NameCensus.

UK surname

Okpara

A surname of Igbo origin meaning "wealthy child" or "child of good fortune".

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Lambeth, Enfield and Redbridge.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Okpara is 100 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

100

2016, ranked #31,123

Peak year

2016

100 bearers

Map years

1

2016 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 100 in 2016, ranked #31,123.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations.

Okpara surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Okpara surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Okpara 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 22 #35,584
1998 modern 25 #35,365
1999 modern 27 #35,224
2000 modern 27 #35,188
2001 modern 26 #35,152
2002 modern 30 #34,950
2003 modern 34 #34,681
2004 modern 46 #33,883
2005 modern 70 #31,912
2006 modern 76 #31,633
2007 modern 86 #30,808
2008 modern 89 #30,713
2009 modern 91 #30,944
2010 modern 97 #30,697
2011 modern 96 #30,721
2012 modern 88 #32,064
2013 modern 89 #32,248
2014 modern 95 #31,792
2015 modern 97 #31,499
2016 modern 100 #31,123

Geography

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Where Okparas 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 Lambeth, Enfield, Redbridge, East Riding of Yorkshire and Brent. 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 Lambeth 008 Lambeth
2 Enfield 003 Enfield
3 Redbridge 006 Redbridge
4 East Riding of Yorkshire 001 East Riding of Yorkshire
5 Brent 013 Brent

Forenames

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First names often paired with Okpara

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Okpara

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

Okpara 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

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

Meaning and origin of Okpara

The surname Okpara is of Nigerian origin, with roots tracing back to the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. The name is believed to have emerged in the pre-colonial era, possibly as early as the 15th century.

The name Okpara is derived from the Igbo words "Oke" meaning "great" or "mighty" and "para" meaning "wealth" or "riches." Thus, the surname Okpara can be interpreted as "great wealth" or "mighty riches," suggesting that it may have been initially bestowed upon individuals or families of significant affluence or social standing within their communities.

While historical records from that period are scarce, the earliest known mention of the surname Okpara can be found in oral traditions and folklore passed down through generations of Igbo storytellers. These narratives often depicted Okpara as a respected family or clan name associated with leadership, prosperity, and wisdom.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the surname Okpara dates back to the 18th century, when it appeared in the writings of Olaudah Equiano, a prominent Igbo writer and abolitionist. In his autobiography, Equiano mentioned an influential Igbo leader named Okpara, who played a significant role in the resistance against the transatlantic slave trade.

Another notable figure associated with the surname Okpara was Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first President of Nigeria, who was born in 1904. Azikiwe's middle name was Okpara, reflecting his Igbo heritage and the significance of the name within his cultural lineage.

During the colonial era, the surname Okpara gained prominence as several individuals bearing the name became influential figures in various fields. One such individual was Michael Okpara, a Nigerian politician and leader of the Eastern Region who played a pivotal role in the country's independence movement. He was born in 1920 and served as the Premier of the Eastern Region from 1959 to 1966.

In the realm of literature, Chinua Okpara, a Nigerian novelist and poet, gained recognition for his works exploring themes of African identity and cultural heritage. He was born in 1941 and is celebrated for novels such as "The Conquerors" and "The Footprints of a Witch."

While the surname Okpara has its roots in the Igbo culture of Nigeria, it has since spread to other parts of the world through migration and diaspora communities. However, its historical significance and connection to the Igbo people remain deeply ingrained in its etymology and cultural heritage.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Okpara surname: questions and answers

How common is the Okpara surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 100 in 2016. That gives Okpara a modern rank of #31,123.

What does the Okpara surname mean?

A surname of Igbo origin meaning "wealthy child" or "child of good fortune".

What does the Okpara map show?

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