NomOrigine Background

Last Name Ogunleye

What is the origin of the last name Ogunleye?

Ogunleye is a Yoruba surname originating from Nigeria. The name is derived from the Yoruba words "Ogun" meaning god of iron or god of war, and "leye" meaning to surpass or overcome. The name likely originated as a surname for individuals who were believed to be blessed or protected by the god of iron, showcasing their strength and power.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ogunleye

The meaning and origin of the last name Ogunleye

The surname Ogunleye is of Yoruba origin, a tribe in Nigeria. It is derived from the Yoruba words "Ogun" meaning "war" and "leye" meaning "house" or "home." Therefore, the name Ogunleye can be translated to mean "warrior in the house" or "warrior at home." This surname likely originates from individuals who were known for their skills in battle or their courage and strength within their family or community. The name may have been given to people with a warrior-like demeanor or who displayed qualities of leadership and protection. Today, individuals with the surname Ogunleye can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in Nigeria and other countries with a significant Yoruba population.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ogunleye

The last name Ogunleye is predominantly found in Nigeria, specifically among the Yoruba ethnic group in the southwestern part of the country. It is a common surname among the Yoruba people, who have a significant presence in states such as Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, and Osun. Additionally, the Ogunleye surname can also be found in other parts of West Africa, including countries like Benin and Togo, where the Yoruba diaspora has settled over the years. Due to migration and globalization, individuals with the last name Ogunleye can also be found in various other countries around the world, particularly in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, where members of the Nigerian diaspora have established communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ogunleye

Ogunleye is a Nigerian surname that may have various spellings and variations. Some common variations of this name include Ogunleye, Ogunlewe, Ogunleya, Ogungbemi, Ogunlesi, and Ogunleyo. These variations may stem from regional dialects or simply personal preferences in spelling. The name Ogunleye typically originates from the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria, where it holds significant cultural and historical importance. Despite the slight differences in spelling, all variations of this surname still carry the same meaning and heritage. The name Ogunleye is often found among individuals of Nigerian descent, both in their home country and in communities around the world.

Famous people with the last name Ogunleye

One of the most famous individuals with the last name Ogunleye is Adewale Ogunleye, a former professional football player who played as a defensive end in the NFL for over a decade. Ogunleye had a successful career, playing for teams such as the Miami Dolphins and the Chicago Bears, where he earned Pro Bowl honors in 2003. Another notable figure with the last name Ogunleye is Yetunde Ogunleye, a Nigerian actress and producer known for her work in Nollywood films. Yetunde has garnered acclaim for her performances in various movies and has become a popular figure in the Nigerian entertainment industry. Both Adewale and Yetunde Ogunleye have made significant contributions to their respective fields, showcasing the talent and success associated with the Ogunleye name.

Genealogical research on the last name Ogunleye

The last name Ogunleye is of Yoruba origin, primarily found in Nigeria and the neighboring countries of Benin and Togo. The name is believed to have originated from the Yoruba words "Ogun" meaning god of iron and "leye" meaning to descend. This suggests a historical connection to the worship of the god of iron and a possible lineage of blacksmiths or metalworkers. Genealogical research on the Ogunleye surname reveals a lineage of individuals with a strong tradition of craftsmanship and spiritual devotion. Many individuals with the last name Ogunleye have continued to uphold these traditions, while others have branched out into various professions and industries. Today, the Ogunleye surname represents a diverse and culturally rich heritage that continues to be passed down through generations.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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

Oguchi (Last name)

surnames > oguchi

The surname "Oguchi" is of Japanese origin. It is derived from a place name, with "O" meaning "big" and "Guchi" meaning "mouth." The name may have originally been given to people w...

Oguejiofor (Last name)

surnames > oguejiofor

The last name Oguejiofor is of Igbo origin from Nigeria. It is derived from the words "ogu" meaning "war" and "eji" meaning "to see" or "to look".

Oguh (Last name)

surnames > oguh

The last name "Oguh" is of Nigerian origin, particularly from the Igbo ethnic group.

Oguigbo (Last name)

surnames > oguigbo

The last name Oguigbo is of Nigerian origin. It is commonly found among the Igbo ethnic group in Nigeria.

Oguis (Last name)

surnames > oguis

The last name "Oguis" is of Spanish origin. It is a surname typically found in the region of Galicia, in northwest Spain. This surname is most likely derived from a place name or a...

Ogul (Last name)

surnames > ogul

The last name "Ogul" is of Turkish origin, derived from the word "oğul" which means "son" or "child" in Turkish. It is a common surname in Turkey and signifies lineage or ancestry...

Ogulu (Last name)

surnames > ogulu

The last name "Ogulu" is of Nigerian origin and is particularly associated with the Igbo ethnic group. Igbo is one of the largest and most influential ethnic groups in Nigeria, pre...

Oguntimehin (Last name)

surnames > oguntimehin

The last name Oguntimehin is of Yoruba origin from Nigeria. It is a compound name made up of two elements: "Ogun" meaning "god of iron" and "timehin" meaning "follower of Ifa (a Yo...

Oguntola (Last name)

surnames > oguntola

The last name Oguntola is of Yoruba origin from Nigeria. It is derived from the given name Oguntolu, which means "warrior of wealth."

Oguntoyinbo (Last name)

surnames > oguntoyinbo

The last name Oguntoyinbo is of Yoruba origin from Nigeria. It is a traditional Yoruba surname that is commonly found among the Yoruba people of Nigeria.

Oguz (Last name)

surnames > oguz

The last name "Oğuz" has its origin in Turkish culture. It is derived from the Oghuz Turks, a historical Turkic ethnic group and one of the major branches of the Turkic peoples. T...