NameCensus.

UK surname

Otoo

A surname originating from Ghana indicating membership in the Otoo family or clan.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Enfield, Cowlairs and Port Dundas and Lancaster.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Otoo is 264 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

240

2016, ranked #17,278

Peak year

2010

264 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 240 in 2016, ranked #17,278.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 4 in 1861.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations.

Otoo surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Otoo surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Otoo 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 4 #33,628
1997 modern 110 #25,529
1998 modern 124 #24,316
1999 modern 122 #24,745
2000 modern 130 #23,785
2001 modern 135 #22,945
2002 modern 156 #21,348
2003 modern 174 #19,760
2004 modern 191 #18,723
2005 modern 204 #17,893
2006 modern 218 #17,297
2007 modern 220 #17,377
2008 modern 234 #16,827
2009 modern 245 #16,646
2010 modern 264 #16,163
2011 modern 251 #16,589
2012 modern 230 #17,479
2013 modern 238 #17,354
2014 modern 250 #16,905
2015 modern 247 #16,941
2016 modern 240 #17,278

Geography

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Where Otoos 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 Enfield, Cowlairs and Port Dundas, Lancaster, Merton and Hairmyres and Westwood West. 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 Enfield 020 Enfield
2 Cowlairs and Port Dundas Glasgow City
3 Lancaster 020 Lancaster
4 Merton 005 Merton
5 Hairmyres and Westwood West South Lanarkshire

Forenames

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First names often paired with Otoo

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Otoo

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

Otoo 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

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

Meaning and origin of Otoo

The surname OTOO originated in Ghana, West Africa, and has its roots in the Akan language spoken by the Ashanti people. The name can be traced back to the 16th century and is believed to have derived from the Akan word "otuo," which means "truthful" or "honest."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the OTOO surname can be found in the historical records of the Ashanti Kingdom, where it was mentioned in connection with a prominent family known for their honesty and integrity. The name was also associated with the Ashanti warrior class, as individuals bearing the OTOO surname were known for their bravery and truthfulness in battle.

In the 18th century, a notable figure named Nana Opoku OTOO (1700-1780) rose to prominence as a respected chief and advisor to the Ashanti King. His wisdom and fair judgments earned him a reputation as a just and truthful leader, further solidifying the OTOO name's association with honesty.

Another historical figure bearing the OTOO surname was Kwame OTOO (1820-1890), a renowned Ashanti scholar and linguist who played a significant role in preserving the Akan language and cultural traditions. His contributions to the study of Akan linguistics and literature are widely recognized.

During the colonial era, the OTOO surname gained recognition beyond Ghana's borders. One notable individual was Kofi OTOO (1860-1935), a Ghanaian merchant and diplomat who represented the interests of the Ashanti people in negotiations with British colonial authorities. His diplomatic skills and truthful nature earned him respect from both sides.

In more recent times, the OTOO surname has been carried by individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. For example, Kwesi OTOO (1945-2010) was a renowned Ghanaian artist known for his vibrant paintings depicting traditional Ashanti life and culture.

Throughout its history, the surname OTOO has maintained its association with truthfulness, honesty, and integrity, reflecting the values held by the Ashanti people and their cultural traditions. While the name has spread across Ghana and beyond, its roots remain firmly grounded in the rich heritage of the Akan language and the Ashanti Kingdom.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Otoo surname: questions and answers

How common is the Otoo surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 240 in 2016. That gives Otoo a modern rank of #17,278.

What does the Otoo surname mean?

A surname originating from Ghana indicating membership in the Otoo family or clan.

What does the Otoo map show?

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