NameCensus.

UK surname

Dosunmu

A Nigerian surname likely meaning "one who takes risks" or similar derivative.

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

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Dosunmu is 126 in 2009. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

120

2016, ranked #27,563

Peak year

2009

126 bearers

Map years

2

2006 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 120 in 2016, ranked #27,563.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations.

Dosunmu surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Dosunmu surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Dosunmu 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 43 #33,361
1998 modern 48 #33,111
1999 modern 50 #33,041
2000 modern 46 #33,458
2001 modern 52 #32,764
2002 modern 61 #32,286
2003 modern 65 #31,979
2004 modern 68 #31,880
2005 modern 95 #28,817
2006 modern 113 #26,267
2007 modern 115 #26,348
2008 modern 112 #27,061
2009 modern 126 #25,686
2010 modern 121 #27,005
2011 modern 115 #27,634
2012 modern 115 #27,717
2013 modern 113 #28,502
2014 modern 123 #27,206
2015 modern 119 #27,684
2016 modern 120 #27,563

Geography

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Where Dosunmus 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, South Gloucestershire, Greenwich and Merton. 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 019 Southwark
2 Southwark 023 Southwark
3 South Gloucestershire 011 South Gloucestershire
4 Greenwich 002 Greenwich
5 Merton 019 Merton

Forenames

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First names often paired with Dosunmu

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Dosunmu

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

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins

Within London, Dosunmu is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins, part of Young Families and Mainstream Employment. 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

Scattered across London’s Inner and Outer suburbs, residents of these neighbourhoods are typically housed in the social rented sector. Although terraced and semi-detached houses predominate, more residents live in flats than elsewhere in the Supergroup. Neighbourhoods are more ethnically diverse than the Supergroup average. Those identifying as of Bangladeshi, Pakistani and some Black ethnicities are more prevalent. Europeans born in a overseas non-EU countries make up more of the lower proportion of residents identifying as White. Few residents are very old (85+). Employment in distribution, hotels and restaurants is more common than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

Wider London pattern

Many families in these neighbourhoods have young children. Housing is principally in the social rented sector, in terraced or semi-detached units. While over-all residential densities are low, overcrowding is also prevalent locally. Residents are drawn from a range of ethnic minorities, with many identifying as Black and above average numbers born in Africa. Numbers identifying as of Chinese, Indian or White ethnicity are below average. Levels of proficiency in English are below average. Levels of separation or divorce and incidence of disability are both above average. Education is typically limited to Level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. Few residents work in professional or managerial occupations but the employment structure is otherwise diverse: it includes skilled trades, caring, leisure and other service occupations, sales and customer service occupations, construction, and work as process, plant, and machine operatives.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Dosunmu 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

Dosunmu 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 Dosunmu is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 50-60 mbit/s.

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

8
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
Black - African

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

Meaning and origin of Dosunmu

The surname Dosunmu is believed to have originated from the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria, with the earliest documented records dating back to the 16th century. The name is derived from the Yoruba words "odo" and "sunmu," which translate to "river" and "to propitiate" or "to revere," respectively. This suggests that the name likely referred to an individual or a group of people who lived near a river and held it in high regard, possibly for religious or spiritual reasons.

During the pre-colonial era, the Yoruba kingdoms of Oyo, Iyo, and Ife were prominent centers of cultural and political influence in the region. It is within these kingdoms that the Dosunmu name is believed to have first emerged and gained prominence. Some of the earliest documented references to the name can be found in oral histories and genealogical records kept by traditional Yoruba historians and griots.

One of the earliest notable individuals bearing the Dosunmu surname was Ogunlana Dosunmu, a renowned warrior and military leader who lived in the late 17th century. His exploits were recorded in the oral traditions of the Oyo Empire, where he played a pivotal role in defending the kingdom against rival states and expanding its territories.

In the 19th century, Reverend Samuel Ajayi Dosunmu (1807-1887) was a prominent figure in the early Christian missionary efforts in Yorubaland. He was one of the first Yoruba individuals to be ordained as a minister and played a crucial role in translating the Bible into the Yoruba language, facilitating the spread of Christianity in the region.

Another notable figure was Sophia Oluwole Dosunmu (1885-1968), a pioneering educator and women's rights advocate. She established one of the first formal schools for girls in Lagos, Nigeria, and was instrumental in promoting female education and empowerment during a time when these opportunities were limited.

Towards the end of the 19th century, Adeyemi Dosunmu (1874-1939) was a prominent merchant and political figure in Lagos. He served as a member of the Lagos Legislative Council and was actively involved in the early nationalist movements that advocated for greater self-governance and rights for Nigerians under British colonial rule.

Lastly, Adekunle Dosunmu (1920-2003) was a renowned artist and sculptor who gained international recognition for his pioneering work in promoting contemporary African art. His sculptures and installations were featured in numerous exhibitions worldwide and helped to bring greater attention to the vibrant artistic traditions of Nigeria and West Africa.

While these examples represent just a few of the notable individuals with the Dosunmu surname throughout history, they illustrate the diverse backgrounds and contributions associated with this name, which has its roots deeply embedded in the cultural and historical fabric of Yorubaland and Nigeria.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Dosunmu surname: questions and answers

How common is the Dosunmu surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 120 in 2016. That gives Dosunmu a modern rank of #27,563.

What does the Dosunmu surname mean?

A Nigerian surname likely meaning "one who takes risks" or similar derivative.

What does the Dosunmu map show?

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