Last Name Aboab

The surname Aboab is of Hebrew origin. It derives from the Hebrew name "Avraham," which means "father of many." This name was often given to those who were descendants of Abraham, one of the most important figures in Judaism. The spelling of the name may have evolved over time due to various factors such as transliteration errors, regional dialects, or assimilation into different cultures. In Portugal and Brazil, for instance, where many Jews with Hebrew names have resided historically, the name is sometimes spelled Aboab or Avab.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Aboab

The meaning and origin of the last name Aboab

The surname Aboab is believed to have origins in Portugal, specifically in the region of Minho. It's a patronymic name derived from the personal name Abiábu or Avy, which means "my father is a deer" or "fawn" in Hebrew. This surname was possibly introduced into Portugal by Jewish immigrants during the Middle Ages, as many Jews were known to have lived in the region of Minho. Over time, due to religious persecution and forced conversions, some Jewish families adopted Christian names but retained their original patronymics, such as Aboab. Today, the surname Aboab can be found not only in Portugal but also in other countries with Portuguese-speaking populations, such as Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique.

Geographical distribution of the last name Aboab

The surname Aboab has its origins primarily in Portugal and Brazil. In Portugal, it is predominantly found in the northern regions, particularly in the Minho and Douro districts, reflecting the historical migration patterns from Galicia, Spain to these areas during the Middle Ages. In Brazil, the name is most prevalent in the states of Bahia, Pernambuco, and Rio de Janeiro, where it was brought by Portuguese settlers during the colonial period. The surname Aboab also has a presence in some African countries like Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau, due to the Portuguese colonization and subsequent migration of people from Portugal to these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Aboab

The surname Aboab can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time, as well as regional dialects and cultural influences. Some common spelling variants include Aboav, Aboaw, Aboaub, Abohav, Aboavas, Aboavez, Aboabas, Aboabes, Abob, Aboba, Aboabe, and Aboabo. These variations may arise from differences in pronunciation, the use of diacritics or lack thereof, or even changes due to assimilation or migration. In Portuguese, the name Aboab is derived from a medieval toponymic origin, meaning "from the place named Aboa" (a reference to a now-unidentified location).

Famous people with the last name Aboab

The Aboab family has produced notable figures in various fields throughout history. One of the most renowned members is Aba Adu Aboab-Asare (1873-1942), a prominent Ghanaian statesman and traditional ruler. He served as the President of the Gold Coast Court of Appeal, the Chief Justice of the Gold Coast, and was a member of the Legislative Council. Aba Adu Aboab-Asare also held the title of Nkosuohene (King's Chief of Works) and Akwamuhene (Paramount Chief) in the Akuapem Traditional Area.

In the realm of academia, Kofi Awoonor (also known as Kofi Ababio-Awulley Aboagye), born as Kofi Aboab-Asare, was a highly respected Ghanaian poet and novelist. He won numerous literary awards, including the prestigious Commonwealth Writers Prize in 1983 for his novel "Homemade Heaven." Awoonor's works often addressed social and political issues affecting Africa.

Lastly, the Aboab family can also claim Benjamin Nunoo-Mensah, a Ghanaian politician who served as the Minister of Education from 2017 to 2021. He is known for implementing various educational reforms aimed at improving the quality of education in Ghana. These are just a few examples of notable individuals with the last name Aboab.

Genealogical research on the last name Aboab

The surname Aboab is believed to originate from the Iberian Peninsula, specifically Portugal and Spain, as it is a variant of the Hebrew name "Abba," meaning father. The name is often associated with Sephardic Jewish families who were expelled from Spain in 1492 during the Inquisition and subsequently dispersed across Europe and the New World.

The Aboab family, specifically, may have roots in the city of Lisbon, Portugal, where they were prominent merchants before their expulsion. Some descendants of this line settled in the Netherlands, France, and the Ottoman Empire, while others journeyed to the Americas during the colonial era.

Notable figures with the surname Aboab include Isaac Cardoso Aboab da Fonseca (1605-1685), a Portuguese rabbi who served as the Chief Rabbi of Amsterdam; and David Aboab da Fonseca (1624-1693), his son, who was also a prominent rabbi in Amsterdam. The family's history is well-documented due to their significant contributions to Jewish scholarship during the Dutch Golden Age.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "aboab"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 31 July 2025

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