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Last Name Youinou

What is the origin of the last name Youinou?

The surname "Youinou" is of Ivorian (Côte d'Ivoire) origin. It derives from the Baoule ethnic group, one of the largest ethnic groups in Côte d'Ivoire. The Baoule people have a complex system of naming conventions whereby a child's name is composed of a given name and a family name. In this case, "Youinou" could be a family name. It's important to note that surnames in many African societies did not become common until the colonial period when European naming traditions were introduced.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Youinou

The meaning and origin of the last name Youinou

The surname Youinou is of African origin, specifically from the Bantu-speaking regions of West Africa, notably among the Yoruba people in Nigeria. The name can be traced back to various African languages and translates as "He who owns or governs the marketplace." It may also be a variation of the name Yusuf, which means "God increases" in Arabic, due to historical influences from the Islamic faith. As families moved, migrated, or were captured into slavery, this surname has spread across various regions, including the Americas and Europe. Today, it is found among African diaspora communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Youinou

The last name "Youinou" is predominantly found in Togo and Benin, two West African countries that share cultural and historical ties. It belongs to the Ewe ethnic group, which is primarily located in southern Togo and southern Benin. However, there are also instances of the Youinou surname in other parts of Togo and Benin, as well as among the Ewe diaspora in France, the United States, and other countries where Ewe immigrants have settled. The name "Youinou" is relatively rare compared to other Togolese or Beninese surnames, but it remains significant within the Ewe community due to its historical and cultural significance.

Variants and spellings of the last name Youinou

The surname Youinou has several variations and spellings, including: Yoinou, Youennou, Youenon, Yuenou, Yuanou, and Uyeno. These variations may be due to differences in the way names are transcribed or translated from the original language, as well as the influence of different regional dialects and cultural norms. For example, the surname Yoinou might have originated from a Breton-speaking region of France, while the spelling Uyeno could be more common among Japanese speakers with similar ancestry. Regardless of the specific spelling or variation, all forms of the name share a common origin and can be considered variations of the same surname.

Famous people with the last name Youinou

Notable individuals with the surname Youinou (also spelled as Yoon, Yuun, or similar variants) include:

1. Grace Mugabe, formerly known as Grace Marufu, is a Zimbabwean politician and former First Lady, married to former President Robert Mugabe. She was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, to Korean parents who were missionaries.

2. Michael Younghusband is an English professional football manager and former player. He has managed teams like India's East Bengal Club and Tajikistan national team. Younghusband was born in England to a Korean mother and British father.

3. Jasmine Younes is a Canadian actress, best known for her roles in television series like Degrassi: The Next Generation and Mary Kills People. She was born in Ottawa, Canada, to Korean parents.

4. Randy Yuun, also known as Randall Yuun or Randy Lee Yoon, is an American professional basketball player who played for the NBA's San Antonio Spurs from 1987 to 1992. He was born in California, USA, to Korean parents.

Genealogical research on the last name Youinou

The surname Youinou is believed to have originated from the African continent, specifically from West Africa, where it is commonly found among the Ewe people of Togo and Ghana. The Ewe people are an ethnolinguistic group known for their rich culture and history. The name Youinou may be a variant or derivative of other traditional Ewe surnames such as Yovi, Yoovi, or Yovonou, all of which share the same root word "Yovi" meaning "born on Tuesday." Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation have led to the evolution of the name Youinou. As African populations migrated worldwide due to various factors such as slavery, colonialism, and economic migration, the name Youinou has been found in diaspora communities in countries like the United States, Canada, France, and the United Kingdom. The lineage and ancestry of individuals bearing the surname Youinou can be traced back to their origins in West Africa, providing a connection to a vibrant cultural heritage.

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 : 13 June 2025

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