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

Olagunju, 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 Olagunju surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Olagunju in America

Olagunju is the 131379th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Olagunju surname appeared 129 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 Olagunju.

The history of the last name Olagunju

The surname OLAGUNJU traces its origins to the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria. The name is believed to have emerged in the 16th century from the Oyo Kingdom, one of the most powerful and influential kingdoms in Yorubaland.

The name OLAGUNJU is a combination of two Yoruba words: "Ola," meaning wealth or prosperity, and "Gunju," which refers to a specific type of walking stick or staff. It is speculated that the name may have been given to individuals who possessed wealth or held positions of authority, as the walking stick was a symbol of power and leadership in traditional Yoruba culture.

Among the earliest recorded instances of the name, OLAGUNJU appears in oral histories and narratives passed down through generations within the Oyo Kingdom. These stories often recount the exploits of notable warriors, chiefs, and leaders who bore the name.

One of the earliest documented references to the name OLAGUNJU can be found in the writings of Samuel Ajayi Crowther, a Yoruba explorer and linguist who lived in the 19th century. Crowther's works provide valuable insights into the culture and traditions of the Yoruba people, including the significance of names and their meanings.

Throughout history, several individuals with the surname OLAGUNJU have achieved prominence and recognition in various fields:

1. Adekunle OLAGUNJU (1914-1986), a Nigerian politician and educator who served as the Minister of Education in the Western Region of Nigeria during the 1960s.

2. Kehinde OLAGUNJU (born 1962), a Nigerian artist renowned for his vibrant and expressive paintings depicting Yoruba culture and traditions.

3. Adebola OLAGUNJU (born 1974), a Nigerian-British author and journalist whose works have explored themes of identity, migration, and cultural heritage.

4. Iyabo OLAGUNJU (born 1980), a Nigerian actress and producer who has starred in numerous Nollywood films and television series.

5. Babatunde OLAGUNJU (born 1985), a Nigerian entrepreneur and business leader who co-founded one of the country's fastest-growing technology companies.

While the name OLAGUNJU may have evolved over time and acquired various spellings or variations, its roots remain firmly grounded in the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people, serving as a testament to their historical significance and enduring legacy.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Olagunju

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

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

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

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