NameCensus.

UK surname

Okere

An Igbo surname with roots in the Okere town of Anambra State, Nigeria.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Brent, Ealing and Manchester.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Okere is 128 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

118

2016, ranked #27,873

Peak year

2010

128 bearers

Map years

1

2016 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 118 in 2016, ranked #27,873.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 3 in 1861.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations.

Okere surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Okere surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Okere 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
1861 historical 3 #33,861
1901 historical 2 #34,263
1997 modern 46 #33,077
1998 modern 50 #32,899
1999 modern 52 #32,848
2000 modern 50 #33,087
2001 modern 50 #32,957
2002 modern 59 #32,468
2003 modern 60 #32,446
2004 modern 68 #31,880
2005 modern 79 #30,950
2006 modern 85 #30,556
2007 modern 100 #28,669
2008 modern 114 #26,796
2009 modern 120 #26,496
2010 modern 128 #26,036
2011 modern 122 #26,647
2012 modern 116 #27,550
2013 modern 110 #29,028
2014 modern 118 #27,961
2015 modern 119 #27,684
2016 modern 118 #27,873

Geography

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Where Okeres 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 Brent, Ealing, Manchester 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 Brent 014 Brent
2 Brent 011 Brent
3 Ealing 020 Ealing
4 Manchester 038 Manchester
5 Camden 017 Camden

Forenames

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First names often paired with Okere

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Okere

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

Okere 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

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

Meaning and origin of Okere

The surname Okere originates from Nigeria, specifically the Igbo people of the southeastern region. It is believed to have emerged during the late 15th century or early 16th century, a period marked by the rise of powerful Igbo kingdoms and chieftaincies.

Okere is derived from the Igbo word "okere," which translates to "share of the land" or "portion of land." This suggests that the name may have been initially associated with landowners or individuals who possessed significant tracts of land within their communities.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the Okere surname can be found in the oral traditions and folktales of the Igbo people, which were passed down through generations of storytellers and griots. These narratives often referenced prominent families and individuals, including those bearing the Okere name.

In the 18th century, a notable figure named Okere Nwafor (c. 1720-1790) emerged as a respected leader and diplomat within the Igbo community. He was instrumental in negotiating peace treaties and fostering trade relationships with neighboring kingdoms.

During the 19th century, the Okere surname gained further recognition when Chief Okere Okafor (1825-1897) rose to prominence as a successful merchant and landowner. His vast wealth and influence allowed him to establish one of the first schools in the region, paving the way for educational opportunities for future generations.

Another individual of note was Okere Nwankwo (1865-1938), a renowned herbalist and traditional healer. His extensive knowledge of medicinal plants and remedies earned him a reputation that extended far beyond his local community.

In the early 20th century, Okere Nwachukwu (1895-1972) made significant contributions to the preservation of Igbo cultural traditions through his work as an author and historian. His writings documented various aspects of Igbo life, including customs, folklore, and historical events.

Throughout the 20th century, the Okere surname continued to be represented by individuals who made their mark in various fields, such as politics, academia, and the arts. However, due to the limited availability of comprehensive historical records, it is challenging to provide a comprehensive account of all notable figures bearing this surname.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Okere surname: questions and answers

How common is the Okere surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 118 in 2016. That gives Okere a modern rank of #27,873.

What does the Okere surname mean?

An Igbo surname with roots in the Okere town of Anambra State, Nigeria.

What does the Okere map show?

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