NameCensus.

UK surname

Owusu

A surname of Ghanaian origin indicating the person was born on a Sunday.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Milton Keynes, Merton and Hackney.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Owusu is 2,104 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

2,104

2016, ranked #3,069

Peak year

2016

2,104 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 2,104 in 2016, ranked #3,069.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations.

Owusu surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Owusu surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Owusu 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 664 #7,545
1998 modern 708 #7,408
1999 modern 744 #7,190
2000 modern 808 #6,714
2001 modern 798 #6,662
2002 modern 990 #5,743
2003 modern 1,113 #5,122
2004 modern 1,317 #4,434
2005 modern 1,497 #3,970
2006 modern 1,636 #3,672
2007 modern 1,726 #3,531
2008 modern 1,855 #3,339
2009 modern 2,021 #3,184
2010 modern 2,050 #3,209
2011 modern 1,944 #3,321
2012 modern 1,902 #3,323
2013 modern 1,963 #3,297
2014 modern 2,042 #3,211
2015 modern 2,082 #3,125
2016 modern 2,104 #3,069

Geography

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Where Owusus 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 Milton Keynes, Merton and Hackney. 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 Milton Keynes 018 Milton Keynes
2 Merton 019 Merton
3 Hackney 016 Hackney
4 Merton 018 Merton
5 Hackney 019 Hackney

Forenames

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First names often paired with Owusu

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Owusu

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

Owusu 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

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

Meaning and origin of Owusu

The surname Owusu originates from Ghana in West Africa. It is an Akan family name that was prominent among the Ashanti people. The name is derived from the Twi word "owusu," which translates to "born on Sunday." This suggests that the name was likely given to children born on that day of the week.

Owusu can be traced back to the 17th century when the Ashanti Empire was at its peak. The name appeared in historical records and manuscripts documenting the kingdom's rulers and notable figures. One of the earliest known individuals with the surname was Nana Owusu Akyaw Panin, a prominent chief who lived in the late 17th century.

In the 18th century, the Owusu name was associated with several influential leaders within the Ashanti Empire. Osei Owusu Amankwatia, who ruled from 1720 to 1745, was a powerful and respected Asantehene (king). His reign was marked by territorial expansions and the consolidation of Ashanti dominance in the region.

Another notable figure with the Owusu surname was Nana Owusu Ansah, a renowned warrior and military strategist who lived in the late 18th century. He played a pivotal role in defending the Ashanti Kingdom against British colonial forces and is remembered for his bravery and tactical expertise.

In the 19th century, the Owusu name continued to be prominent in Ashanti society. One of the most famous individuals was Kofi Owusu Addo, a merchant and diplomat who facilitated trade relations between the Ashanti and European powers. He was born in 1820 and played a crucial role in negotiating treaties and fostering economic ties.

Another influential figure was Kwaku Owusu Agyeman, a traditional ruler and statesman who lived from 1840 to 1912. He was known for his diplomatic skills and efforts to maintain the autonomy of the Ashanti Kingdom during the colonial era.

Throughout history, the Owusu surname has been associated with various place names and locations within the Ashanti region, reflecting the name's deep roots in the area. Some examples include Owusu Ahenkro, Owusu Ananse, and Owusu Ansah, which were all towns or settlements named after individuals with the Owusu surname.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Owusu surname: questions and answers

How common is the Owusu surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 2,104 in 2016. That gives Owusu a modern rank of #3,069.

What does the Owusu surname mean?

A surname of Ghanaian origin indicating the person was born on a Sunday.

What does the Owusu map show?

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