. Senegal Senegal (4)
  43. Tanzania Tanzania (4)
  44. Brazil Brazil (4)
  45. Democratic Republic of the Congo Democratic Republic of the Congo (4)
  46. Ethiopia Ethiopia (4)
  47. Lithuania Lithuania (3)
  48. Afghanistan Afghanistan (2)
  49. Austria Austria (2)
  50. Turkey Turkey (2)
  51. Hungary Hungary (2)
  52. Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago (2)
  53. Israel Israel (2)
  54. Uganda Uganda (2)
  55. Venezuela Venezuela (2)
  56. South Africa South Africa (2)
  57. Cape Verde Cape Verde (2)
  58. Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea (2)
  59. Philippines Philippines (2)
  60. Singapore Singapore (1)
  61. Greece Greece (1)
  62. Thailand Thailand (1)
  63. Guinea-Bissau Guinea-Bissau (1)
  64. Azerbaijan Azerbaijan (1)
  65. Ireland Ireland (1)
  66. Benin Benin (1)
  67. Botswana Botswana (1)
  68. Iceland Iceland (1)
  69. Mali Mali (1)
  70. Cyprus Cyprus (1)
  71. Mexico Mexico (1)
  72. Czech Republic Czech Republic (1)
  73. Malaysia Malaysia (1)
  74. Denmark Denmark (1)
  75. Qatar Qatar (1)