The surname Erhabor is of Nigerian origin, specifically from the Yoruba ethnic group. The name is derived from a title "Erhabor" which means 'Chief of War' or 'War Leader'. In the Yoruba culture, titles are often inherited and serve as a form of identification within the community. Over time, these titles have evolved into surnames for those who bear them.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Erhabor
The meaning and origin of the last name Erhabor
The surname Erhabor is of Nigerian origin, specifically from the Edo State in Nigeria. It belongs to the Bini ethnic group. The name is derived from the Bini language and translates to "born on Friday." In the traditional Bini naming system, children are named based on the day of the week they were born, with specific prefixes or suffixes added to indicate whether the child was the firstborn, second-born, etc. Erhabor is a common surname among the Bini people and has been carried by immigrants from Nigeria to other parts of the world.
Geographical distribution of the last name Erhabor
The surname Erhabor is predominantly found in Nigeria, specifically within the Edo State and its surrounding regions such as Delta and Ondo States. It belongs to the Bini ethnic group, which is the largest ethnicity in Edo State. The name is also present in other parts of Nigeria due to migration and population growth, but its concentration remains strongest in the South-South region. Beyond Nigeria, there are some occurrences of the surname Erhabor among Nigerian diaspora communities, particularly in countries with significant populations of Nigerians, such as the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada.
Variants and spellings of the last name Erhabor
The surname Erhabor can be spelled with slight variations, primarily due to phonetic interpretations and regional differences. Some common variations include:
These variations are mainly found in the African region, specifically among people of Nigerian descent, particularly from the Edo State in Nigeria, where the name is common. It is an Igbo and Benin-origin name, derived from the words "Iro," meaning "head" or "leader," and "Habor," which means "wealth." Despite the variations, the original meaning and origin of the surname Erhabor remain consistent.
Famous people with the last name Erhabor
Samson Erhabor is a renowned Nigerian footballer who played as a goalkeeper for various clubs, including Bendel Insurance and Enyimba Football Club. He represented Nigeria at both the youth and senior levels, participating in the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2004 Olympics. In academia, Professor Erhabor Ighodaro is a distinguished figure. He is a professor of political science at Howard University, Washington D.C., where he specializes in comparative politics, African politics, and race and ethnicity. Lastly, Toni Erdodi Erhabor, a Nigerian-American engineer, made headlines for creating the world's first 3D-printed gun. His invention sparked debates about gun control and technology ethics globally. These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, further highlighting the diversity of achievements by those bearing the last name Erhabor.
Genealogical research on the last name Erhabor
The surname Erhabor is predominantly found within the Ishan-speaking communities of Edo State, Nigeria. It originates from the Bini kingdom, one of the oldest kingdoms in Nigeria, and can be traced back to the 13th century. The name is believed to have derived from "Erhiemokhai-Bor", which translates to "The first son born after the death of his father." Over time, the name has been anglicized and variants such as Erhabor, Ehirabor, and Erebor may be found. Notable figures with this surname include Charles Erhabor, a former Nigerian high jumper, and David Erhabor, a professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Genealogical records are scarce, but oral tradition and historical documents within the Bini kingdom provide insights into the lineage of families bearing the name Erhabor.
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