Find out how popular the first name Okpara has been for the last 1 years (from 1979 to 1979) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Okpara by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Okpara is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1979, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Okpara.

The history of the first name Okpara

The name Okpara originates from the Igbo language of southeastern Nigeria. It is a combination of two Igbo words: "ọkpụ" meaning "wealth" and "ara" meaning "great." Therefore, Okpara translates to "great wealth" or "abundant wealth."

This name has its roots in the traditional Igbo culture, where wealth was highly valued and often associated with success, status, and prosperity. In the pre-colonial era, Okpara was a name often given to boys born into affluent or influential families, reflecting the parents' aspirations for their child to live a prosperous life.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Okpara can be traced back to the 18th century, when it appeared in various Igbo oral traditions and folktales. However, its usage likely predates these records, as naming traditions in West Africa have a long and rich history.

One of the most notable historical figures bearing the name Okpara was Okpara Nwaturuocha, a prominent Igbo trader and diplomat who lived in the late 18th century. He played a crucial role in facilitating trade relations between the Igbo people and European merchants during the era of the transatlantic slave trade.

Another influential Okpara was Okpara Nwoye, a respected Igbo chief and community leader in the mid-19th century. He was known for his wisdom, diplomacy, and efforts to promote peace and unity among the Igbo communities during a period of increasing tensions and conflicts.

In the 20th century, the name Okpara gained wider recognition with the rise of Dr. Michael Okpara (1920-1984), a prominent Nigerian politician and statesman. He served as the first premier of the Eastern Region of Nigeria from 1959 to 1966 and played a crucial role in the country's independence movement.

Another notable figure was Okpara Okorie (1920-2001), a renowned Nigerian sculptor and artist. His works, which often depicted Igbo cultural themes and motifs, have been exhibited in galleries around the world and are considered important contributions to contemporary African art.

Lastly, Okpara Uchechukwu (born in 1950) is a respected Nigerian businessman and philanthropist. He has made significant contributions to various charitable initiatives, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare, and has been recognized for his efforts with numerous awards and honors.

While the name Okpara continues to be popular among the Igbo people and other Nigerian communities, its historical significance and cultural associations with wealth, prosperity, and success have made it a name that carries a sense of aspiration and hope for a prosperous future.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Okpara was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Okpara, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!