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Last Name Youla

What is the origin of the last name Youla?

The surname Youla is of African origin, particularly from West Africa (specifically countries like Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, and Mali). In these regions, it is often associated with the Mandé people. However, the exact meaning or derivation of the name may vary depending on local customs and language specificities, and it's always a good idea to consult regional experts for more accurate information.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Youla

The meaning and origin of the last name Youla

The surname Youla, variantly spelled as Yula, Julah, or Joule, is of African origin, primarily found among the Fulani people of West Africa, particularly in countries like Mali, Senegal, Guinea, and Mauritania. It derives from the Fula language, where it means "younger brother" or "little one". The name is often associated with the younger son of a family, as in many African cultures, the firstborn male child usually inherits his father's name and lineage. However, over time and due to migration and assimilation, the surname Youla can now be found among various communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Youla

The surname Youla is predominantly found in Central Africa, particularly in Cameroon and Gabon, where it represents a significant portion of the population in certain regions. It is also observed in smaller numbers in neighboring countries like Equatorial Guinea, Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The distribution extends slightly to other African countries such as Chad and Niger, reflecting historical migration patterns. Beyond Africa, there are notable diaspora communities carrying the surname Youla, notably in France, where it is one of the most common Cameroonian surnames, and to a lesser extent, in the United States and Canada.

Variants and spellings of the last name Youla

The surname Youla, also spelled Yola, Uola, Oula, and even Yule in some cases, originates from Central Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of the Congo and surrounding regions. The name can have various meanings depending on the ethnic group. For instance, among the Bantu people, "Oula" could mean "wealthy" or "blessing," while among the Yulu people, it might refer to a type of bird or reptile. Variations in spelling are common due to different phonetic interpretations and transliteration methods when transcribing names from local languages into the Latin alphabet.

Famous people with the last name Youla

One notable figure with the last name Youla is Ahmadou-Adam Ibrahim Youla, a prominent political and military leader from the Republic of Guinea. Born on August 23, 1946, he served as the President of Guinea from October 2, 1984, until his death in 1993. Prior to his presidency, he was a high-ranking officer in the Guinean military, playing a crucial role during the coup d'état that overthrew President Sékou Touré in November 1984. During his presidential term, Youla focused on economic development and foreign policy initiatives but faced significant challenges, including political instability and an unsuccessful coup attempt.

Another significant figure with the same last name is Koffi Kwahule Youla, a renowned Cameroonian soccer coach. Born in 1965, he has coached various professional football clubs in Cameroon, including Canon Yaoundé and Union Douala. He also served as the head coach of the national team of Equatorial Guinea from 2004 to 2006, leading them to qualify for the African Nations Cup for the first time in their history. As a player, Youla represented Cameroon at the international level, participating in the 1982 and 1984 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

Genealogical research on the last name Youla

The surname Youla is predominantly of African origin, particularly from Central Africa, specifically the Congo region. It is a patronymic name derived from the given name Yola or Youla, which means "mercy" or "compassion" in some local languages. The name has been traced back to various tribes such as the Luba, Kongo, and Tshiluba, among others. The Youla family migrated over time due to wars, trade, and cultural expansion, leading to its presence in countries like France, Belgium, and other parts of Europe and North America. Notable figures with this surname include French-Congolese poet and author Albert Mongo Youla and Congolese musician Jules Youla. Genealogical research remains a challenging task due to limited historical records in many African regions, but ongoing efforts by researchers and genealogists continue to expand our understanding of the Youla family lineage and history.

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 : 12 June 2025

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