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

Opare, 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 Opare surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Opare in America

Opare is the 113791st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Opare surname appeared 154 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 Opare.

The history of the last name Opare

The surname Opare has its origins in the West African nation of Ghana. It is believed to have emerged as a family name in the region around the 16th century, though its roots can be traced back even further. The name is thought to be derived from the Akan word "opare," which means "one who carries or bears a burden."

In the early days, Opare was a name primarily associated with the Akan people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Ghana. The Akan are known for their rich cultural heritage, including their intricate system of naming conventions and the significance they place on surnames.

Historical records from the region, such as oral traditions and written accounts, provide glimpses into the prominence of the Opare name. It is said that during the 17th century, an Opare clan played a significant role in the establishment of the Ashanti Empire, one of the most powerful kingdoms in West Africa at the time.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Opare can be found in the writings of European traders and explorers who visited the region in the 18th century. These accounts often mentioned individuals with the surname, suggesting its widespread use among the local population.

Notable individuals with the surname Opare throughout history include Nana Opare Akwa I (c. 1680-1742), a respected chief and ruler of the Ashanti people. His leadership and military prowess helped solidify the Ashanti Empire's dominance in the region. Another prominent figure was Kwasi Opare (1820-1892), a renowned trader and diplomat who played a crucial role in facilitating commercial and diplomatic relations between the Ashanti and the British.

In the 19th century, the name Opare gained further recognition with the birth of Kweku Opare (1845-1912), a celebrated scholar and linguist. Opare's contributions to the preservation and documentation of the Akan language and culture were invaluable.

As the centuries progressed, the Opare name continued to be carried by influential individuals across various fields, including politics, arts, and academia. Among them were Akosua Opare (1905-1985), a pioneering educator and women's rights advocate, and Kwame Opare (1930-2005), a renowned sculptor whose works captured the essence of Ghanaian culture and traditions.

Throughout its history, the surname Opare has maintained a strong connection to its Akan roots and the rich cultural heritage of Ghana. While its meaning may have evolved over time, the name continues to be a source of pride and identity for those who bear it.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Opare

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

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

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

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