NameCensus.

UK surname

Igbokwe

A surname of Nigerian Igbo origin meaning "the source of power and wealth".

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

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Igbokwe is 125 in 2012. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

107

2016, ranked #29,762

Peak year

2012

125 bearers

Map years

1

2016 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 107 in 2016, ranked #29,762.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations.

Igbokwe surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Igbokwe surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Igbokwe 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 67 #30,915
1998 modern 68 #31,181
1999 modern 63 #31,798
2000 modern 61 #32,039
2001 modern 65 #31,501
2002 modern 73 #31,159
2003 modern 80 #30,425
2004 modern 88 #29,758
2005 modern 89 #29,683
2006 modern 88 #30,160
2007 modern 96 #29,339
2008 modern 107 #27,844
2009 modern 104 #28,982
2010 modern 113 #28,162
2011 modern 108 #28,811
2012 modern 125 #26,298
2013 modern 116 #27,992
2014 modern 118 #27,961
2015 modern 116 #28,151
2016 modern 107 #29,762

Geography

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Where Igbokwes 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, Newham, Croydon and Camden. 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 018 Southwark
2 Newham 028 Newham
3 Croydon 027 Croydon
4 Camden 019 Camden
5 Southwark 032 Southwark

Forenames

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First names often paired with Igbokwe

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Igbokwe

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

Igbokwe 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

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

Meaning and origin of Igbokwe

The surname IGBOKWE has its origins in the Igbo ethnic group of Nigeria. It emerged during the late 15th century in the region that is now known as the southeastern part of the country. The name is derived from the Igbo words "igbo" meaning "forest" and "kwe" meaning "large" or "great," thus referring to a large or great forest area.

IGBOKWE was originally a locational surname, indicating that the bearers of the name likely resided in or near a significant forested region. The earliest recorded instances of the name can be traced back to written accounts and oral traditions from the 16th century, where it was often spelled as "Igbokwi" or "Igbokwee."

One of the earliest notable individuals with the surname IGBOKWE was Nnamdi Igbokwe, a prominent trader and community leader who lived in the late 16th century. He was renowned for his business acumen and his role in facilitating trade between various Igbo communities.

Another historical figure bearing the name was Onyekachi Igbokwe, a skilled blacksmith who lived in the 17th century. His craftsmanship and metalworking skills were highly respected, and he was commissioned by local rulers to create ceremonial items and weapons.

In the 18th century, Chinweizu Igbokwe gained recognition as a skilled orator and storyteller. His tales and proverbs were widely shared and helped preserve Igbo cultural traditions and wisdom.

During the 19th century, Adaobi Igbokwe emerged as a respected healer and herbalist. Her knowledge of traditional Igbo medicine and remedies was widely sought after, and she played a significant role in promoting the use of indigenous plants and herbs.

In the early 20th century, Chukwuemeka Igbokwe became a prominent figure in the Nigerian independence movement. He was an outspoken advocate for self-governance and worked tirelessly to mobilize support for the cause.

Throughout its history, the surname IGBOKWE has been associated with various professions, including trading, craftsmanship, storytelling, healing, and activism. It remains a prominent name among the Igbo people and continues to carry cultural significance and pride.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Igbokwe surname: questions and answers

How common is the Igbokwe surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 107 in 2016. That gives Igbokwe a modern rank of #29,762.

What does the Igbokwe surname mean?

A surname of Nigerian Igbo origin meaning "the source of power and wealth".

What does the Igbokwe map show?

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