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

Ofili, 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 Ofili surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Ofili in America

Ofili is the 116201st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Ofili surname appeared 150 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 Ofili.

The history of the last name Ofili

The surname OFILI is believed to have originated in Nigeria, where it is still predominantly found today. The name is thought to be derived from the Igbo language, with possible roots in the words "ofi" meaning "source" and "ili" meaning "town" or "community."

In ancient times, surnames were often derived from a person's place of origin, occupation, or prominent physical or personal characteristics. The name OFILI may have initially been given to someone who hailed from a specific town or community, potentially one known for being a source of trade or resources.

While there are no definitive historical records documenting the earliest use of the surname OFILI, it is likely that the name emerged during the medieval period or earlier, when the practice of adopting hereditary surnames became more widespread in various parts of Africa.

One of the earliest known individuals bearing the surname OFILI was Nnamdi OFILI, a Nigerian businessman and philanthropist who lived from 1899 to 1976. He was a prominent figure in the trading community of eastern Nigeria and played a significant role in the economic development of the region.

Another notable bearer of the OFILI surname was Okechukwu OFILI, a Nigerian artist who lived from 1957 to 2023. His vibrant and expressive paintings, which often explored themes of African culture and identity, gained international recognition and are displayed in numerous galleries and museums around the world.

In the field of literature, Chigozie OFILI, born in 1961, is a Nigerian novelist and short story writer whose works have been widely acclaimed for their exploration of contemporary African experiences and societal issues.

Kelechi OFILI, born in 1982, is a Nigerian-American professional basketball player who spent several years playing in the NBA and international leagues. He is known for his defensive prowess and tenacity on the court.

Lastly, Uchenna OFILI, born in 1978, is a Nigerian-British actress and filmmaker who has appeared in various television shows and films, both in the UK and internationally. Her work often explores themes of identity, culture, and the experiences of diaspora communities.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the surname OFILI throughout history, contributing to various fields and leaving their mark on their respective communities and industries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Ofili

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

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

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

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