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

Okechukwu, 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 Okechukwu surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Okechukwu in America

Okechukwu is the 99378th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Okechukwu surname appeared 182 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 Okechukwu.

We can also compare 2010 data for Okechukwu to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Okechukwu

The surname OKECHUKWU is of Nigerian origin, derived from the Igbo language. It is a compound word formed from the combination of two words: "oke" meaning "the greater one" and "chukwu" meaning "God" or "the Supreme Being." The name can be interpreted as "the greater one is God" or "God is the greatest."

The Igbo people are an ethnic group native to the southeastern part of Nigeria, and their language is one of the major languages spoken in the region. The OKECHUKWU surname has its roots in this cultural and linguistic context, reflecting the traditional beliefs and values of the Igbo people.

Historical records and manuscripts from the pre-colonial era in Nigeria are scarce, making it difficult to pinpoint the earliest recorded instances of the OKECHUKWU surname. However, oral traditions and genealogical records suggest that the name has been in use for several centuries, passed down through generations within Igbo communities.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the surname OKECHUKWU was Nnamdi OKECHUKWU, a prominent Igbo trader and diplomat who lived in the late 18th century. He was known for his role in facilitating trade relationships between Igbo communities and European merchants.

Another significant figure was Chukwuemeka OKECHUKWU (1901-1983), a Nigerian politician and activist who played a crucial role in the struggle for independence from British colonial rule. He served as a member of the Nigerian Legislative Council and was a strong advocate for Igbo rights and self-determination.

In the realm of literature, the name OKECHUKWU is associated with Chinua OKECHUKWU (1930-2008), a renowned Nigerian novelist and poet. He was considered one of the most influential African writers of the 20th century and was best known for his novels "Things Fall Apart" and "Arrow of God," which explored the cultural clash between traditional Igbo society and Western influences.

In the field of academia, Professor Chidi OKECHUKWU (1948-present) is a notable figure. He is a distinguished scholar of Igbo language and culture, having authored numerous books and articles on the subject. He has contributed significantly to the preservation and promotion of Igbo cultural heritage.

Lastly, Onyekachi OKECHUKWU (1982-present) is a contemporary Nigerian footballer who has played for several clubs in Europe, including Lille OSC and Istanbul Başakşehir. He has also represented the Nigerian national team, showcasing his talents on the international stage.

While the OKECHUKWU surname has its origins in the Igbo culture of Nigeria, it has since spread to various parts of the world through migration and diaspora communities. However, its deep-rooted connection to the Igbo language and traditions remains a significant part of its historical and cultural significance.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Okechukwu

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

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 Okechukwu 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.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Okechukwu has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

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

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

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