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Last Name Adjahi

What is the origin of the last name Adjahi?

The origin of the surname Adjahi is rooted in West African cultures, specifically among the Ewe people from Togo and Ghana. In the Ewe language, "Adza" means "born on a Tuesday," and "Hwi" could refer to a place or town. Thus, the name Adjahi might have originally been given as a birth-day name or a reference to a specific location. However, it's essential to note that surnames are complex and can have multiple origins and variations based on factors such as geographical migrations, historical events, and cultural influences.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Adjahi

The meaning and origin of the last name Adjahi

The surname Adjahi is of African origin, specifically from West Africa, particularly among the Ewe people of Ghana and Togo. The name is derived from the Ewe language, where 'Adza' means "born on Thursday" and 'Ho' signifies "king" or "noble." Therefore, Adjahi can be interpreted as a name given to someone born on a day considered auspicious, associated with royalty or nobility. The spelling variations of the name may arise due to differences in transcription methods from the Ewe language into other languages, resulting in forms such as Adzahi, Ajahi, and Adzazi.

Geographical distribution of the last name Adjahi

The surname Adjahi is primarily associated with West Africa, particularly among the Ewe people in Togo and Ghana. It is also found in neighboring Benin and Nigeria. The name is derived from the Ewe language and means "born on Monday." As a result of migration, individuals with the last name Adjahi can now be found in various diaspora communities, including the United States, France, Canada, and Australia. While the concentration of people bearing this surname remains high in West Africa, its presence in other parts of the world reflects historical patterns of migration from the region.

Variants and spellings of the last name Adjahi

The surname Adjahi has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and transliteration across regions and time periods. Some common variants include Adjai, Ajahi, Ajai, Atjahi, Adzahi, and Atshai. These variations may be found among individuals of African descent, particularly those from West Africa, such as Ghana, Togo, and Benin. It is important to note that the correct spelling can depend on factors like the specific dialect or language used in a region, as well as historical changes in naming conventions. When researching genealogy or other records related to individuals with this name, it may be necessary to consider multiple variations to ensure accurate identification.

Famous people with the last name Adjahi

Notable individuals with the surname Adjahi include:

1. Kossi Adjahi, a Togolese footballer who played as a defender for several clubs including Marseille and Ajax Amsterdam. He represented Togo in international competitions and is known for his performances in the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

2. Marie-Josée Adjahi, a Canadian neuroscientist specializing in Alzheimer's disease research. She currently holds the position of director of the Montreal Alzheimer Disease Research Centre and is a professor at McGill University. Her work has led to significant advancements in understanding the genetic basis of Alzheimer's.

3. Abdourahmane Adjahi, a Togolese politician who served as Prime Minister of Togo from 2015 to 2017. He was born in Ghana and later returned to Togo where he held various roles in the government before becoming prime minister.

4. Nathalie Adjahi, a French actress best known for her role in the French television series "Mafiosa" and the film "Les Sœurs Soleil". She has also appeared in several theater productions and won a Molière Award for Best Actress in 2014.

Genealogical research on the last name Adjahi

The surname Adjahi is commonly associated with the Ewe ethnic group in West Africa, specifically from the Volta Region of Ghana and the adjacent regions of Togo. Historical records indicate that the name originated as a patronymic, derived from the given name "Adza," which means "king" or "ruler." Over time, the name spread to other regions as a result of migrations and colonization. In the diaspora, the name has been variously spelled as Adjahie, Adjayi, Adzahi, and others due to transcription errors or assimilation into different cultures. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Samuel Kofi Adjai, a Ghanaian politician, and Osa Atoe Adjahi, a Nigerian academic and writer.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 26 July 2025

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