NomOrigine Background

Last Name Olabode

What is the origin of the last name Olabode?

The surname Olabode is of Nigerian origin. It is an Yoruba name that translates to mean "wealth has come home" or "wealth arrives home". The name consists of two parts: 'Ola' which means wealth or fortune, and 'Bode' which means arrives or comes home. This surname is common among the Yoruba people, a major ethnic group in Nigeria.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Olabode

The meaning and origin of the last name Olabode

The surname Olabode is of Nigerian origin, specifically Yoruba, one of the major ethnic groups in Nigeria. The name is composed of two elements: "Ola" and "Bode". "Ola" translates to "wealth" or "prosperity", while "Bode" means "born to rule". Hence, the name Olabode can be interpreted as "one who was born to rule over wealth or prosperity". The use of compound names is common in Yoruba culture, where surnames often consist of a combination of personal names and titles that signify ancestry, social status, occupation, or character traits.

Geographical distribution of the last name Olabode

Olabode is primarily an Nigerian surname, originating from the Yoruba ethnic group. It's derived from two Yoruba words: "Ola" meaning wealth or prosperity, and "bode" meaning peace. The name Olabode can be found predominantly in southwestern Nigeria, particularly in states such as Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, and Lagos. Due to migration and diaspora, individuals with the surname Olabode can also be found in various countries with significant Nigerian populations, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Olabode

The surname Olabode has several variations and spellings. These include Olabodee, Olaboade, Olabodey, Olaboadu, Olabodu, Olaboyede, Olabode-Thomas, and Olabodun. The name is of Yoruba origin, derived from "Ola" meaning wealth or prestige, and "Bode" meaning peace or happiness. These variations may occur due to differences in transcription and translation over time, as well as personal preferences among individuals with the surname. It's interesting to note that while the spelling may vary, the name continues to represent a rich heritage and connection to Yoruba culture for those who bear it.

Famous people with the last name Olabode

Olabode is a Nigerian surname and has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most renowned is Dr. Wale Olabode, a professor at the Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria. He has made significant contributions to the field of political science. Another prominent figure is Bolu Olabode, a professional footballer who played for several English clubs, including Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday. In the academic sphere, Professor Oyewale Tomori, a virologist and former President of the Nigerian Academy of Science, also bears the surname Olabode. Lastly, Adewale Olabode, an actor and filmmaker, is known for his roles in Nollywood movies like "Beyonce: The President Daughter" and "A Place Called Joy." These individuals demonstrate the diversity and accomplishments of those with the last name Olabode.

Genealogical research on the last name Olabode

The surname Olabode is of Nigerian origin and is predominantly found within the Yoruba ethnic group. The name is derived from two Yoruba words: "Ola" meaning wealth or prestige, and "Bode" meaning peace or prosperity, reflecting a desired blessing for those who bear this name. The name Olabode can be traced back to the 19th century during the colonial era when many Yorubas adopted Western-style surnames as part of British colonization efforts in Nigeria. Notable individuals with the surname Olabode include Bishop Michael Olabode Aboderin, a Nigerian Anglican bishop, and Tunde Olabode, a professor of Mechanical Engineering at Michigan Technological University.

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 : 29 July 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

Ola jide (Last name)

surnames > ola-jide

The last name "OlaJide" is of Yoruba origin from Nigeria. It is a combination of the names "Ola" meaning "wealth" and "Jide" meaning "to hold sway."

Olaa (Last name)

surnames > olaa

The last name "Olaa" originates from Nigeria. It is a Yoruba surname meaning "wealth has come."

Olabode smart (Last name)

surnames > olabode-smart

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

Olabyu (Last name)

surnames > olabyu

The last name "Olabyu" does not appear to have a clear origin or meaning in English. It may be a relatively rare or unique surname.

Olachi css (Last name)

surnames > olachi-css

The last name "Olachi" is of Igbo origin from Nigeria. It is a name that is commonly given to both males and females in the Igbo culture.

Olad (Last name)

surnames > olad

The last name Olad is of Persian origin and means "son of a prophet" in Farsi. It is commonly used as a surname in Iran and among Persian-speaking communities.

Olad husain (Last name)

surnames > olad-husain

The last name "Olad Husain" is of Arabic origin. It likely originates from the given name "Husain," which means "beautiful" or "handsome" in Arabic. The prefix "Olad" may indicate ...

Oladapo olasunkanmi (Last name)

surnames > oladapo-olasunkanmi

The last name Oladapo Olasunkanmi is of Yoruba origin originating from Nigeria.

Olaechea (Last name)

surnames > olaechea

The surname Olaechea is of Basque origin, specifically from the region of Guipuzcoa in Spain. The name can be traced back to medieval times and has various possible meanings in the...

Olafsdottir (Last name)

surnames > olafsdottir

Olafsdottir is a surname of Icelandic origin, meaning "daughter of Olaf." In Icelandic naming conventions, daughters take their father's first name with the suffix "-dottir" added ...

Olah (Last name)

surnames > olah

The surname Olah has origins that can be traced back to various parts of Europe, particularly Hungary and Eastern Europe. In Hungarian, the word "Olah" translates to "Greek," thoug...

Olai (Last name)

surnames > olai

The last name "Olai" is of Norwegian origin, derived from the personal name "Olav", which comes from the Old Norse name "Oláfr", meaning "ancestor's descendant" or "descendant of ...

Olaifa (Last name)

surnames > olaifa

The last name Olaifa is of Yoruba origin from Nigeria. It is derived from the personal name "Ola" meaning "wealth" or "riches", and the suffix "-ifa" which signifies "love" or "des...

Olaizola (Last name)

surnames > olaizola

The surname Olaizola is of Basque origin, which is a historical region located in northern Spain and southwestern France. It belongs to the group of Basque surnames that have their...

Olajide oluwatosin (Last name)

surnames > olajide-oluwatosin

The last name "Olajide Oluwatosin" is of Yoruba origin from Nigeria. "Olajide" means "wealth has returned" or "obtain the crown", while "Oluwatosin" means "God is worthy to be wors...