OLADEJO
Oladejo
Oladejo is a Nigerian Yoruba surname that is also found among the Yoruba diaspora communities in the United Kingdom. The name Oladejo is a compound Yoruba name, with "Ola" meaning wealth or honour, and "Dejo" meaning to descend or to arrive. As such, the surname Oladejo is often interpreted to mean "wealth has arrived" or "honour has descended".
Origins
The surname Oladejo can be traced back to the Yoruba people of Nigeria, particularly the southwestern region of the country. As part of the Yoruba naming tradition, names are chosen based on the circumstances surrounding a child's birth, as well as the family's hopes and aspirations for the child.
Distribution
With migration patterns and globalisation, the surname Oladejo can be found outside Nigeria, including in the United Kingdom. Within the UK, individuals bearing the surname Oladejo have contributed to various sectors including academia, healthcare, business, and the arts.
Notable Individuals
- Dr. Bolaji Oladejo: A prominent Nigerian-born British scholar and researcher in the field of renewable energy.
- Funmi Oladejo: A British-Nigerian artist known for her vibrant paintings reflecting Yoruba traditions and culture.
- Tunde Oladejo: A successful entrepreneur who founded a thriving healthcare technology startup in London.
In conclusion, the surname Oladejo carries a sense of pride in Yoruba heritage and represents themes of prosperity and honour. Its prevalence within the Yoruba community in the UK demonstrates the rich cultural tapestry and diversity of British society.
There are approximately 241 people named Oladejo in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Oladejo.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Abdulhakeem
- Ademola
- Adewale
- Ajibola
- Babatunde
- Joseph
- Matthew
- Michael
- Peter
- Samson
Female
- Abiola
- Adeola
- Elizabeth
- Esther
- Funmi
- Funmilayo
- Mary
- Modupe
- Olayinka
- Omobolanle