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

Oyenuga, 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 Oyenuga surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Oyenuga in America

Oyenuga is the 145220th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Oyenuga surname appeared 114 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 Oyenuga.

The history of the last name Oyenuga

The surname Oyenuga originates from the Yoruba people of southwest Nigeria, with its roots dating back to the 16th century. The name is derived from the Yoruba phrase "Oye n'uga," which translates to "the day heralds good fortune." This name was likely given to children born on auspicious days or during significant events.

The earliest known records of the name Oyenuga can be found in the archives of the Oyo Empire, a prominent Yoruba kingdom that ruled from the late 16th to the early 19th century. The name appears in several historical documents, such as royal decrees and trade agreements, suggesting its prevalence among the nobility and merchant classes of that era.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the surname Oyenuga was Adeyemi Oyenuga, a renowned trader from the city of Oyo, who lived in the late 17th century. He was known for his successful trade ventures across West Africa and his wealth, which allowed him to establish a prosperous trading empire.

Another notable figure bearing the name Oyenuga was Adeola Oyenuga, a skilled warrior and military strategist who served under the Alaafin (king) of Oyo in the early 18th century. He played a crucial role in several battles against rival kingdoms and was celebrated for his bravery and tactical prowess.

In the 19th century, Adebayo Oyenuga, a prominent farmer and landowner from the town of Iseyin, gained recognition for his innovative agricultural practices and contribution to the local economy. He was also respected as a wise elder and advisor in his community.

During the colonial era, the Oyenuga surname gained wider recognition with the rise of Oladimeji Oyenuga, a respected educator and advocate for Yoruba culture. Born in 1885, he dedicated his life to preserving and promoting the Yoruba language and traditions, publishing several books and establishing schools to teach the Yoruba way of life.

Another notable figure was Olajumoke Oyenuga, a renowned artist and sculptor born in 1920. Her intricate wood carvings and sculptures depicting Yoruba mythology and cultural scenes gained international acclaim, and her works are displayed in museums and galleries worldwide.

Throughout its history, the surname Oyenuga has been associated with individuals who have made significant contributions to the Yoruba culture, trade, military, agriculture, education, and arts. While its origins can be traced back to the 16th century, the name continues to hold significance and pride among its bearers today.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Oyenuga

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

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

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

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