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

Adelekan, 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 Adelekan surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Adelekan in America

Adelekan is the 144141st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Adelekan surname appeared 115 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 Adelekan.

The history of the last name Adelekan

The surname Adelekan is of Yoruba origin, tracing its roots to the southwestern region of Nigeria. It dates back to the 16th century, during the height of the Oyo Empire. The name is derived from the combination of two Yoruba words: "Ade," meaning "crown" or "royalty," and "Lekan," a contraction of "Olalekan," which translates to "one who holds the wealth of the nation."

This surname is closely associated with the ruling class and nobility of the Oyo Empire. It is believed that the earliest bearers of this name were descendants of influential chiefs or members of the royal family. Historical records from that era, including oral traditions and narratives, mention individuals bearing the Adelekan surname as prominent figures in the empire's governance and administration.

One of the earliest documented references to the name Adelekan can be found in the chronicles of the Oyo Empire, which recount the exploits of Adelekan Adesina, a renowned warrior and military strategist who lived in the late 16th century. His bravery and strategic prowess in battles against rival kingdoms were instrumental in securing the empire's dominance in the region.

Another notable figure bearing this surname was Adelekan Oluwole, a prominent trader and merchant who lived in the early 18th century. Adelekan Oluwole was instrumental in establishing trade routes and fostering economic relationships with neighboring kingdoms, thereby contributing to the prosperity of the Oyo Empire.

In the 19th century, the Adelekan surname gained further prominence with the birth of Adelekan Akinsanya (1829-1901), a renowned scholar and educator. Akinsanya played a pivotal role in establishing one of the earliest modern educational institutions in the region, which paved the way for the dissemination of knowledge and the advancement of literacy.

Another notable bearer of the Adelekan surname was Adelekan Ogunpolu (1871-1944), a renowned artist and sculptor. Ogunpolu's works were celebrated for their intricate designs and their depiction of traditional Yoruba cultural themes and motifs. His sculptures and carvings can still be found in museums and private collections around the world, serving as a testament to the rich artistic heritage of the Yoruba people.

Lastly, Adelekan Adedeji (1901-1978) was a prominent political figure who played a crucial role in the Nigerian independence movement. As a member of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons, Adedeji advocated for self-governance and worked tirelessly to secure Nigeria's sovereignty from British colonial rule.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Adelekan

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

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 Adelekan 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 Adelekan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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