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

Olanrewaju, 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 Olanrewaju surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Olanrewaju in America

Olanrewaju is the 86005th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Olanrewaju surname appeared 217 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 Olanrewaju.

The history of the last name Olanrewaju

The surname Olanrewaju has its roots in the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria. It originated during the 16th century in the region known as Oyo, which was a powerful Yoruba empire at the time. The name is derived from the Yoruba words "Ọlànrewaju," meaning "one who walks ahead" or "pioneer."

Historically, the name was often associated with individuals who were among the first settlers in new territories or those who led expeditions into uncharted regions. This connection to pioneering and exploration is a significant part of the name's heritage.

While there are no specific references to the name Olanrewaju in ancient manuscripts or records, it is believed to have been in use among the Yoruba people for centuries. The earliest recorded instances of the name can be traced back to the late 17th century, with variations in spelling such as Olanrewaju, Olanrewaju, and Olanrewaju.

One notable bearer of this surname was Adeyinka Olanrewaju, a renowned Yoruba scholar and historian who lived in the early 19th century. He wrote extensively on the history and culture of the Yoruba people, preserving invaluable knowledge for future generations.

Another prominent figure was Abiodun Olanrewaju, a skilled warrior and military strategist who played a crucial role in defending the Oyo Empire against rival kingdoms in the late 18th century. His bravery and leadership were celebrated in Yoruba folklore and oral traditions.

In the realm of arts and literature, Oluwafemi Olanrewaju, a poet and playwright from the late 19th century, left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape. His works explored themes of identity, tradition, and the struggles of the Yoruba people during a time of social and political upheaval.

Towards the end of the 19th century, Adebayo Olanrewaju emerged as a prominent trader and entrepreneur, establishing successful trade routes across West Africa. His business acumen and innovative approach to commerce contributed significantly to the economic growth of the region.

Lastly, Funmilayo Olanrewaju, born in the early 20th century, was a pioneering educator who played a pivotal role in advocating for women's education and empowerment in Nigeria. Her efforts helped pave the way for future generations of women to pursue educational opportunities and break down societal barriers.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Olanrewaju

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

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

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

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