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Last Name Ejide

What is the origin of the last name Ejide?

The surname Ejide is of Nigerian origin. It belongs to the Ijaw people, one of the major ethnic groups in Nigeria. The name is derived from the Ijaw language and has various meanings depending on the specific region within the Ijaw area. Some interpretations include "born at home," "born during a war," or "the child is destined for greatness." It's important to note that surnames in Africa often reflect tribal, ethnic, or regional affiliations rather than being patronymic (derived from the father's name).

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ejide

The meaning and origin of the last name Ejide

The surname Ejide is of Nigerian origin, specifically from the Igbo tribe in southeastern Nigeria. It is an African name, rooted in the Bantu language group. The name Ejide can be translated as "born on Friday" or "owner of the market" depending on the specific dialect and context within the Igbo culture. In traditional African societies, names often carry significant meanings that reflect the day of birth, family history, or personal traits. The Ejide surname, like many African names, has been adopted by individuals across various regions and cultures as a result of migration and assimilation. It is an integral part of the rich tapestry of Nigerian and African surnames, offering insight into the diverse and unique cultural heritage of these regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ejide

The last name Ejide has its origins from Nigeria, specifically in the Ijaw people group residing primarily in the Niger Delta region. This ethnic group is one of the largest and most influential in the Niger Delta area. Over time, individuals with the surname Ejide have migrated to other parts of Nigeria and beyond, establishing communities in cities such as Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, and Ibadan. In the diaspora, there are significant numbers of people with the last name Ejide in the United States, particularly in states like Texas, California, Georgia, Illinois, and New York due to migration patterns. The name is also found in other countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and South Africa where Nigerians have settled over the years. The geographical distribution of the last name Ejide reflects both historical migrations within Nigeria and wider global diaspora trends among people of Ijaw descent.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ejide

The surname Ejide, which is predominantly of Nigerian origin, has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and regional pronunciation. Some common spelling variations of the last name Ejide include Echi, Eje, Ejekwu, Ejike, Ijide, Ajide, and Ujide. These variations may arise from phonetic changes as the surname is passed down through generations or due to differences in dialects within Nigeria. The name is derived from the Igbo language, which is one of the three largest ethnic groups in Nigeria, and translates roughly to "wealth has come." It is important to note that there may be additional variations not listed here.

Famous people with the last name Ejide

Notable individuals with the surname Ejide include:

1. Adewunmi Ejide: A Nigerian-born American professional tennis player who reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 82 by the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) in 2014. She was a member of the Nigerian Fed Cup team and competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics.

2. Chika Ejide: A Nigerian-American entrepreneur, filmmaker, and technology executive who co-founded the streaming platform TikTok. Prior to this, he worked at Google as a software engineer and product manager. He has also been involved in several philanthropic activities focusing on education, health, and economic development in Nigeria.

3. Okechukwu Ejide: A Nigerian footballer who played as a defender. He began his professional career with Enyimba International F.C., representing them in multiple CAF Champions League tournaments. He also played for Katsina United, Heartland F.C., and several other clubs in Nigeria before retiring from professional football in 2017.

4. Emmanuel Ejide: A Nigerian-British writer, artist, and musician who has been recognized for his works that explore the African diaspora. His short story collection "Seven Sonnets for an Almost-Dead African" was longlisted for the Frank O'Connor International Short Story Award in 2018.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, showcasing the diverse talents and achievements of those with the surname Ejide.

Genealogical research on the last name Ejide

The surname Ejide is predominantly found among the Ijaw people, an ethnic group residing primarily in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. It is believed to be derived from the Ejo-Ide clan, one of the numerous clans that make up the larger Ijaw community. The Ejide clan was traditionally known for their prowess in fishing and boat building, reflecting the coastal location of their ancestral homeland.

Early records show that the Ejide family migrated from their original land, possibly due to conflicts or resource depletion, and settled in various parts of the Niger Delta and beyond. Notable descendants include politicians, businesspeople, artists, and academics who have made significant contributions to their communities and Nigeria at large.

Genealogical research into the Ejide lineage is ongoing, with efforts being made to trace its roots further back in time, potentially uncovering connections to other prominent Niger Delta clans or pre-colonial societies. The study of this surname offers valuable insights into the history, culture, and migrations of the Ijaw people.

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 : 10 June 2025

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