Last Name Ude

The last name "Ude" is primarily of German origin. It is derived from a place name, Ude, located in the Schleswig-Holstein region of northern Germany. People with this surname may have originally lived near or migrated from that location. As with many surnames, it could also have been a nickname for someone who was strong or stout, as "Ude" means "strong" or "sturdy" in the Frisian language. The Frisians are a Germanic ethnic group who inhabited the coastal regions of the North Sea, including parts of northern Germany and the Netherlands. Over time, as families migrated from their original homeland, the surname "Ude" spread to other regions, ultimately becoming a common last name in Europe and other parts of the world.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ude

The meaning and origin of the last name Ude

The surname Ude is of Scandinavian origin, derived from the Old Norse name "Óddr" or "Odd", which means "wealth" or "prosperity". The name was brought to England by Viking invaders and later became a common surname in English-speaking countries. Over time, variations such as Ode, Ude, and Udell emerged due to factors like spelling errors, regional dialects, and migration patterns. Notable individuals with this surname include the American composer Thomas Udell, British mathematician William Ode, and Canadian politician James Upton Udell. The surname is relatively uncommon but can be found in various English-speaking countries today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ude

The surname Ude is predominantly found in West Africa, particularly among the Igbo people of Nigeria and the Ewe people of Togo and Ghana. It also appears in smaller numbers in other parts of Africa, such as Cameroon, Benin, and Senegal. There are also scattered instances of the surname Ude in Europe and North America, primarily among immigrants from West Africa. In Europe, it can be found in countries like the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. In North America, the majority of Udes reside in the United States, with concentrations in states such as New York, Texas, and California. The distribution suggests a rich history of migration from West Africa to Europe and North America, particularly during the late 20th century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ude

The surname Ude has several variants and spellings, including Uede, Oude, Uuda, and Uude. These variations are derived from the original Germanic name "Udala" or "Uthila," meaning wealth or prosperity. In English-speaking countries, it is often spelled as Ude. The name has been recorded in various regions including Germany, Scandinavia, and the United Kingdom. It may also be found in other countries where these regions' settlers emigrated, such as North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Despite the differences in spelling, all of these forms share a common linguistic and cultural origin.

Famous people with the last name Ude

The Ude family has produced notable figures across various fields, contributing significantly to their respective domains. In the realm of academia, Michael Ude, Professor Emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley, is renowned for his research on semiconductors and materials science. On the other hand, Gwendolyn Ude, a prominent archaeologist, has made significant contributions to the understanding of prehistoric societies, particularly in North America. In the entertainment industry, Daryl Hannah, known as "Han Solo's lover" in Star Wars, was born as Anna Kay Unger but later adopted the stage name Daryl Hannah Ude Nielson. Finally, in sports, Jermaine O'Neal Udeje (also known as Jermaine O'Neal), a professional basketball player, had an illustrious career in the National Basketball Association (NBA) spanning over 18 years. These individuals exemplify the diverse talents and achievements of those bearing the last name Ude.

Genealogical research on the last name Ude

The surname Ude, primarily found in Scandinavian countries and Germany, is of Norse origin. It is derived from the Old Norse "áðr" or "óðr," which translates to "god" or "power." The name was often given to children born during favorable weather conditions, symbolizing divine intervention.

In Scandinavia, one of the earliest recorded instances of the name is found in 13th-century Icelandic sagas. The Ude family from Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, traces their roots back to the Middle Ages when they served as knights in the Holy Roman Empire.

In modern times, notable individuals bearing the surname Ude include artists like Finn-Ole Udell and Olaf Udall, a prominent 19th-century Norwegian author. The name's global distribution today reflects historical migrations, with significant populations found in Norway, Denmark, Germany, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ude"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 15 June 2025

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