The surname "Oujo" is of Portuguese origin. It is derived from the given name João (John in English), a common Portuguese name that comes from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "God is gracious." Surnames became more widespread and standardized in Portugal during the Middle Ages, as part of a larger movement in Europe to establish a system of hereditary surnames. The use of patronymic (father's name) or matronymic (mother's name) surnames was common among the Portuguese, and names like Oujo were often created by adding diminutive or affectionate suffixes to given names.
The surname Oujo is of Portuguese origin, specifically from the Azores, a group of islands located in the Atlantic Ocean belonging to Portugal. It derives from the personal name "Ovo", which means 'egg' in Old High German and Old Norse, possibly given as a symbolic name due to its round shape or nurturing connotations. Over time, the spelling evolved into Oujo, reflecting regional variations and pronunciation changes in Portugal. The surname is relatively rare compared to other Portuguese names but can be found in the Azores, mainland Portugal, and their diaspora communities around the world. It is interesting to note that like many surnames, the origin of Oujo lies in the naming tradition of medieval Europe where people often took on occupational or descriptive names to differentiate themselves from others in their community.
The surname Oujo is primarily found in the West African country of Benin and Togo. Historically, it originated from the Fon and Ewe ethnic groups, which are predominantly located in southern Benin and northern Togo. However, due to migration and diaspora, people with the surname Oujo can also be found in other parts of the world, particularly France, where many West Africans have settled. Additionally, there are communities with the Oujo name in countries like the United States, Canada, and Belgium, which host significant populations of African immigrants. The distribution of this name reflects historical migration patterns as well as contemporary global mobility trends among people of Beninese and Togolese descent.
The surname Oujo has several variants and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation and transliteration. Some common variations include Ojo, O'Jou, d'Oujo, D'Ojo, Ojuo, Oju, Ojoo, and Ujo. These variations are primarily found among individuals of African descent, particularly those from West Africa, where the name is prevalent in countries such as Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and Ivory Coast. The name is derived from the Yoruba language and means "owner of the market" or "wealthy trader". It is also sometimes used as a given name. The correct spelling may depend on individual preference or regional conventions.
The Oujo surname has been associated with several notable figures across various fields. One of the most recognized is Jeanne Oujo, an American film and television actress who gained popularity for her roles in films such as "Dear White People" and "The New Edition Story". In the world of academia, there is Charles Oujo, a renowned professor at the University of California, Berkeley, known for his research on computer vision and machine learning. Additionally, there is Richard Oujo, a professional boxer who represented Canada in international competitions. In the realm of sports broadcasting, Randy Oujo has made a name for himself as an analyst for ESPN. Lastly, Nathalie Oujo, a Canadian poet and novelist, has garnered acclaim for her works exploring themes of identity and displacement. These individuals, among others with the surname Oujo, have contributed significantly to their respective fields, making their mark in their unique ways.
The surname Oujo is primarily found in French-speaking regions, particularly in Quebec, Canada, and France. Its origins can be traced back to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The name is an occupational one derived from the Old Norse word "augr" or "augia," meaning "auger" or "drill." Augers were skilled craftsmen who drilled holes to extract wood, pitch, or resin for various purposes. Over time, this occupation-based surname spread across Europe due to migration and settling patterns. In Quebec, the name was introduced by French colonizers in the 17th century. Today, it remains a relatively uncommon name but is well-represented within Quebec's population. Genealogical research on the Oujo family typically involves tracing their lineage through baptism and marriage records, military service lists, census data, and other historical documents to construct a comprehensive family tree.
Chargement de la carte...
Enter the surname you are looking for below:
surnames > ouja
The surname Ouja is of Arabic and French origin. It is derived from the Arabic name 'Uthman, meaning "constant" or "steadfast," or the French variant Hugon, which is a short form o...
surnames > oujakhov
The last name Oujakhov is of Russian origin. It is derived from the personal name Oujakh, which is of uncertain etymology. It is believed to possibly be of Turkic or Mongolian orig...
surnames > oujda
The last name "Oujda" is likely of Moroccan origin, specifically from the city of Oujda in northeastern Morocco. It is common for last names in Morocco to be derived from the names...
surnames > oujjat
The surname "Oujjat" is of Moroccan origin. It is a common surname in Morocco, especially among the Berber population. The name may have originated from a geographical location, oc...
surnames > oujol
The last name "Oujol" is of French origin. It is derived from the Occitan word "Oujo," which means "eye." This surname may have originally been a nickname for someone with a distin...