NameCensus.

UK surname

Aremu

A Yoruba surname indicating the bearer's lineage originates from Aremu.

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

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Aremu is 131 in 2014. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

122

2016, ranked #27,255

Peak year

2014

131 bearers

Map years

2

2006 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 122 in 2016, ranked #27,255.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Young Families.

Aremu surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Aremu surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Aremu 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 33 #34,377
1998 modern 34 #34,433
1999 modern 48 #33,233
2000 modern 45 #33,526
2001 modern 42 #33,658
2002 modern 60 #32,388
2003 modern 65 #31,979
2004 modern 73 #31,403
2005 modern 94 #28,973
2006 modern 107 #27,179
2007 modern 117 #26,066
2008 modern 120 #25,922
2009 modern 118 #26,766
2010 modern 129 #25,900
2011 modern 124 #26,367
2012 modern 120 #26,961
2013 modern 123 #26,974
2014 modern 131 #26,089
2015 modern 129 #26,226
2016 modern 122 #27,255

Geography

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Where Aremus 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 Southwark, Hackney and Barking and Dagenham. 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 Southwark 021 Southwark
2 Hackney 013 Hackney
3 Southwark 017 Southwark
4 Southwark 018 Southwark
5 Barking and Dagenham 015 Barking and Dagenham

Forenames

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First names often paired with Aremu

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Aremu

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Aremu, 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

Multicultural and Educated Urbanites

Group

Ethnically Diverse Young Families

Nationally, the Aremu surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ethnically Diverse Young Families, within Multicultural and Educated Urbanites. This does not mean every Aremu 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 includes many younger parents born overseas (particularly in Africa or EU countries) with children aged 0-4. Individuals identifying as of Mixed or Multiple ethnicities are also common. English may not be the primary language spoken. Accommodation consists principally of flats, and many properties are socially rented and/or overcrowded. Students are also present, unemployment is common, and other adults tend to work in low skilled jobs.

Wider pattern

Established populations comprising ethnic minorities together with persons born outside the UK predominate in this Supergroup. Residents present diverse personal characteristics and circumstances: while generally well-educated and practising skilled occupations, some residents live in overcrowded rental sector housing. English may not be the main language used by people in this Group. Although the typical adult resident is middle aged, single person households are common and marriage rates are low by national standards. This Supergroup predominates in Inner London, with smaller enclaves in many other densely populated metropolitan areas.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Social Rented Sector Families with Children

Group

Social Rented Sector Pockets

Within London, Aremu 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

Aremu 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

Aremu falls in decile 3 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.

3
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Aremu is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 30-40 mbit/s.

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

6
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
Black - African

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

Meaning and origin of Aremu

The surname AREMU has its origins in the Yoruba ethnic group of southwestern Nigeria. It is believed to have first emerged in the 16th century in the region around the cities of Oyo and Ibadan. The name is thought to be derived from the Yoruba word "are", meaning "passion" or "desire", combined with the suffix "mu", which indicates a possessive or descriptive quality. Thus, AREMU may have originally referred to someone with a fiery or passionate nature.

Early records of the name are scarce, but it appears in some oral histories and traditions passed down among the Yoruba people. One notable figure was Aremu Ajanaku, a prominent warrior and advisor to the Alaafin (ruler) of Oyo in the late 17th century. His bravery and strategic acumen were said to have played a crucial role in several military victories.

In the 19th century, the name gained wider recognition with the birth of Aremu Akinola (1835-1908), a renowned trader and entrepreneur who established successful commercial networks across what is now southwestern Nigeria and neighboring regions. His business acumen and wealth enabled him to become a prominent patron of the arts and a respected community leader.

Another notable AREMU was Aremu Fatunmbi (1870-1942), a pioneering educator and advocate for women's rights. She established one of the first schools for girls in Ibadan and worked tirelessly to promote female education and empowerment. Her efforts paved the way for greater social and economic opportunities for women in the region.

The name AREMU also has a literary connection, with the 20th-century writer and activist Aremu Oladipo (1915-1985), whose works explored themes of cultural identity, colonialism, and social justice. His novels and essays played a significant role in shaping the discourse around Nigerian nationalism and self-determination.

In more recent times, Aremu Akindele (1932-2018) gained prominence as a respected traditional ruler and custodian of Yoruba cultural traditions. He served as the Ooni of Ife, one of the most influential and revered traditional leadership positions among the Yoruba people, from 1980 until his passing.

Throughout its history, the surname AREMU has been borne by individuals who have made significant contributions to various aspects of Yoruba and Nigerian society, including warfare, commerce, education, literature, and cultural preservation. While its origins lie in the ancient Yoruba language, the name continues to carry a sense of passion, determination, and a strong connection to cultural roots.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Aremu surname: questions and answers

How common is the Aremu surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 122 in 2016. That gives Aremu a modern rank of #27,255.

What does the Aremu surname mean?

A Yoruba surname indicating the bearer's lineage originates from Aremu.

What does the Aremu map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Aremu 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.