NomOrigine Background

Last Name Odia

What is the origin of the last name Odia?

The last name "Odia" typically has its origin in Nigeria, particularly among the Yoruba people. It is a surname that is often passed down through generations and may indicate the individual's ancestral or family roots within the Yoruba ethnic group.

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Learn more about the origin of the last name Odia

The meaning and origin of the last name Odia

The surname Odia is of Italian origin. It is believed to be derived from the word "odia" which means "hatred" or "aversion" in Italian. This surname may have originally been used as a nickname for someone who was known for their strong feelings of dislike or hostility towards others. Over time, it is likely that the surname Odia was passed down through generations as a hereditary surname, carrying on the legacy of the original bearer's reputation or characteristics associated with the word "odia". Today, individuals with the surname Odia can be found in various parts of the world, though it is most common among Italian descendants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Odia

The last name Odia is primarily found in Nigeria, particularly in the southern regions of the country such as Edo, Delta, and Ondo states. It is also present in other West African countries such as Ghana and Benin due to historical migrations and cultural exchanges between these nations. In the diaspora, individuals with the surname Odia can be found in various parts of the world, with significant populations in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Odia is concentrated in West Africa, especially in Nigeria, with smaller populations spread out across the African diaspora and beyond.

Variants and spellings of the last name Odia

The last name Odia can be spelled and pronounced in various ways, including Odiya, Odyah, Odiyah, Odiia, Odiyahh, or Odeah. These variations may stem from regional dialects, transliteration errors, or personal preference. The name may also be spelled with a silent 'h' at the end or with an extra 'i' in the middle. However, the most commonly used and recognized spelling of this last name is Odia. It is important to keep in mind these different variations when encountering individuals with the last name Odia to ensure proper recognition and respect for their identity.

Famous people with the last name Odia

Some of the most famous people with the last name Odia include Nigerian author and feminist, Buchi Emecheta, who is known for her works exploring themes of feminism and gender equality. Another notable figure is Nigerian politician and former governor of Edo State, Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion, who served as governor from 1999 to 2007. Additionally, Nigerian actress Regina Askia is a well-known figure in the entertainment industry, gaining popularity for her roles in Nollywood films. These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields and have helped elevate the profile of the Odia surname in Nigeria and beyond.

Genealogical research on the last name Odia

The surname Odia is of Italian origin, specifically from the regions of Calabria and Sicily. It is believed to be a patronymic surname, derived from the given name Odo, which itself is of Germanic origins. The name Odia may also have been influenced by the Greek word "odios," meaning hateful, suggesting a possible association with a negative or unpleasant characteristic. Genealogical research on the surname Odia could reveal a lineage rooted in Southern Italy and potentially trace back to individuals with connections to Germanic or Greek origins. Further investigation into historical records, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, as well as census data, may provide more insight into the origins and migration patterns of individuals bearing the surname Odia.

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 : 11 April 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

Odias (Last name)

surnames > odias

The last name "Odas" has its origin in Greece. It is a surname derived from the Greek word "οδης" which means "road" or "path".

Odida (Last name)

surnames > odida

The last name "Odida" is of African origin, specifically from the Luo tribe in Uganda. This surname is believed to be passed down from ancestors and is a common surname among the L...

Odieres (Last name)

surnames > odieres

The origin of the last name "Odieres" is likely French, derived from the personal name "Odiard," which itself comes from the Old Norse name "Odhard." It may have originated as a pa...

Odife (Last name)

surnames > odife

The origin of the last name "Odife" is Nigerian, specifically of Igbo origin.

Odigie (Last name)

surnames > odigie

The last name Odigie is of Nigerian origin, specifically from the Edo people of southern Nigeria. It is a common surname in Nigeria and is typically found among the Edo people, who...

Odigwe (Last name)

surnames > odigwe

The last name Odigwe is of Igbo origin from Nigeria. It is derived from the Igbo words "odi" meaning path or way, and "igwe" meaning sky or heaven.

Odih (Last name)

surnames > odih

The last name "Odih" is of Nigerian origin. It is most commonly found among the Igbo people in Nigeria.

Odihekandu (Last name)

surnames > odihekandu

The last name Odihekandu originates from the Igbo tribe in Nigeria. It is a traditional Igbo surname that is derived from the words "odi" meaning youth and "ekandu" meaning protect...

Odii (Last name)

surnames > odii

The last name "Odii" is of Igbo origin from Nigeria. It is derived from the Igbo word "odi" which means "to hate" or "to despise."

Odik (Last name)

surnames > odik

The last name Odik is of Ukrainian origin. It is derived from the personal name Odeke, which is a diminutive form of the given name Oder.

Odilo (Last name)

surnames > odilo

The surname Odilo has its origin in several European countries, including Germany and Austria. It is derived from the personal name Odilo, which is of Old German origin and means "...

Odimerpus (Last name)

surnames > odimerpus

The last name "Odimerpus" does not have a clear origin or meaning in English. It may be a rare or unique surname with no known etymology.

Odimmegwa (Last name)

surnames > odimmegwa

The surname Odimmegwa is of Igbo origin from Nigeria. It is derived from the Igbo words "Odim" meaning "he who has given something to someone" and "Mmegwa" meaning "greatness."

Odine (Last name)

surnames > odine

The last name "Odine" is of French origin, derived from the Old French personal name "Odon", which itself comes from the Germanic name "Odo" meaning "wealth" or "fortune". It was i...

Odiniya (Last name)

surnames > odiniya

The last name Odiniya originates from Nigeria. It is derived from the Yoruba tribe and means “your talent is your power” in the Yoruba language.