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Last Name Tetteh-lartey

What is the origin of the last name Tetteh-lartey?

The surname Tetteh-Lartey is of Ghanaian origin, specifically from the Ewe ethnic group in the Volta Region of southern Ghana. The name consists of two parts: "Tetteh," which means "born on a Thursday" in Ewe, and "Lartey," which translates to "messenger." This name might have been given to an individual born on a Thursday who was considered a messenger or a representative of some sort within their community.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tetteh-lartey

The meaning and origin of the last name Tetteh-lartey

The surname Tetteh-Lartey is of Ghanaian origin, specifically from the Akan ethnic group within the Ga-Adangbe language family. The name can be broken down into two distinct parts: Tetteh and Lartey.

Tetteh is a common given name in Ghana, derived from the Twi word 'Nketia', which means 'born on Thursday'. This suggests that an ancestor of the family was born on a Thursday according to Akan traditional naming customs.

Lartey, on the other hand, translates to 'a town or village' in Ga-Adangbe language, indicating a possible geographical origin or ancestral connection to a specific location.

Therefore, the surname Tetteh-Lartey could be interpreted as meaning 'one born at (or from) a town', reflecting the family's historical roots within an Akan community in Ghana.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tetteh-lartey

The surname Tetteh-Lartey is predominantly found in Ghana, West Africa. It is of Akan origin, one of the major ethnic groups in the country. The Akans are known to be distributed primarily in the southern and central regions of Ghana, particularly in the Ashanti, Eastern, Central, and Greater Accra Regions. The Tetteh-Lartey surname is commonly found within these areas, suggesting a historical connection to the Akan tribe. Additionally, there may be minor occurrences of this surname among the diaspora communities of Ghanaian descent, particularly in countries with significant populations from West Africa, such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tetteh-lartey

The surname Tetteh-Lartey possesses several variants and spellings due to various factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, or personal preference. Some common variations include Tetteh Lartey, Tette Lartey, Tetey Lartee, Tette Laartie, Tette Lartee, and Tete Lartee. These variations may also appear with slight differences in the spelling of the given names that accompany the surname. It's essential to note that these variations are not necessarily indicative of different individuals but rather reflect the diversity in spelling conventions within Ghanaian naming practices.

Famous people with the last name Tetteh-lartey

Tetteh-Lartey is a notable Ghanaian surname that has produced several significant individuals. One of the most renowned is Colonel A.K. Tetteh-Lartey, who served as Chief of Staff of the Ghana Army from 1969 to 1972 and was a key figure in the military government during that period. Another notable figure is Dr. Kwame Tetteh-Lartey, a renowned medical doctor and epidemiologist, who has made significant contributions to global health, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, also known as Nana Kobina Tetteh-Lartey, is the paramount chief of the Nketia state and the president of the Eastern Council of State in Ghana, contributing to cultural preservation and political administration. These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields and have cemented the Tetteh-Lartey name as a distinguished one within Ghanaian society.

Genealogical research on the last name Tetteh-lartey

The Tetteh-Lartey lineage is primarily traced to the Akwapim-Mamprugu region in modern-day Ghana. The surname, a fusion of two separate clans - Tetteh and Lartey - originated from this area.

The Tetteh clan, historically known as Odahene or Paramount Chief of the Akwamu, is one of the most prominent tribes in the Akwapim-Mamprugu region. The Lartey clan, on the other hand, hails from the northern part of Ghana, specifically the Mamprugu Kingdom, and has a rich history dating back to the 16th century.

The Tetteh-Lartey lineage can be traced through various migratory movements and mergers, with the two clans officially uniting in the late 19th or early 20th century under the British administration during the colonial era. The Tetteh-Lartey family is known for their significant contributions to politics, education, and society in Ghana and beyond. Notable figures include Joseph Tetteh-Lartey, a prominent Gold Coast politician during the colonial period, and Kofi Tetteh-Yenfram, a renowned Ghanaian scholar.

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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