Last Name Okeke

The surname Okeke is of Igbo origin, which is one of the three largest ethnic groups in Nigeria. The name is derived from the Igbo language and means "the family or descendant of Chief Oke." The Igbos are known for their strong sense of family and communal ties, often using patronymic names to indicate lineage and familial relationships. The name Okeke indicates a high-ranking individual in the past whose descendants bear this surname. However, it's important to note that surnames can have multiple origins and meanings, so further research may provide more specific details about the exact origin of an individual's Okeke surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Okeke

The meaning and origin of the last name Okeke

The surname Okeke is of Nigerian Igbo origin. It is derived from the Igbo word "Okwekwe," which means "the fifth child" or "the child born after four others." This name reflects the traditional Igbo naming system, where children are named based on their birth order and other significant events during pregnancy and birth. The surname Okeke is common among the Igbo people, who inhabit large parts of southeastern Nigeria. Over time, as Igbo migrants spread across the world due to various factors such as trade, colonization, and conflict, the name Okeke became more widespread. Today, it is found not only in Nigeria but also in diaspora communities of Nigerian descent in countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Okeke

The surname Okeke is predominantly of Igbo origin and is most commonly found in southeastern Nigeria. Historically, the Igbo people inhabited the present-day states of Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, and parts of Delta, Rivers, and Abia states. The name Okeke translates to "the fifth child" in the Igbo language, reflecting its traditional significance among the Igbo ethnic group. It is important to note that while the majority of people with this surname reside in Nigeria, there are also significant populations of individuals with the last name Okeke living abroad, particularly in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, due to migration and diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Okeke

The surname Okeke, which originates from Nigeria, possesses several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and local dialects. Some common variations include Okike, Okike, Okec, Okek, Ochike, Akwakaneme, Okongwu, and Uzokwe. These variations may also appear with different diacritical marks or without them. It is important to note that the spelling of names in Africa can be influenced by various factors such as tribal affiliation, region, and personal preference. The name Okeke belongs to the Igbo ethnic group, one of the largest ethnicities in Nigeria.

Famous people with the last name Okeke

Chinua Achebe and Flora Shaw are among the most renowned individuals with the surname Okeke, although they are not directly related to each other and their fame is not strictly derived from the last name itself. Chinua Achebe (Albert Chinụalogwo Achebe, 1930-2013), born in Nigeria, was a prominent novelist, poet, professor, and critic. His most famous works include "Things Fall Apart" and "Half of a Yellow Sun," which have had significant cultural and literary impact on both Nigeria and the world at large. Flora Shaw (1852-1929), also known as Lady Lugard, was a British journalist who later became the wife of Sir Frederick Lugard, a prominent colonial administrator. She played a key role in shaping British policy in Nigeria and is often credited with coining the name "Nigeria" for the country. Despite their different backgrounds and time periods, both Achebe and Shaw have left indelible marks on history as notable individuals bearing the surname Okeke.

Genealogical research on the last name Okeke

The surname Okeke originates from Nigeria and is predominantly found among the Igbo people, one of the largest ethnic groups in that country. It is an Igbo name that translates to "God's strength" or "God created." The name is a compound of two words: 'Okwu,' which means god, and 'Eke,' meaning strength or creation. The Okeke lineage is believed to have originated from the Umu-Okeke clan, located in the present-day Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State. The Umu-Okeke are one of the four major subgroups within the larger Umudim community, known for their prominence in commerce and industry. Notable figures bearing the Okeke surname include Chukwuma Soludo, a Nigerian economist who served as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and Ifeanyi Ubah, a businessman and politician who is the current owner of FC IfeanyiUbah. The name has also produced numerous other political leaders, artists, academics, and entrepreneurs within the Nigerian diaspora.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Okeke"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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