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Last Name Otieno

What is the origin of the last name Otieno?

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 patrilineal surname, passed down through the male lineage, and often indicates an individual's ancestral home or lineage within the Luo community. However, it's important to note that exact origins can vary, as many African names are not derived from written records but from oral tradition.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Otieno

The meaning and origin of the last name Otieno

The surname Otieno is of African origin, specifically from Kenya. It belongs to the Luo ethnic group, one of the largest in Kenya. The name Otieno is derived from the Luo language and translates to "wealthy" or "prosperous." This surname is often patronymic, meaning it indicates a relationship to someone who was wealthy or prosperous. In the Luo community, the naming system typically includes a prefix for father (O-), followed by a personal name, and sometimes a suffix to indicate seniority or other relationships within the family. The Otieno surname has become increasingly common outside of Kenya due to migration and globalization.

Geographical distribution of the last name Otieno

The surname Otieno is predominantly found in Kenya, particularly among the Luo ethnic group, which is located in the western region of the country along Lake Victoria and its tributaries. It is one of the most common surnames in this area, indicative of a significant presence of the Luo community. Although primarily associated with Kenya, there are also individuals bearing the name Otieno in other parts of the world due to migration, such as North America, Europe, and Australia, where Kenyan immigrants have settled.

Variants and spellings of the last name Otieno

The surname Otieno has multiple variations and spellings, some of which include Otiendo, Otinga, Otindo, Oteyo, and Utiende, among others. These variations may stem from regional dialects or transcription errors during data entry. However, the most common spelling remains Otieno. It originates from Western Kenya and is a popular surname within the Luo ethnic group in that region.

Famous people with the last name Otieno

Notable individuals sharing the surname Otieno include:

1. Julius Yego, an Olympic gold medalist in athletics (2016) and a world champion javelin thrower. He is originally from Kisumu, Kenya.

2. Boniface Otieno Abiero, also known as "Boni", a Kenyan musician who gained popularity with songs like "Koth Bina" and "Oleng".

3. Wilfred Otieno Owino, a Kenyan footballer who plays for Tanzanian club Simba SC and the Kenya national team as a defender.

4. Martha Otieno, a Kenyan lawyer, politician, and former Member of Parliament for Rarieda Constituency from 2013 to 2017. She was also the first woman to chair the Budget and Appropriations Committee in the National Assembly of Kenya.

5. Peter Otieno Adhiambo, a Kenyan football coach who is currently the head coach of Zambian club Green Buffaloes FC. He previously managed Kenyan Premier League clubs such as AFC Leopards and Sofapaka FC.

Genealogical research on the last name Otieno

The Otieno surname is predominantly associated with the Luo tribe, one of the largest ethnic groups in Kenya. The name originates from the Nilotic Luo language, specifically meaning "we are many" or "our homestead is large." Historically, the Otienos were primarily found in the Nyanza Province, particularly in Siaya and Homa Bay Counties, where they formed a significant portion of the population. Notable figures with the last name Otieno include political leaders such as Kenneth Matiba, a former Kenyan politician, and Henry Kosgey, a former Cabinet Minister. In the arts, renowned Luo musician Dan O'Mara Otieno, popularly known as D.O.A.D.P, is also an Otieno. The name has also spread globally due to migration, with notable Otienos in the United States and Canada. Genealogical records for many Otienos are well-documented in Kenya's national archives, churches, and local histories, providing a rich resource for further research into the lineage of this surname.

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 : 29 July 2025

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