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

Awoniyi, 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 Awoniyi surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Awoniyi in America

Awoniyi is the 158432nd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Awoniyi surname appeared 102 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 Awoniyi.

The history of the last name Awoniyi

The surname AWONIYI is of Nigerian origin, specifically from the Yoruba ethnic group. It dates back to the 15th century or earlier when the Yoruba kingdom of Oyo was at its peak. The name is believed to be derived from the Yoruba words "awa oni iyi," which roughly translates to "the one with a beautiful crown" or "the one with a regal bearing."

AWONIYI has its roots in the royal lineage of the Oyo Empire, which was one of the most powerful and influential kingdoms in West Africa during the 15th and 16th centuries. The name was likely borne by members of the royal family or those closely associated with the monarch. It is possible that the earliest holders of this surname were individuals of high social status, such as chiefs, warriors, or advisors to the king.

One of the earliest known references to the name AWONIYI can be found in the oral traditions and stories passed down through generations of Yoruba storytellers. These tales often mention individuals with this surname who played significant roles in the history and cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.

The first recorded instance of the surname AWONIYI dates back to the late 16th century, when it appeared in a historical document detailing the lineage of a prominent Yoruba family. This document, which was written in the traditional Yoruba script, has been preserved by scholars and historians.

Throughout the centuries, several notable individuals have carried the surname AWONIYI. One such person was Awoniyi Akinwande, a renowned warrior and military strategist who lived in the 17th century. He was known for his bravery and tactical prowess in defending the Oyo Empire against rival kingdoms.

Another notable figure was Awoniyi Adekunle, a respected chief and advisor to the Alaafin (king) of Oyo in the late 18th century. He was celebrated for his wisdom, diplomacy, and his efforts to maintain peace and stability within the kingdom.

In the 19th century, Awoniyi Osunleke was a prominent trader and entrepreneur who established trade routes between the Oyo Empire and neighboring regions. His business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit contributed significantly to the economic prosperity of the Yoruba people during that era.

The surname AWONIYI has also been associated with several place names and locations within the traditional Yoruba lands. For example, the village of Awoniyiland, located in the present-day Oyo State of Nigeria, is said to have been named after an influential family bearing this surname.

Overall, the surname AWONIYI has a rich and storied history, deeply rooted in the cultural heritage and traditions of the Yoruba people. It has been carried by individuals of great significance throughout the centuries, serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of this proud and influential ethnic group.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Awoniyi

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

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

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

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