NameCensus.

UK surname

Okeke

A surname of Igbo origin meaning "one who is upright or righteous".

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

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Okeke is 541 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

541

2016, ranked #9,407

Peak year

2016

541 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 541 in 2016, ranked #9,407.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations.

Okeke surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Okeke surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Okeke 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 154 #20,780
1998 modern 168 #20,181
1999 modern 177 #19,670
2000 modern 181 #19,360
2001 modern 181 #19,106
2002 modern 211 #17,696
2003 modern 238 #16,144
2004 modern 262 #15,233
2005 modern 312 #13,462
2006 modern 341 #12,684
2007 modern 367 #12,152
2008 modern 401 #11,441
2009 modern 433 #11,031
2010 modern 475 #10,445
2011 modern 475 #10,346
2012 modern 506 #9,776
2013 modern 517 #9,766
2014 modern 518 #9,833
2015 modern 521 #9,722
2016 modern 541 #9,407

Geography

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Where Okekes 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 Greenwich, Haringey, Barking and Dagenham, Brent and Wandsworth. 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 Greenwich 002 Greenwich
2 Haringey 025 Haringey
3 Barking and Dagenham 016 Barking and Dagenham
4 Brent 011 Brent
5 Wandsworth 036 Wandsworth

Forenames

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First names often paired with Okeke

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Okeke

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

Okeke 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

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

Meaning and origin of Okeke

The surname Okeke originated in the Igbo ethnic group of southeastern Nigeria. It is believed to have emerged around the 15th century in the area now known as Anambra State. The name Okeke is derived from the Igbo words "oke" meaning "male" and "ke" meaning "thank," suggesting a meaning of "thank the male."

Okeke is a widespread surname among the Igbo people, and it can be traced back to various towns and villages in Anambra State, such as Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi. The name has also been found in historical records and manuscripts from the region, although the earliest known written record is from the late 18th century.

One of the earliest documented Okekes was Nnamdi Okeke (1836-1904), a prominent Igbo trader and businessman from Onitsha. He played a significant role in the development of trade networks between the Igbo hinterland and the coastal regions during the 19th century.

Another notable figure was Ozumba Okeke (1863-1930), a traditional ruler and warrior from Awka. He was known for his leadership and military prowess during the Igbo resistance against British colonial expansion in the late 19th century.

In the 20th century, one of the most famous Okekes was Christopher Okeke (1927-2003), a renowned Nigerian writer and playwright. His works, such as "The Drums of War" and "The Mask of Virtue," explored Igbo culture and traditions.

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Okeke (1933-2016) was a prominent Nigerian artist and sculptor. He is regarded as one of the pioneers of modern Nigerian art and is known for his distinctive style that blended traditional Igbo motifs with contemporary themes.

Azubuike Okeke (1956-present) is a Nigerian-American engineer and entrepreneur. He co-founded Transas, a leading provider of software solutions for the maritime industry, and has been recognized for his contributions to technology and innovation.

While the surname Okeke has its roots in the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria, it has spread across various regions and countries due to migration and diaspora communities. However, the historical and cultural significance of this name remains deeply rooted in the Igbo heritage.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Okeke surname: questions and answers

How common is the Okeke surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 541 in 2016. That gives Okeke a modern rank of #9,407.

What does the Okeke surname mean?

A surname of Igbo origin meaning "one who is upright or righteous".

What does the Okeke map show?

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