Last Name Kuti

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kuti

The meaning and origin of the last name Kuti

The surname Kuti originates from Hungary, with roots tracing back to the medieval period. It is derived from various geographical locations, most notably a village named Kutas or Kuta, located in what is now modern-day Slovakia. Historically, the name was often given to people who lived near or originated from these places. Over time, as migration and assimilation occurred, the spelling of the surname evolved into its current form: Kuti. Notable figures bearing this name include the Hungarian musician and activist, Máté Kuti, known for his significant contributions to world music as the leader of the band, the Országzene Együttes (National Music Band).

Geographical distribution of the last name Kuti

The surname Kuti is primarily associated with West Africa, particularly Nigeria and Ghana, due to its Yoruba origins. In Nigeria, it is most prevalent in the western states such as Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti, reflecting the historical presence of the Yoruba ethnic group. In Ghana, regions like Ashanti and Greater Accra also exhibit a significant number of individuals bearing the surname Kuti. Beyond West Africa, there are smaller populations of individuals with this last name in other parts of the world, often due to diaspora or migration. For instance, some individuals with the surname Kuti can be found in the United States, Canada, and Europe, particularly among African immigrants and their descendants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kuti

The surname Kuti can have various spellings and variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across cultures. Some common variations include:

1. Kuti - This is the most common spelling, originating from Hungary where it is a relatively common name.
2. Kuci - A slight variation of Kuti, which may be found in some Eastern European countries or among families with Hungarian heritage.
3. Kooti - A variant spelling that is more commonly found among individuals with Indian or Arabic ancestry, though it doesn't appear to have a direct connection to the Hungarian name.
4. Cuti - A shorter version of Kuti, possibly used as a nickname or in informal settings.
5. Cutti - Another shortened form of Kuti that may be found among individuals with Italian ancestry.
6. Gutti - A possible misspelling or variation of Kuti that could occur due to phonetic differences between languages.
7. Kute - An alternate spelling that, while uncommon, is still recognizable as a variant of the original name.

Famous people with the last name Kuti

Fela Kuti, a Nigerian multi-instrumentalist, singer, and composer, is perhaps the most renowned individual associated with the surname Kuti. He was instrumental in the development of Afrobeat music, merging traditional Yoruba music with jazz, funk, and highlife. His politically charged lyrics often criticized societal issues, earning him a significant following within and beyond Africa. Fela's influence extended beyond music as he became an outspoken political activist, challenging the Nigerian government during military rule. Tragically, he passed away in 1997 due to complications from AIDS. Another notable Kuti is Seun Kuti, Fela's son and a prominent contemporary artist who continues his father's musical legacy while addressing similar social issues.

Genealogical research on the last name Kuti

The Kuti surname originates from Hungary and is derived from the occupation of a potter or a worker in clay. It belongs to the group of occupational names, which were often assigned to individuals engaged in a specific profession or craft. Early records show that the name was spelled as Koty in 1230 during the reign of King Bela IV. The Kuti family lineage can be traced back to several significant figures throughout Hungarian history. Notable members include György Kuti, a Hungarian composer and conductor, and Ferenc Kuti, a prominent architect and urban planner in the 20th century. The name is also associated with the renowned Hungarian musician Kuti Kovacs, whose stage name comes from combining his maternal and paternal surnames. Over time, variations of the name such as Kutti, Kotyi, and Kucsy may have emerged due to phonetic changes and regional dialects.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kuti"
• 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 : 28 July 2025