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Last Name Onyema

What is the origin of the last name Onyema?

The surname Onyema is of Nigerian origin, specifically from the Igbo tribe. The name is derived from the Igbo language and means "born during peace" or "peaceful child". The Igbo people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Onyema

The meaning and origin of the last name Onyema

The surname Onyema is of Nigerian origin, specifically Igbo, which is one of the major ethnic groups in Nigeria. The name is derived from the Igbo language, where "onye" means "who?" or "whose?" and "ama" means "home" or "land". Together, Onyema translates to "who is from home/land", suggesting a person who originated from a specific community or village. It's important to note that surnames in the Igbo culture were often descriptive of one's lineage, occupation, or place of origin. The usage and spelling of Nigerian names can vary based on dialect, transcription, and migration, which may account for different spellings of Onyema found globally.

Geographical distribution of the last name Onyema

The surname Onyema is predominantly found in Nigeria, particularly in the southeastern Igbo-speaking states such as Imo, Anambra, Abia, Enugu, and Ebonyi. These regions are historically known to be the heartland of the Igbo ethnic group. However, due to migration and diaspora, individuals with the Onyema surname can also be found in other parts of Nigeria and across the globe, particularly in countries with significant Nigerian populations such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Onyema

The surname Onyema has several variants and spellings due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time. Here are some common variations:

1. Anyama
2. Aneoma
3. Aniama
4. Aniama
5. Oniyama
6. Onyeama
7. Onyemaechi
8. Onyemaobi
9. Onyemachie
10. Onyemadike
11. Onyekwere
12. Onyeocha
13. Onyesoh
14. Onyia
15. Onyejiaka
16. Onyejelem
17. Onyejiaka-Nwankwo
18. Onyejekwe

These variations can be found across different regions and among people of Igbo descent in Nigeria, as well as in the diaspora. The origin of the name is believed to be derived from the Igbo language, with 'onye' meaning 'who is like God?' and 'ema' meaning 'wealth'.

Famous people with the last name Onyema

Samuel Onyema is a renowned mathematician who has made significant contributions to the field of mathematics, particularly in the area of number theory and algebraic geometry. Born in Nigeria, he earned his Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and is currently a professor at Stanford University. His research has led to numerous publications in prestigious journals such as the Annals of Mathematics and Inventiones Mathematicae.

Another notable figure with the surname Onyema is Chidi Onyema, a Nigerian entrepreneur who co-founded Andela, an African technology company that aims to educate and employ software developers on the continent. Under his leadership, Andela has raised over $180 million in funding and employed more than 1,500 developers across Africa.

Lastly, there is Chika Onyemaobi, a human rights activist who co-founded the Enough Project, an organization that works to end armed conflict and mass atrocities in African countries. She has been instrumental in raising awareness about the issue of child soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo and advocating for policy changes in the United States.

Genealogical research on the last name Onyema

The surname Onyema is of Igbo origin, predominantly found among the Igbo people in Southeastern Nigeria. It is an umu-ara (clan) name derived from the word "onye" meaning 'who?' or 'whom?' The name often indicates that an ancestor was consulted like an oracle for wisdom or guidance, similar to the Yoruba Ooni and the Ashanti Okyenhene.

The Onyema clan has a rich historical background, with notable figures like Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, a prominent Igbo leader during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, being traced back to this lineage. The name has also spread internationally through migration, particularly to countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, where descendants continue to preserve their cultural heritage while adapting to new environments.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 25 July 2025

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