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

Olawale, 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 Olawale surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Olawale in America

Olawale is the 148347th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Olawale surname appeared 111 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 Olawale.

The history of the last name Olawale

The surname Olawale has its origins in Nigeria, and is derived from the Yoruba language. The name is composed of two separate words, "Ola" meaning wealth, and "Wale" meaning to come home. When combined, the name can be interpreted as "wealth has come home."

This surname likely originated in the 16th or 17th century, during the height of the Oyo Empire in present-day Southwestern Nigeria. The Yoruba people, one of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa, have a rich cultural and linguistic heritage that has contributed significantly to the development of Nigerian society.

While there are no specific historical references to the name Olawale in ancient manuscripts or records, it is likely that the name was used among the Yoruba people during the pre-colonial era, reflecting their cultural values and traditions.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Olawale can be found in the writings of Samuel Ajayi Crowther, a Yoruba linguist and the first African Anglican Bishop in Nigeria, who lived from 1809 to 1891. Crowther's work played a crucial role in documenting and preserving the Yoruba language and culture.

Another notable figure with the surname Olawale was Sir Adeyemo Alakija Olawale, a Nigerian businessman and philanthropist who lived from 1921 to 2014. He was a prominent figure in the Nigerian business community and was recognized for his contributions to the country's economic development.

Olawale Olawale, a Nigerian actor and filmmaker born in 1974, has also gained recognition for his work in the Nigerian entertainment industry. He has appeared in numerous films and television shows, showcasing the richness of Nigerian culture and storytelling.

Olawale Dawodu, a Nigerian-American journalist and author, has made significant contributions to the field of journalism. Born in 1964, Dawodu has written extensively on international affairs and has been recognized for his insightful analysis of political and economic issues in Africa.

Another notable individual with the surname Olawale is Olawale Ige, a Nigerian-American engineer and academic. Ige has made significant contributions to the field of electrical and computer engineering and has held various academic positions at prestigious universities in the United States.

While the surname Olawale has its roots in Nigeria, it has since spread to other parts of the world, reflecting the migration and cultural exchange that has taken place throughout history. Regardless of its geographical distribution, the name remains a powerful symbol of the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people and their enduring contributions to the world.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Olawale

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

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

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

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