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

Odutola, 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 Odutola surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Odutola in America

Odutola is the 150452nd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Odutola surname appeared 109 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 Odutola.

The history of the last name Odutola

The surname Odutola originates from the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria. It is believed to have emerged during the late 16th or early 17th century, with its roots tracing back to the ancient Yoruba city-state of Oyo. The name is derived from the Yoruba words "Odu" meaning "hunter" and "tola" meaning "trapper" or "snarer." Thus, Odutola can be interpreted as a reference to the traditional occupation of hunting and trapping among the Yoruba people.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the Odutola name can be found in the chronicles of the Oyo Empire, which ruled over a vast territory in present-day southwestern Nigeria and parts of neighboring countries from the late 16th century to the mid-19th century. These chronicles, written by court historians and scribes, document the exploits and lineages of notable families and individuals during that era.

In the 18th century, a prominent figure named Odutola Akinloye was recorded as a skilled hunter and warrior who served in the royal court of the Alaafin (king) of Oyo. His descendants continued to bear the Odutola name, which became associated with bravery and prowess in hunting and warfare.

As the Yoruba people migrated and settled in various regions of present-day Nigeria, the Odutola name spread to other areas, including the bustling coastal city of Lagos. In the early 20th century, a renowned Odutola family established themselves as successful merchants and traders in Lagos, contributing to the city's economic and cultural growth.

One notable individual from this family was Chief Ebenezer Odutola (1893-1962), a prominent businessman and philanthropist who played a significant role in the development of Lagos. He founded the Odutola School, one of the first private educational institutions in the city, and was actively involved in various social and community initiatives.

Another influential figure bearing the Odutola name was Chief Theophilus Odutola (1907-1985), a respected lawyer and political leader who played a pivotal role in Nigeria's independence movement. He served as the first President of the Lagos Town Council and was a member of the influential Egbe Omo Oduduwa, a socio-cultural organization dedicated to promoting the interests of the Yoruba people.

In the literary realm, Amos Tutuola (1920-1997), a renowned Nigerian author, adopted the pen name "Odutola" for some of his early works, further contributing to the recognition of the name globally. His novels, which blended Yoruba folklore with surrealism, gained international acclaim and helped to introduce Yoruba culture to a wider audience.

Throughout history, the Odutola name has been associated with strength, resilience, and a deep connection to the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people. While its origins can be traced back to the ancient city-states of southwestern Nigeria, the name has since spread and gained recognition worldwide, carried by individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Odutola

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

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

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

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