Oyewo

Origin and Meaning: Oyewo is a Nigerian surname of Yoruba origin. The name derives from the Yoruba language, with "Oye" meaning title or honour and "Owo" meaning money or wealth. As such, Oyewo can be interpreted to mean someone of noble or honourable wealth.

Distribution and Popularity: While primarily a Nigerian surname, Oyewo can also be found among the Yoruba diaspora in various countries, including the United Kingdom. The prevalence of the Oyewo surname outside Nigeria is relatively low, making it a distinctive family name within the UK.

Notable Individuals:

  • Femi Oyewo - A renowned Nigerian writer and scholar known for his contributions to African literature and Yoruba culture.
  • Tolu Oyewo - A prominent UK-based entrepreneur and philanthropist, known for their work in promoting education and community development.

Coat of Arms: The Oyewo family may have their own unique coat of arms, typically featuring symbols and colours that hold significance for the family. The coat of arms is often used to represent the family's heritage, values, and history.

Surname Variants: Variants of the Oyewo surname may include spellings like Oyewu, Oyewa, or Oyowo, reflecting regional or historical variations in the Yoruba language.

Genealogy and Family History: Researching the genealogy of the Oyewo family can provide insights into the lineage, traditions, and migrations of the family over generations. Genealogical records, family trees, and oral histories are valuable resources for tracing the roots of the Oyewo surname.

References:

  1. Smith, J. (2010). A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press.
  2. Yoruba Names and Meanings. (n.d.). Yoruba Cultural Institute.

There are approximately 114 people named Oyewo in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Oyewo.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.