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Last Name Olowa

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What is the origin of the last name Olowa?

The surname Olowa is of Nigerian origin, specifically from the Yoruba ethnic group. It is a patronymic name derived from the given name "Olowo," which means "king" or "chief" in the Yoruba language. As with many African names, it has been passed down through generations as a surname.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Olowa

The surname Olowa is of African origin, specifically from the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria. The name is derived from the Yoruba language, where "Olo" means "king" or "ruler," and "Wa" denotes "owner." Therefore, Olowa can be roughly translated as "Owner of the King" or "Ruler's Owner." This surname might have originally been given to a subject who was particularly close to a king or held a position of significant power within the Yoruba kingdom. The name has since been adopted and passed down through generations, spreading beyond the original tribe and geographical region.

Geographical distribution of the last name Olowa

The surname Olowa is predominantly found in West Africa, particularly among the Yoruba ethnic group in Nigeria. It is also present in neighboring countries like Benin and Togo due to historical migrations and cultural exchanges between these regions. The name Olowa is a Yoruba title meaning "ruler" or "king," and it is often used as a last name in the region. In Nigeria, the highest concentration of the surname can be found in states with significant Yoruba populations such as Oyo, Osun, Ogun, and Lagos.

Variants and spellings of the last name Olowa

The surname Olowa can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common spelling variations include: Oloya, Oluwa, Olowo, Ologba, Oloja, and Oloriya. These variations stem from the Yoruba language, a Niger-Congo language spoken by the Yoruba people of Nigeria. The name Olowa is derived from the Yoruba words "Olu" meaning 'king' or 'ruler', and "Wa" which means 'house'. Thus, Olowa translates to 'King's House' or 'Ruler's Palace'. These spelling variations are a testament to the migration and evolution of the Yoruba people throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Olowa

Notable individuals with the surname Olowu include:

1. Abiodun Oluwafemi Adesanya Oluwafemi-Osagie, also known as KSI, a British YouTuber, rapper, and professional boxer, best known for his YouTube channel KSIOlajideBT, which boasts over 23 million subscribers.

2. Njideka Akunyili Crosby is a Nigerian-born American visual artist. She was born in Enugu and raised in Aba before moving to the United States for her college education. Her work explores themes of identity, cultural fusion, and family relationships.

3. Olusegun Obasanjo, commonly known as OBJ, is a former Nigerian military leader who served as Head of State from 1976 to 1979 and then as President from 1999 to 2007. He is one of Nigeria's most prominent post-independence leaders.

4. Adetokunbo Oluwadamilare Oluwole Adeboye, also known as T.D. Jakes, is a Nigerian-American pastor, author, filmmaker, and actor. He is the bishop of The Potter's House, a non-denominational American megachurch.

5. Funmi Olowu MBE is a British fashion designer, known for her eponymous label which showcases contemporary women's clothing with African influences. She was awarded an MBE in 2018 for services to the fashion industry and charity.

Genealogical research on the last name Olowa

The surname Olowa is predominantly found among the Yoruba people, an ethnic group originating from Southwestern Nigeria. Its origins can be traced back to the Old Oyo Empire, which flourished between the 17th and 19th centuries. The name Olowa means "ruler" or "king" in the Yoruba language, indicating a historical lineage of leaders or nobility among those who bear this surname.

Over time, due to migration, wars, and the expansion of the Yoruba kingdoms, the name Olowa has spread beyond Nigeria and can now be found among diaspora communities in countries such as Brazil, Cuba, Trinidad & Tobago, and the United States, where it is often anglicized to Oloya or similar variants. Researching the genealogy of this surname may involve tracing its origins back to specific Yoruba towns or clans, and piecing together family history through oral tradition, historical records, and DNA analysis.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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