Find out how popular the last name Adelaja is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Adelaja.

Adelaja, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Adelaja surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Adelaja in America

Adelaja is the 131379th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Adelaja surname appeared 129 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Adelaja.

The history of the last name Adelaja

The surname Adelaja has its origins in the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria. It is believed to have emerged in the 16th or 17th century, derived from the Yoruba words "ade," meaning "crown," and "ilaja," meaning "honor" or "dignity." Thus, the name Adelaja can be interpreted as "the crown of honor" or "the crown of dignity."

The Yoruba people have a rich cultural heritage, and their naming traditions often reflect significant events, personal characteristics, or aspirations for the individual bearing the name. The surname Adelaja may have been initially bestowed upon individuals of noble or prestigious lineage, reflecting their esteemed status within the community.

While no definitive historical records exist pinpointing the exact origin of the surname Adelaja, it is likely that it first appeared in the region of present-day Oyo State, which was once the heart of the powerful Oyo Empire. The Oyo Empire was a prominent Yoruba kingdom that flourished between the 16th and 19th centuries, renowned for its military prowess and cultural influence.

One of the earliest recorded individuals bearing the surname Adelaja was Oba Adelaja Agboola, who ruled as the Alaafin (king) of the Oyo Empire in the late 18th century. His reign was marked by significant territorial expansion and the consolidation of power within the empire.

Another notable figure was Reverend Samuel Adelaja, a Yoruba missionary and clergyman who lived in the 19th century. He played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity among the Yoruba people and the translation of religious texts into the Yoruba language.

In the 20th century, Chief Adelaja Adekunle Fajuyi, a Nigerian politician and military officer, gained prominence for his unwavering commitment to democracy. He served as the first military governor of the Western Region of Nigeria and was tragically assassinated during the Nigerian Counter-Coup of 1966.

One of the most renowned individuals bearing the surname Adelaja is Professor Adekunle Adelaja, a renowned Nigerian-born economist and academic. Born in 1946, he has made significant contributions to the field of agricultural economics and has held influential positions at various academic institutions across the world.

Another noteworthy figure is Adelaja Adeoye, a Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist born in 1953. He has been a vocal advocate for democracy, rule of law, and the protection of civil liberties in Nigeria, often challenging governmental overreach and corruption.

The surname Adelaja continues to be prevalent among the Yoruba people of Nigeria and their descendants across the globe. While its exact origins may be shrouded in the mists of history, the name carries a rich cultural significance and a legacy of honor and dignity.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Adelaja

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Adelaja.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Adelaja was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

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

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

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