NomOrigine Background

Last Name Buba

What is the origin of the last name Buba?

The surname Buba is of African origin, specifically from West Africa, particularly Nigeria and surrounding regions. It is derived from various ethnic groups such as the Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, or Edo. The name could have different meanings depending on the ethnic group. For example, among the Yoruba, it could mean 'crown' or 'royalty', while among the Hausa, it could be a shortened version of the name Bubuai or Bubaram, meaning 'blessing'. However, it is important to note that surnames can have multiple origins and meanings, so this information might not apply to every instance of the surname Buba. For a more precise interpretation, further research specific to the individual's family history might be necessary.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Buba

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Buba

The meaning and origin of the last name Buba

The surname Buba is of African origin, specifically from West Africa, particularly among the Hausa people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria. The name is derived from the Hausa language, where 'buba' means 'leopard'. This surname might have been originally given as a nickname to someone who was strong and fearless, like a leopard, or perhaps to someone who had a physical resemblance to a leopard. Over time, it evolved into a family name, passed down through generations. Today, the Buba surname is widely found among people of Nigerian descent around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Buba

The last name Buba is predominantly found in West Africa, particularly among the ethnic groups in Nigeria, such as the Hausa and the Fulani. It also has a presence in other African countries like Cameroon, Niger, and Chad due to historical migrations and cultural exchange. The name's distribution can be attributed to its Arabic origin, with "buba" translating to "dignity" or "honor" in the Arabic language. In recent times, there has been a diaspora of individuals with the last name Buba, who have migrated to other parts of the world, including Europe and North America, primarily due to economic and educational opportunities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Buba

The surname Buba can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time, as well as regional dialects. Some common variations include Bubba, Buaba, Boubacar (in West African cultures), Bouaba, Buabo, Bubu (as a diminutive), and Boube (a pet form). These variations might also appear with different diacritical marks or spelling conventions depending on the language or region. For example, Boubacar can be written as Boubкар or Boubakar in some cases. It's essential to remember that while these variations share a common root, they may have distinct origins and meanings within different cultural contexts.

Famous people with the last name Buba

Notable individuals with the surname Buba include:

1. Muhamed Hadi Buba, a Gambian politician who served as Minister of Agriculture and Forestry from 2013 to 2017.

2. Emeka Buba, a Nigerian filmmaker and actor known for his roles in Nollywood films like "Bitter Enemies" and "The Meeting Point."

3. Yusufu Buba, a Chadian professional footballer who plays as a defender for the Chad national team and the Tunisian club ES Zarzis.

4. John Tchouangui Buba, a Cameroonian politician who served as Minister of State, Minister of Public Works in 1975-1982, then Minister of Transport from 1983 to 1984.

5. Ali Buba Mariam, a Nigerian politician and member of the House of Representatives representing Funtua/Dutse Federal Constituency of Katsina State, Nigeria since 2019.

Genealogical research on the last name Buba

The surname Buba, while not as commonly researched as some others, has roots traced back to West Africa, particularly among ethnic groups like the Hausa and Fula, who inhabit regions such as Nigeria, Niger, and Chad. Historically, it is a patronymic name, with "Buba" being a diminutive form of the name "Bubay," which means "great" or "powerful" in several African languages. As a result of migrations and the Atlantic slave trade, individuals bearing this surname can also be found in the Americas, primarily in countries such as Brazil, Cuba, and the United States. Research into the Buba lineage is still ongoing to delve deeper into its origins and dispersal patterns across the globe.

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 : 27 July 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

Bubah (Last name)

surnames > bubah

The surname Bubah is of African origin, specifically believed to be derived from the Hausa language in West Africa.

Bubarettes (Last name)

surnames > bubarettes

The last name "Bubarettes" does not appear to have a specific origin or meaning in English. It is possible that it could be of a unique or uncommon origin, or it may be a variation...

Bubber (Last name)

surnames > bubber

The last name "Bubber" is of German origin. It is believed to be a variant of the surname "Bube" which means "boy" or "youth" in German. Over time, the name may have evolved into "...

Bublik (Last name)

surnames > bublik

The last name "Bublik" is of Eastern European origin, specifically from countries such as Russia, Ukraine, and Poland. It is derived from the word "bublik," which means a small rou...

Bubly (Last name)

surnames > bubly

The last name "Bubly" is of Polish origin. It is derived from the Polish word "bubel," meaning "blemish" or "fault." It likely originated as a nickname for someone with a physical ...

Bubnowski (Last name)

surnames > bubnowski

The last name Bubnowski is of Polish origin. It is derived from the personal name Bubnow, which is a diminutive of the given name Jakub, meaning "Jacob" in English.

Bubols (Last name)

surnames > bubols

The last name Bubols is of Polish origin. It is derived from the given name Bubła, which is a diminutive form of the name Borys, ultimately coming from the Old Slavic word for "ba...

Bubu chirayath (Last name)

surnames > bubu-chirayath

The last name Bubu Chirayath is of Indian origin. "Bubu" is a Malayalam word meaning "baby" or "child," while "Chirayath" is a South Indian (specifically Kerala) surname typically ...

Bubuk (Last name)

surnames > bubuk

The last name "Bubuk" originates from the Czech and Slovak languages, derived from the word for "grain" or "seed." It likely originally denoted someone who worked as a farmer or in...

Bubuts (Last name)

surnames > bubuts

The last name "Bubuts" is of Ukrainian origin.