Lawani
A Yoruba surname likely referring to someone who makes or sells lawa (camwood powder used as a cosmetic).
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 171 Americans carry the last name Lawani. That puts it at #118,185 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 0.05 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 2,004,411 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Lawani surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
171
1 in 2,004,411
Census rank
#118,185
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
0.1
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
147
very rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 147 bearers of the surname Lawani in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 0.05 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 118185th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Lawani, the largest self-reported group is Black at 95.2%.
Origin
Meaning and origin of Lawani
The surname LAWANI is believed to have originated in the West African region, particularly in present-day Nigeria. It is thought to be derived from the Yoruba language, one of the major ethnic groups in Nigeria.
The name LAWANI may have its roots in the Yoruba word "awa," which means "wealth" or "affluence." This suggests that the name might have been given to individuals or families who were considered wealthy or prosperous within their communities.
Historical records and documents from the pre-colonial era in Nigeria are scarce, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact origin and earliest recorded instances of the LAWANI surname. However, it is reasonable to assume that the name has been in use for several centuries within the Yoruba community.
One of the earliest recorded individuals with the surname LAWANI was Adeyemi LAWANI, a prominent Yoruba chief and warrior who lived in the late 18th century. He was known for his bravery and leadership during conflicts between various Yoruba kingdoms.
Another notable figure was Olufunmilayo LAWANI, a Yoruba trader and businesswoman who lived in the early 19th century. She was renowned for her entrepreneurial skills and played a significant role in the economic development of her community.
In the 20th century, Chief Obafemi LAWANI was a respected Yoruba leader and advocate for education. He founded several schools and worked tirelessly to promote literacy and educational opportunities for the youth in his region.
Internationally, one of the most recognized individuals with the LAWANI surname was Wole LAWANI, a Nigerian-American writer and playwright. He was born in 1934 and gained recognition for his plays and novels that explored themes of identity, cultural clashes, and the African diaspora experience.
Lastly, Funmilayo LAWANI was a renowned Nigerian textile artist and fashion designer. Born in 1952, she was celebrated for her innovative use of traditional Yoruba textile patterns and techniques, which she incorporated into contemporary fashion designs.
While the LAWANI surname has its roots in West Africa, particularly Nigeria, it has since spread to other parts of the world due to migration and the African diaspora. However, its origins can be traced back to the Yoruba people and their rich cultural heritage.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Lawani
Among Census respondents with the surname Lawani, the largest self-reported group is Black at 95.2%.
The bar chart below shows how Lawani bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Lawani surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- Black or African American95.2%
- Unknown or suppressed4.8%
FAQ
Lawani surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Lawani?
The surname Lawani holds position #118,185 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 171 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 0.05 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Lawani surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Lawani, the largest self-reported group is Black at 95.2%. These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.