Surname Onazi - Meaning and Origin

Onazi: What does the surname Onazi mean?

The last name Onazi is a Nigerian last name of Igbo origin. Onazi is a common last name in Western and Eastern Nigeria primarily within the Igbo ethnic group. The name Onazi is derived from the ancient Igbo name "Una-azị", which literally means "have an audience with God".

The meaning behind the name is that one is favored by God and is blessed by the divine. It could also mean that one is chosen by God and is destined to be successful and prosperous. This is an important concept in Igbo culture, where faith and trust in divine power are highly valued.

The history of the name Onazi is believed to originate from the fifth ancestor of the Onazi family, a man of great wisdom and kindness to his people. His acts of benevolence encouraged his people to ask him for help and for him to represent them in their dealings with their God. This is why the Onazi name is seen as a blessing from God and why it is held in such high regard in Igbo culture.

The Onazi family is known for the strength of its bond and culture, and the last name is often a symbol of this unity and unwavering commitment to one another. It is also seen as a symbol of potential and success, as having the Onazi surname can inspire others to strive for greatness. Many Nigerians who bear the name Onazi are proud to represent the legacy of their family and culture and are respected members of society.

Onazi: Where does the name Onazi come from?

The last name Onazi is most commonly found in Nigeria, where it is frequently used as a surname. The Onazi people are of a particular ethnic group, from the Central Nigeria region and are thought to have descended from the Bini people of Benin. It is also common in other parts of West Africa, particularly in countries around Nigeria such as Niger, Ghana, and Togo.

The people of the Onazi ethnicity tend to be primarily Christian, with a large majority of the population also practicing traditional African religions or animism. They are mostly farmers, traders, blacksmiths and artisans by occupation, but in more recent years've diversified into other areas such as government and education.

The modern Onazi family usually consists of extended relations, with extended family members such as aunts, uncles and grandparents all living together and partaking in the same extended family activities such as meals, festivals, and celebrations.

The Onazi people are well known for their unique culture and traditions, including the use of rituals and ceremonies in many aspects of their lives. They also have a strong history of literacy and education, with many well-recognized authors, poets, and philosophers hailing from the Onazi ethnicity.

Variations of the surname Onazi

The surname Onazi has variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common of these include Onasse, Onassi, Onasci, Onasee, Onaci, and Onacsi. Other variants of this surname include Onachy, Onas, Onassi, Onash, and Onashe.

The surname Onazi originated in Southern Italy, in the regions of Campania, Abruzzo, and Molise. This surname is derived from the name Anazio, which is a Latin name meaning 'leader'. The surname was commonly found in the area of Montemiletto, Italy, an area known for its highly diverse population of people of many different cultural backgrounds.

Onazi is also found in the Philippines, where it was adopted by Italo-descended families who immigrated to the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period. This surname is often spelled Onase, Onasci, Onaci, Onacki, Onassi, and Onazee.

Other variants of this surname are found in Central and Eastern European countries such as Hungary, Croatia, and Serbia. In Hungary, the surname is spelled Onasz, and in Croatia and Serbia, it is spelled Onash.

In the United States, immigrants bearing the surname Onazi have predominantly come from Italy. Some American-born families with this surname have also adopted the spelling Onace. All spelling variants of this surname around the world are believed to share a common origin but are not directly related to each other.

Famous people with the name Onazi

• Ogenyi Onazi: Nigerian professional footballer who last played for Trabzonspor.
• Sophie Onazi: Nigerian actress, fashion designer and entrepreneur.
• Peter Onazi: Nigerian actor, comedian, producer and director.
• Sola Onazi: Nigerian politician and a member of the Federal House of Representatives.
• Paul Onazi: Nigerian gospel singer, songwriter and music producer.
• Ngozi Onazi: Nigerian fashion designer and businesswoman.
• Chris Onazi: Nigerian singer and songwriter.
• Blessing Onazi: Nigerian model, television presenter and actress.
• Ugo Onazi: Nigerian entrepreneur and co-founder of technology startup Sagit Innovation.
• Oscar Onazi: Nigerian football player who plays as a defensive midfielder for Denizlispor.

Other surnames

Onazy