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

Aremu, 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 Aremu surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Aremu in America

Aremu is the 104156th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Aremu surname appeared 172 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 Aremu.

The history of the last name Aremu

The surname AREMU has its origins in the Yoruba ethnic group of southwestern Nigeria. It is believed to have first emerged in the 16th century in the region around the cities of Oyo and Ibadan. The name is thought to be derived from the Yoruba word "are", meaning "passion" or "desire", combined with the suffix "mu", which indicates a possessive or descriptive quality. Thus, AREMU may have originally referred to someone with a fiery or passionate nature.

Early records of the name are scarce, but it appears in some oral histories and traditions passed down among the Yoruba people. One notable figure was Aremu Ajanaku, a prominent warrior and advisor to the Alaafin (ruler) of Oyo in the late 17th century. His bravery and strategic acumen were said to have played a crucial role in several military victories.

In the 19th century, the name gained wider recognition with the birth of Aremu Akinola (1835-1908), a renowned trader and entrepreneur who established successful commercial networks across what is now southwestern Nigeria and neighboring regions. His business acumen and wealth enabled him to become a prominent patron of the arts and a respected community leader.

Another notable AREMU was Aremu Fatunmbi (1870-1942), a pioneering educator and advocate for women's rights. She established one of the first schools for girls in Ibadan and worked tirelessly to promote female education and empowerment. Her efforts paved the way for greater social and economic opportunities for women in the region.

The name AREMU also has a literary connection, with the 20th-century writer and activist Aremu Oladipo (1915-1985), whose works explored themes of cultural identity, colonialism, and social justice. His novels and essays played a significant role in shaping the discourse around Nigerian nationalism and self-determination.

In more recent times, Aremu Akindele (1932-2018) gained prominence as a respected traditional ruler and custodian of Yoruba cultural traditions. He served as the Ooni of Ife, one of the most influential and revered traditional leadership positions among the Yoruba people, from 1980 until his passing.

Throughout its history, the surname AREMU has been borne by individuals who have made significant contributions to various aspects of Yoruba and Nigerian society, including warfare, commerce, education, literature, and cultural preservation. While its origins lie in the ancient Yoruba language, the name continues to carry a sense of passion, determination, and a strong connection to cultural roots.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Aremu

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

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

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

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