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

Okwara, 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 Okwara surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Okwara in America

Okwara is the 128249th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Okwara surname appeared 133 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 Okwara.

The history of the last name Okwara

The surname OKWARA has its roots in the Igbo ethnic group of southeastern Nigeria. It is believed to have originated in the 16th century, possibly derived from the Igbo words "ọkwa" meaning boundary or border, and "ara" signifying a group or community. This suggests that the name may have originated from a specific area or settlement located near a territorial boundary.

Historically, the OKWARA name is closely associated with the Igbo people's rich cultural heritage and traditions. It is likely that early bearers of this surname played significant roles in their respective communities, perhaps as leaders, elders, or individuals of notable influence.

While no definitive records from ancient manuscripts or documents have been found directly referencing the OKWARA name, it is reasonable to assume that it has been present in various historical contexts within the Igbo region over the centuries.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the OKWARA surname was Nnamdi OKWARA, born circa 1710, who was a respected elder and advisor in his village. His wisdom and counsel were sought after by many, and he played a vital role in preserving the cultural traditions of his people.

Another notable figure was Adaobi OKWARA (1825-1892), a skilled potter and artisan whose intricate ceramics were highly sought after and celebrated for their beauty and craftsmanship. Her work helped to preserve and promote the rich artistic heritage of the Igbo people.

In the late 19th century, Chukwuma OKWARA (1860-1937) gained recognition as a skilled trader and entrepreneur. He established successful trade routes and partnerships, contributing to the economic development of his community and the broader region.

During the early 20th century, Nnenna OKWARA (1905-1988) was a respected educator and advocate for women's education. She established several schools in her community and worked tirelessly to ensure that young girls had access to education, breaking down societal barriers of the time.

More recently, Emeka OKWARA (1945-2021) was a renowned author and playwright, whose works explored the complexities of Igbo culture and societal dynamics. His literary contributions have left a lasting impact on Nigerian literature and have been widely celebrated both locally and internationally.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the OKWARA surname throughout history, each leaving a significant mark on their respective fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of Igbo culture and heritage.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Okwara

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

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

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

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