Last Name Atieno

The surname Atieno is of African origin and is commonly found among the Luo people in Kenya. The name is derived from a tribal or ancestral name and means "born during the dry season" in the Luo language. The Luo people are one of the largest ethnic groups in western Kenya, and their culture and language have a significant influence on Kenyan politics, economics, and society.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Atieno

The meaning and origin of the last name Atieno

The surname Atieno is of African origin, specifically from the Nyanza region in Kenya. It belongs to the Luo ethnic group, one of the largest communities in that area. The name Atieno is derived from the Luo language and is a feminine name meaning "born on Saturday" or "the one born on the day of rest". In the traditional Luo naming system, children are given names based on the day of the week they were born, with male names ending in 'o' and female names ending in 'eno'. The surname Atieno was likely adopted as a result of Western influence and colonial rule in Kenya during the 20th century.

Geographical distribution of the last name Atieno

The surname Atieno is primarily associated with Kenya, particularly among the Luo ethnic group, which constitutes one of the largest communities in that country. The Luo people originate from the Nyanza region, specifically along Lake Victoria's western shore. However, due to migration and diaspora, individuals with the surname Atieno can also be found in other parts of Kenya, as well as within the Kenyan diaspora in various countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and other parts of Europe and Asia. It's important to note that the distribution of names often reflects historical population movements, ethnic affiliations, and cultural influences.

Variants and spellings of the last name Atieno

The surname Atieno has several variants and alternate spellings, primarily due to phonetic changes and regional dialects. Some common variations include Ateno, Atiano, Ateino, Atieng, Ateeno, Atyeno, and Otieng. These variations may arise from differences in pronunciation, transcription errors, or cultural influences over time. It is also possible for individuals to use different spellings of their surname, depending on personal preference or regional conventions. However, it is essential to note that the original spelling of any name can vary based on historical context and individual circumstance.

Famous people with the last name Atieno

Notable individuals with the surname Atieno include:

1. Margaret Wanjiku Atieno, a Kenyan-born professor and scholar who serves as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at Spelman College, a historically black women's college in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.

2. Yvonne Okwara Atieno, a Kenyan journalist and television news anchor, currently serving as the head of NTV Kenya News.

3. Judy Atieno, a Kenyan-British writer and broadcaster who works for BBC World Service and the BBC African Network. She is also a co-founder of the charity Akili Dada, which supports young women's leadership in Kenya.

4. Collins Injera Atieno, a professional rugby union player who represents Kenya internationally and plays as a wing or fullback for Nottingham in the RFU Championship in England.

5. Julius Situma Atieno, a Kenyan politician who served as Governor of Siaya County from 2013 to 2017. He is currently the Senator representing Siaya County since 2018.

Genealogical research on the last name Atieno

The surname Atieno is primarily associated with communities in Kenya and Uganda, originating from the Nyanza region in Western Kenya among the Luo ethnic group. The name is derived from the Luo language, meaning "born on a Saturday." Historically, it was not uncommon for African names to have specific meanings related to the day of the week or other significant events at the time of birth. In the context of Kenyan history, the Atienos can be traced back to prominent figures such as Ajwang' Atieno Oyoo, a Luo chief who resisted British colonial rule in the late 19th century. However, comprehensive genealogical records for African names are often limited due to factors like oral tradition, cultural practices, and colonial influences. Researching the Atieno lineage may require a combination of historical research, interviews with family members, and DNA testing to build a more complete picture.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "atieno"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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