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

Nwokeji, 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 Nwokeji surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Nwokeji in America

Nwokeji is the 122314th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Nwokeji surname appeared 141 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 Nwokeji.

The history of the last name Nwokeji

The surname Nwokeji originated from the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. It is believed to have first appeared during the late 16th century or early 17th century. The name is a combination of two Igbo words, "nwoke" meaning "man" and "ji" meaning "to live" or "to survive." Thus, the name Nwokeji can be interpreted as "the man who survives" or "the survivor."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Nwokeji can be found in the diaries of Portuguese traders who visited the region in the late 1600s. These traders documented their interactions with local chiefs and leaders, including individuals with the surname Nwokeji. However, the exact spelling and pronunciation may have varied due to the challenges of transcribing Igbo names into European languages at the time.

The Nwokeji surname is closely associated with the town of Awka, located in present-day Anambra State, Nigeria. Awka was a prominent settlement and trading center during the 17th and 18th centuries, and it is likely that the Nwokeji family played a significant role in the local community.

One notable individual with the Nwokeji surname was Nwokedi Nwokeji, a respected chief and warrior who lived in the late 17th century. He is said to have led his people in several battles against neighboring tribes, earning the respect and admiration of his followers for his bravery and leadership skills.

Another important figure bearing the Nwokeji name was Chukwuemeka Nwokeji, a prominent trader and businessman who lived in the early 19th century. He was known for establishing trade routes and fostering economic ties between the Igbo people and other regions of West Africa.

In more recent history, Ebele Nwokeji was a renowned educator and advocate for women's rights in Nigeria. She founded several schools and worked tirelessly to promote education and empowerment for young girls in the mid-20th century.

The Nwokeji surname has also spread beyond Nigeria due to migration and the Igbo diaspora. Notable individuals with this last name can be found in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and other parts of the world where Igbo communities have established themselves.

Overall, the surname Nwokeji has a rich history deeply rooted in the Igbo culture and traditions of southeastern Nigeria. Its meaning as "the man who survives" or "the survivor" reflects the resilience and strength of the people who bore this name throughout the centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Nwokeji

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

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

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

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