NomOrigine Background

Last Name Agbele

What is the origin of the last name Agbele?

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Learn more about the origin of the last name Agbele

The meaning and origin of the last name Agbele

The surname Agbele is of Nigerian origin, specifically within the Yoruba ethnic group residing in Nigeria's Southwestern region. It derives from the Yoruba language and can be translated as "owner of the marketplace." This name suggests a historical figure who played a significant role in commerce and trade within his community. The Yoruba people have a rich cultural history, with a strong emphasis on communal living and respect for ancestors, which is reflected in many traditional African surnames like Agbele. Over time, variations of the spelling of Agbele may appear due to differences in transliteration or local dialects. However, all variants generally retain the original meaning "owner of the marketplace."

Geographical distribution of the last name Agbele

The surname Agbele is predominantly found in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria and Benin, where it originates from the Yoruba ethnic group. In Nigeria, it is most common in the Southwestern states such as Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti. It is less frequently encountered in other parts of the country. In Benin, it is prevalent among the Edo people who share linguistic and cultural ties with their Nigerian counterparts. Outside Africa, individuals with this surname can be found primarily in diaspora communities in countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and other Western European nations, where migration from Nigeria and Benin has taken place over the last century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Agbele

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Famous people with the last name Agbele

The Agbele surname is predominantly associated with notable figures from Nigeria and other African countries. One of the most renowned individuals is Ayo Agbale, a Nigerian engineer, who served as the Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) from 2014 to 2015. In the field of academia, Prof. Toyin Falola, a prominent historian and literary critic, is well-known for his works on African history and culture. Another significant figure is Bisi Agbole, a respected Nigerian author known for her novel "Bitter Bananas," which explores themes of migration and identity. Lastly, Samuel Olasunkanmi Agbele, a distinguished Nigerian physician, has made substantial contributions to the medical field with his research on cancer and tropical diseases. These individuals exemplify the intellectual and professional achievements of those bearing the Agbele surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Agbele

The surname Agbele originates from the Yoruba people of Nigeria, specifically from the Edo and Ondo states in West Africa. It is an occupational name derived from the Yoruba word "agbaye," which means "messenger" or "herald." The Agbele clan were traditionally responsible for delivering messages, news, or announcements within their communities and between neighboring villages. Over time, as migration and cultural assimilation occurred, families with this surname have spread across various regions of Nigeria and other parts of the world. Notable individuals with this name include Chief Agbelekaleyin Michael Agbalegha, a prominent Yoruba politician, and Dr. (Mrs.) Funmilayo Agbaje-Williams, a renowned Nigerian scientist and academic.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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 : 15 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Agbaholou (Last name)

surnames > agbaholou

The last name "Agbaholou" originates from the Ewe and Fon ethnic groups in Togo and Benin. It is a common surname among the Ewe and Fon people, and typically signifies a person's l...

Agbaklah (Last name)

surnames > agbaklah

The last name Agbaklah is of African origin, specifically from the Ga tribe in Ghana. It is derived from the Ga word "gbade" which means "only child" or "one who is cherished."

Agbale (Last name)

surnames > agbale

The last name Agbale is of African origin, specifically from Nigeria. It is a common surname in the Yoruba ethnic group in Nigeria. The name may have different meanings or signific...

Agbay (Last name)

surnames > agbay

The last name "Agbay" is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the Tagalog word "abay," meaning "companion" or "supporter." It is a common surname among Filipino families.

Agbayani (Last name)

surnames > agbayani

The last name Agbayani is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the Tagalog word "bayani," which means hero or warrior.

Agbenyo (Last name)

surnames > agbenyo

The last name Agbenyo is of African origin, specifically from the Ewe people of Ghana and Togo. It is believed to be a surname derived from a given name or a personal characteristi...

Agbi (Last name)

surnames > agbi

The last name "Agbi" is of Nigerian origin. It is believed to be derived from the Edo language of Nigeria, specifically from the Etsako ethnic group in the southern part of the cou...

Agbisit (Last name)

surnames > agbisit

The surname Agbisit originates from the Philippines. It is derived from the Ilocano word "bisit" which means "visit."

Agbodjan-dossou (Last name)

surnames > agbodjan-dossou

The surname Agbodjan-Dossou is of West African origin, specifically from Benin and Togo. It is a composite surname derived from two separate traditional African names. The first p...

Agbodjan-prince (Last name)

surnames > agbodjan-prince

The last name "Agbodjan" likely has origins in West Africa, specifically among ethnic groups in countries such as Togo, Ghana, or Benin. The name "Prince" is a common English last ...

Agbodjogbe (Last name)

surnames > agbodjogbe

The last name Agbodjogbe is of West African origin, specifically from the Ewe ethnic group that resides primarily in Togo and Ghana. The name can be traced back to the region's tra...

Agbodo (Last name)

surnames > agbodo

The last name Agbodo is of African origin, specifically from the Igbo people of Nigeria. The name may have been derived from a specific geographic location, a personal characterist...

Agbogbe (Last name)

surnames > agbogbe

The last name Agbogbe is of African origin, specifically from the Edo people of Nigeria. The name is likely derived from the Edo language, but the exact meaning or history behind t...

Agboh (Last name)

surnames > agboh

The last name Agboh appears to have African origins. It is most commonly found in Nigeria, specifically among the Igala people in the Kogi state. The name may have different meanin...

Agbohoun (Last name)

surnames > agbohoun

The last name Agbohoun is of African origin, specifically from the Fon people of Benin. It is a common surname among the Fon people, and likely originated from a specific ancestor ...