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

Kuku, 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 Kuku surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Kuku in America

Kuku is the 93921st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Kuku surname appeared 195 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 Kuku.

The history of the last name Kuku

The surname KUKU has its origins in the West African region, particularly in present-day Nigeria. It is believed to have emerged during the 16th century, derived from the Yoruba language, where the word "kuku" refers to a type of small, harmless lizard commonly found in the region.

The earliest recorded instances of the KUKU surname can be traced back to the Oyo Empire, a prominent Yoruba kingdom that flourished between the 16th and 19th centuries. Historical records from this period, such as genealogical accounts and oral traditions, mention individuals bearing the KUKU name, often associated with specific lineages or clans.

One notable historical reference to the KUKU surname can be found in the writings of Samuel Ajayi Crowther, a Yoruba scholar and the first African Anglican bishop in Nigeria, who lived from 1809 to 1891. In his detailed accounts of Yoruba culture and traditions, Crowther documented the significance of various surnames, including KUKU, and their connection to the region's ancestral roots.

Among the earliest recorded individuals with the KUKU surname was Adekunle KUKU, a prominent warrior and military leader who lived in the late 17th century. He played a crucial role in the expansion of the Oyo Empire and was renowned for his strategic prowess in battles against rival kingdoms.

Another historically significant figure bearing the KUKU name was Adeyinka KUKU, a respected chief and advisor to the Alafin (king) of the Oyo Empire in the 18th century. Adeyinka was renowned for his wisdom and diplomatic skills, often serving as a mediator in inter-tribal disputes and negotiations.

In the 19th century, Oladipo KUKU gained recognition as a skilled artist and sculptor, renowned for his intricate carvings and representations of Yoruba deities and cultural symbols. His works were highly valued and can still be found in various museums and private collections.

During the colonial era, the KUKU surname gained wider recognition beyond the Yoruba region. One notable figure was Olabode KUKU, a prominent educator and advocate for indigenous rights, who lived from 1876 to 1954. He established several schools and played a pivotal role in the promotion of Yoruba language and culture.

Another individual of historical significance was Ajibola KUKU, a respected traditional healer and herbalist who lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His vast knowledge of traditional medicine and healing practices was widely sought after and passed down through generations within the KUKU lineage.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Kuku

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

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

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

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