Last Name Elegbe

The surname Elegbe is of Yoruba origin, which is a Niger-Congo ethnic group that inhabits western Nigeria. In the Yoruba language, "Elegbe" translates to "calabash," a type of bowl or container made from the hollowed-out shell of a gourd. As with many African surnames, it was traditionally a descriptive name given to someone who possessed certain characteristics associated with the object or concept that the name represented. In this case, a person might be named Elegbe if they had a round or bowl-shaped face or body, or if they were particularly skilled at making or using calabashes. The Yoruba people have a rich and complex system of naming conventions, with surnames often being passed down patrilineally (from father to son) but also being influenced by various factors such as occupation, geography, and personal traits.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Elegbe

The meaning and origin of the last name Elegbe

The surname Elegbe is of Yoruba origin, from the Niger-Congo language family, specifically within the West African country of Nigeria. In the Yoruba language, "Elegbe" translates to "Messenger," reflecting the importance of messengers in Yoruba society, serving as intermediaries between deities and humans. The name is often associated with those whose roles were significant communicators or mediators. The Elegbe surname is predominantly found among the Yoruba people, making it an integral part of their cultural identity and history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Elegbe

The surname Elegbe is predominantly found in West Africa, particularly within the Yoruba ethnic group in Nigeria. It is also sparsely distributed among Nigerian immigrants and their descendants in other countries such as the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia. The name has its roots in the Yoruba language, with Elegbe meaning "messenger" or "envoy." Historically, it was often given to children born during significant events or messages received, reflecting the importance of communication within the society.

Variants and spellings of the last name Elegbe

The surname Elegbe exhibits various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Here are some common alterations and spellings:

1. Elegbai - This variant is one of the most common alterations, with the 'e' at the end replaced by an 'i'.
2. Elebe - A simplification of the original spelling that eliminates the middle 'g'.
3. Elagbai - Another modification, where the initial 'e' changes to 'a'.
4. Ilagba - This spelling originates from the Yoruba language and is a phonetic representation of the name Elegbe.
5. Elewuebe - A further variation that adds an additional syllable in the middle of the name.
6. Elegbade - Another possible alteration, where the 'e' at the end has been replaced by an 'a'.
7. Elagbede - Similar to Elegbade, this spelling replaces the final 'e' with a 'd'.
8. Elegbeye - A variant that adds a 'y' at the end of the name.
9. Elebegbe - This spelling inverts the first two syllables of the original name.
10. Ilagbede - Phonetic representation from Yoruba language, similar to Elegbe but with an additional 'i' before the 'l'.

Famous people with the last name Elegbe

The Elegbes are a notable family with significant contributions across various fields. One of the most renowned members is Olusegun Obasanjo, a Nigerian statesman who served as Nigeria's military head of state from 1976 to 1979 and then as President from 1999 to 2007. He was also a United Nations Envoy to some African countries. Another prominent figure is Olalekan Elegbe, a respected academic and author, who has made significant contributions to the field of linguistics and African Studies. He currently serves as a professor at Howard University in Washington D.C., USA. Additionally, Tunde Elegbe, a Nigerian-American entrepreneur, is the founder and CEO of TechTrends Holdings LLC, a leading technology solutions provider that has partnered with major corporations like IBM and Microsoft. These are just a few examples of the accomplished individuals bearing the Elegbe surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Elegbe

The surname Elegbe is of Yoruba origin, native to Nigeria. It is derived from the Yoruba word "Ele-igbe" which translates to "The owner of war drums." This suggests that an early bearer of this name may have been a skilled drummer or a leader in warfare. The Elegbe family is predominantly found in the Southwest region of Nigeria, particularly in states such as Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti. Notable individuals with the surname Elegbe include Adetokunbo Ayodele Elegbe, a Nigerian-American neuroscientist and pharmacologist; and Funmilola Elegbe, a professor of pharmacology at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria. The family's history is closely tied to the traditional rulers and the spiritual belief system of the Yoruba people. Genealogical records are primarily oral and preserved within the family and local communities.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "elegbe"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

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