The surname Oti is of African origin, specifically from the Akan tribe in Ghana. In the Akan language, "Oti" means "king" or "chief". This surname may have been adopted by individuals who were part of the Akan tribe or came from areas under their rule. However, it's important to note that surnames can also be acquired through various other circumstances such as migration, colonialism, and assimilation, so the exact origin might differ for different families carrying this name.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Oti
The meaning and origin of the last name Oti
The surname Oti is of African origin, particularly common among the Ga-Adangbe people in Ghana. It is derived from the Ga language, where "Oti" translates to 'born on Thursday.' This name, like many African surnames, was adopted during the colonial period as a result of European influence and the need for unique identifiers. In some cases, it may have been given to individuals born on that day of the week, reflecting traditional African naming practices that often incorporate references to the day or time of birth. Over time, the surname Oti has spread beyond its origin and is now found among various communities around the world.
Geographical distribution of the last name Oti
The surname Oti has its roots in various regions but is predominantly found among the Ga-Dangme people, an ethnic group residing primarily in the Greater Accra Region and parts of the Volta Region in Ghana. The name also appears in Togo, where it is associated with the Kabye and Moba ethnic groups. Additionally, Oti can be traced in Nigeria, particularly among the Igbo people in Anambra state. In the diaspora, individuals bearing the last name Oti are found primarily in countries with significant populations of African immigrants, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
Variants and spellings of the last name Oti
The surname Oti has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and individual preferences over time. Some common spelling variants include Otey, Ottee, Oaty, Oatey, and Otey-Ottey. These variations may stem from the initial orthography or phonetic adaptations of the name throughout history. The name Oti is believed to have originated from various sources such as African tribes, Greek origins (from 'Odysseus'), or even English localities like Ottery in Devon and Northumberland. Despite these variations, all forms are linked by their root, Oti, which makes them part of the same surname lineage.
Famous people with the last name Oti
Notable individuals with the surname Oti include:
1. Alesha Dixon - British singer-songwriter, dancer, and television presenter, best known for being a member of the girl group Mis-Teeq and winning the sixth series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2007.
2. Oti Mabuse - South African professional ballroom and Latin dancer, choreographer, and television personality who has competed in and won several international dance competitions. Since 2017, she has been a professional dancer on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.
3. Anthony Oti - Ghanaian footballer who played as a defender for clubs such as Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko in his native country, as well as in Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, and England.
4. Benjamin Oti Akenten - Ghanian politician who served as the Minister of State, responsible for Public Procurement from 2017 to 2021.
5. Emmanuel Oti Blessing - Ghanaian professional footballer who plays as a defender for El-Jaish SC in Qatar.
6. Michael Oti Adjei - Ghanaian politician, lawyer, and academic who served as the Attorney General and Minister of Justice from 2017 to 2021.
Genealogical research on the last name Oti
The Oti surname is predominantly found among the ethnic groups in Ghana and Togo, with roots tracing back to West Africa. In Ghana, it is commonly associated with the Anlo-Ewe people, a subgroup of the Ewe ethnicity. Historically, the name may have originated from various places such as Oti River in present-day Northern Ghana or Otisu in the Volta Region, meaning "place of the river" or "waterfall," respectively. In Togo, it is often linked to the Kabye ethnic group, particularly in the Kara region. The Oti name has also been found among some African diaspora communities, especially in the Caribbean and the United States, as a result of the Atlantic slave trade. The spelling variations of the name include Otee, Otié, and others, reflecting different phonetic interpretations and transliteration practices over time.
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 :
Share the origin of your last name with your friends
The surname Otieno is of African descent, specifically from Kenya. It belongs to the Luo ethnic group, one of the largest communities in that country. The name is typically a patri...
The surname Otin is believed to have origins in France. It is derived from a variety of sources, one of which is the Old French personal name "Hugues" or "Othon," which meant "weal...
The surname Otix is of English origin. It is believed to be derived from the Old English personal name "Otti" or "Otho," which was often used as a pet form of names such as Othmar ...
