NameCensus.

UK surname

Adewale

One who is crowned with honor, royalty, or wealth.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Bexley, Greenwich and Southwark.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Adewale is 392 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

361

2016, ranked #12,841

Peak year

2010

392 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 361 in 2016, ranked #12,841.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations.

Adewale surname distribution map

The map shows where the Adewale surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Adewale surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Adewale over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1997 modern 141 #21,941
1998 modern 154 #21,316
1999 modern 152 #21,636
2000 modern 155 #21,341
2001 modern 160 #20,616
2002 modern 187 #19,083
2003 modern 213 #17,395
2004 modern 262 #15,233
2005 modern 284 #14,306
2006 modern 331 #12,990
2007 modern 347 #12,661
2008 modern 355 #12,565
2009 modern 369 #12,447
2010 modern 392 #12,186
2011 modern 367 #12,647
2012 modern 360 #12,673
2013 modern 370 #12,626
2014 modern 373 #12,633
2015 modern 361 #12,857
2016 modern 361 #12,841

Geography

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Where Adewales are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around No data. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Bexley, Greenwich and Southwark. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 No data No data

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Bexley 001 Bexley
2 Greenwich 002 Greenwich
3 Bexley 002 Bexley
4 Southwark 018 Southwark
5 Bexley 008 Bexley

Forenames

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First names often paired with Adewale

These lists show first names that appear often with the Adewale surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Adewale

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Adewale, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities

Group

Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations

Nationally, the Adewale surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Adewale household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

This Group is often found in less central parts of London and other major towns and cities. Adults are more likely than the Supergroup average to have never been married and are typically aged less than 45 years. Many have young dependent children and individuals may have been born in Africa. There are many members identifying with a Black ethnic group, with the other ethnic groups (as listed in the glossary) also represented, though Chinese less so. Accommodation in flats, frequently socially rented, is common in these neighbourhoods. Part time employment is also common, and work is often in elementary occupations, while unemployment is also the highest within this Supergroup.

Wider pattern

Young adults, many of whom are students, predominate in these high-density and overcrowded neighbourhoods of rented terrace houses or flats. Most ethnic minorities are present in these communities, as are people born in European countries that are not part of the EU. Students aside, low skilled occupations predominate, and unemployment rates are above average. Overall, the mix of students and more sedentary households means that neighbourhood average numbers of children are not very high. The Mixed or Multiple ethnic group composition of neighbourhoods is often associated with low rates of affiliation to Christian religions. This Supergroup predominates in non-central urban locations the UK, particularly within England in the Midlands and the outskirts of west, south and north-east London.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Social Rented Sector Families with Children

Group

Social Rented Sector Pockets

Within London, Adewale is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Pockets, part of Social Rented Sector Families with Children. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Found in pockets across London, residents are less likely to live in private sector rentals and fewer adults are students. Fewer individuals work in transport and communications occupations relative to the Supergroup average. More individuals identify as Black and were born in Africa.

Wider London pattern

Residents of these neighbourhoods include sizable numbers identifying with ethnicities originating outside Europe, particularly in Africa or Bangladesh. The proportion of residents identifying as White, Indian or Pakistani is well below the London average. Neighbourhood age profiles are skewed towards younger adults, and above average numbers of families have children. Rates of use of English at home are below average. Marriage rates are low, and levels of separation or divorce are above average. Housing is predominantly in flats, and renting in the social rented sector the norm - few residents are owner occupiers. Housing is often overcrowded, and neighbourhoods are amongst the most densely populated in London. Disability rates are above average, although levels of unpaid care provision are about average. Employment is in caring, leisure, other service occupations, sales and customer service, or process, plant, and machine operation. Part time working and full-time student study are common. Levels of unemployment are slightly above average. Most residents have only Level 1 or 2 educational qualifications or have completed apprenticeships.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Adewale is most concentrated in decile 10 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Adewale falls in decile 2 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the more deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

2
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Adewale is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 40-50 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

7
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
Black - African

This describes the area pattern most associated with Adewale, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Adewale

The surname Adewale originates from the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria. It has its roots in the Yoruba language, where "Ade" means "crown" or "royalty," and "Wale" translates to "come home." Together, the name can be interpreted as "the crown has returned home" or "the royalty has come back."

The earliest recorded instances of the name Adewale can be traced back to the 16th century, during the height of the Oyo Empire in present-day Nigeria. It is believed that the name was initially bestowed upon individuals who held prestigious positions or descended from noble lineages within the empire.

One of the earliest known figures with the surname Adewale was Adewale Akintoye, a prominent warrior and military leader who played a crucial role in the expansion of the Oyo Empire during the late 16th century. His exploits and valor on the battlefield earned him a revered status among his people, and his name became synonymous with bravery and leadership.

In the 18th century, the name Adewale gained further prominence when it was adopted by members of the Ogboni society, a powerful and influential organization within the Yoruba community. The Ogboni society was responsible for upholding traditional values, administering justice, and overseeing important cultural ceremonies.

Among the notable figures from this period was Adewale Olowu, a highly respected Ogboni leader and advisor to the Alaafin (king) of Oyo. His wisdom and diplomatic skills were instrumental in resolving conflicts and maintaining peace within the empire.

During the 19th century, the name Adewale transcended its regional boundaries and gained recognition throughout West Africa. One such individual was Adewale Ajayi, a prominent merchant and trader who established trade routes across the region, facilitating the exchange of goods and cultural ideas.

Another notable figure was Adewale Ogunbiyi, a renowned scholar and educator who dedicated his life to preserving and promoting Yoruba culture and language. His contributions to the field of education and his efforts in establishing schools and educational institutions have left a lasting impact on generations of Yoruba people.

In the 20th century, the name Adewale continued to be associated with individuals who made significant contributions to various fields. Adewale Akinsanya, a celebrated writer and playwright, used his literary works to explore and celebrate Yoruba traditions and customs, thereby preserving them for future generations.

These are just a few examples of the individuals who have carried the surname Adewale throughout history, each leaving an indelible mark on the cultural and societal fabric of the Yoruba people and beyond.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Adewale surname: questions and answers

How common is the Adewale surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 361 in 2016. That gives Adewale a modern rank of #12,841.

What does the Adewale surname mean?

One who is crowned with honor, royalty, or wealth.

What does the Adewale map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Adewale bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.