NameCensus.

UK surname

Ayodeji

A Yoruba surname meaning a crown or joy has joined the family.

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

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Ayodeji is 121 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

103

2016, ranked #30,515

Peak year

2010

121 bearers

Map years

2

2006 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 103 in 2016, ranked #30,515.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Young Families.

Ayodeji surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Ayodeji surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Ayodeji 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 50 #32,658
1998 modern 45 #33,374
1999 modern 38 #34,142
2000 modern 53 #32,805
2001 modern 53 #32,674
2002 modern 70 #31,432
2003 modern 83 #30,088
2004 modern 89 #29,623
2005 modern 100 #28,025
2006 modern 108 #27,015
2007 modern 116 #26,209
2008 modern 115 #26,635
2009 modern 120 #26,496
2010 modern 121 #27,005
2011 modern 117 #27,334
2012 modern 98 #30,612
2013 modern 94 #31,656
2014 modern 99 #31,186
2015 modern 104 #30,269
2016 modern 103 #30,515

Geography

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Where Ayodejis 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, Hackney 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 010 Bexley
2 Hackney 014 Hackney
3 Southwark 015 Southwark
4 Southwark 016 Southwark
5 Southwark 018 Southwark

Forenames

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First names often paired with Ayodeji

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Ayodeji

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Ayodeji, 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 Ayodeji surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ethnically Diverse Young Families, within Multicultural and Educated Urbanites. This does not mean every Ayodeji 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, Ayodeji 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

Ayodeji 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

Ayodeji 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 Ayodeji 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 Ayodeji, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Ayodeji

The surname Ayodeji originates from the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria. It can be traced back to the late 15th century, when the Yoruba kingdoms were at their peak. The name is derived from the Yoruba words "ayo" meaning joy, and "deji" meaning wakes or rises, essentially translating to "joy wakes or rises".

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Ayodeji is found in the oral traditions of the Oyo Empire, referring to a brave warrior who fought in the famous Battle of Gbadamu in 1551. This battle was a pivotal point in the expansion of the Oyo Empire and the warrior's bravery brought joy to his people, leading to the moniker Ayodeji.

In the 17th century, the name Ayodeji is mentioned in the written records of the Benin Empire, referring to a renowned diplomat who facilitated trade agreements between the Benin and Oyo kingdoms. His diplomatic efforts were said to have brought joy to both kingdoms, cementing the meaning of his name.

During the 18th century, the name Ayodeji appeared in the genealogical records of the Ijebu Kingdom, which was a prominent Yoruba sub-group. One notable bearer of the name was Ayodeji Oloko (1725-1789), a respected chief and advisor to the Ijebu Awujale (king).

As the Yoruba diaspora spread across West Africa and beyond, the name Ayodeji traveled with them. In the late 19th century, records show an Ayodeji Babatunde (1867-1942), a successful merchant and community leader in the Free Town of Sierra Leone, which had a large population of liberated Yoruba people.

Another significant figure was Ayodeji Awoliyi (1903-1981), a pioneering educator and author from Abeokuta, Nigeria. He wrote several books on Yoruba culture and language, helping to preserve and promote the rich heritage of his people.

Throughout history, the surname Ayodeji has carried the essence of joy and resilience, reflecting the spirit of the Yoruba people from whom it originated. While the name has spread across the globe, it remains deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of southwestern Nigeria.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Ayodeji surname: questions and answers

How common is the Ayodeji surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 103 in 2016. That gives Ayodeji a modern rank of #30,515.

What does the Ayodeji surname mean?

A Yoruba surname meaning a crown or joy has joined the family.

What does the Ayodeji map show?

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