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

Odu, 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 Odu surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Odu in America

Odu is the 129825th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Odu surname appeared 131 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 Odu.

The history of the last name Odu

The surname ODU originates from Nigeria and is believed to have its roots in the Yoruba language, where it is thought to have meant "descendant" or "offspring." The name is primarily found in the southwestern region of Nigeria, particularly in states such as Ogun, Oyo, and Lagos.

The earliest recorded instances of the ODU surname can be traced back to the 16th century, during the height of the Oyo Empire, one of the most influential Yoruba kingdoms. It is speculated that the name may have been associated with noble or influential families within the empire.

In the early 19th century, a notable figure bearing the ODU surname was Oduduwa, a renowned monarch and the legendary progenitor of the Yoruba people. His name, which translates to "the founder" or "the pioneer," further reinforces the connection between the ODU surname and the idea of ancestry and lineage.

During the colonial era in Nigeria, the ODU surname appeared in various administrative records and historical documents kept by the British colonial authorities. One such example is the census conducted in the early 20th century, which documented individuals with the ODU surname residing in various parts of southwestern Nigeria.

Prominent individuals with the ODU surname include Olabisi Odu, a Nigerian politician and women's rights activist who lived from 1912 to 1997. She played a significant role in the women's movement in Nigeria and was involved in advocating for educational opportunities for girls and women.

Another notable figure is Akinkunmi Odu, a Nigerian artist and sculptor born in 1931. His works, which often reflected traditional Yoruba themes and motifs, have been exhibited globally and are held in prestigious collections, including the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art.

In the realm of academia, Olufemi Odu stands out as a distinguished Nigerian scholar and professor of physics. Born in 1941, he made significant contributions to the field of theoretical physics and held prominent positions at various universities in Nigeria and abroad.

Additionally, Yemi Odu, born in 1965, is a renowned Nigerian musician and songwriter who has gained international recognition for his fusion of traditional Yoruba music with contemporary genres. His music has been celebrated for its cultural richness and innovative approach.

Lastly, Adeniyi Odu, born in 1975, is a celebrated Nigerian writer and playwright whose works have explored themes of identity, cultural heritage, and social issues. His plays have been performed both locally and internationally, garnering critical acclaim and numerous awards.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Odu

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

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

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

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