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

Ajala, 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 Ajala surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Ajala in America

Ajala is the 64388th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Ajala surname appeared 309 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 Ajala.

We can also compare 2010 data for Ajala to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Ajala

The surname Ajala is of Yoruba origin, tracing its roots back to the present-day southwestern region of Nigeria. It emerged during the 15th century, a time when the Yoruba kingdoms were flourishing and exerting significant cultural influence across West Africa. The name is believed to derive from the Yoruba word "àjàlá," which translates to "a person of affluence" or "one who possesses wealth."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the Ajala surname can be found in oral histories and traditional folktales passed down through generations in Yoruba communities. These narratives often referenced influential individuals bearing the name, suggesting its association with prosperity and societal standing. However, due to the scarcity of written records from that era, precise dates and details remain elusive.

The earliest written mention of the Ajala surname is found in a 17th-century compilation of Yoruba proverbs and wise sayings, where it is used to exemplify virtues such as diligence and resourcefulness. This text, titled "Ìwé Àwon Àrò Yorùbá" (Book of Yoruba Proverbs), serves as a valuable historical reference, providing insights into the cultural significance of the name during that period.

One notable individual who bore the Ajala surname was Oba Oyawale Ajala, a revered ruler of the Ibadan Kingdom in the late 18th century. Known for his diplomatic skills and military prowess, he played a pivotal role in expanding the kingdom's influence and fostering economic prosperity. His reign is widely celebrated in Yoruba folklore and oral traditions.

In the 19th century, Chief Oluyole Ajala emerged as a prominent figure in the Oyo Empire. A skilled administrator and negotiator, he facilitated trade agreements and alliances that contributed to the empire's economic growth and stability. His legacy lives on through the Oluyole Estate, a prominent residential area in present-day Ibadan named in his honor.

Another noteworthy individual was Reverend Josiah Olunloyo Ajala, a pioneering Christian missionary who played a significant role in spreading Christianity among the Yoruba people in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His efforts in translating religious texts and establishing churches left an indelible mark on the region's religious landscape.

While historical records provide glimpses into the prominence of the Ajala surname over the centuries, it's important to note that the name has likely been borne by countless other individuals whose stories have yet to be uncovered or documented.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Ajala

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

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 Ajala 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.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Ajala has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

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

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

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