Surname Ude - Meaning and Origin

Ude: What does the surname Ude mean?

The last name Ude is of German origin and was used as an occupational surname. The name is derived from the Dutch “udda” or German “Uta” meaning “proud” or “honorable”.

Historically, Ude was an old German word used to refer to a blacksmith or an armorer. It was also used as a title for landowners who had considerable craftsmanship and technical knowledge. This could be used to make weapons or build wagons for trade.

The family who bears the name Ude used to be prominent in area of Nordrhein-Westfolen in Germany. There are various spellings of the name Ude throughout areas in Europe such as Ude, Udeh, Oda, Ode, Udde, and Uth.

Today, Ude is predominantly seen in Germany and German-speaking areas. Individuals with the last name Ude are typically members of German clans and descend from families with a military or skillful background. It is a proud and noble name that is shared by many and shows a deep appreciation of heritage and craftsmanship.

Ude: Where does the name Ude come from?

The last name Ude is typically found in West and Central Africa, Nigeria in particular, though its origin is uncertain. Other areas of present-day Africa, such as Uganda, have been known to host people with the surname Ude.

The surname may have roots in the Igbo language where it is a derivation of the name Udo, a male given name traditionally assigned to a boy born on Monday. This name is also found in Nigeria's Yoruba region, albeit with some variations in spelling.

The surname Ude is also present in India, with many Indian citizens adorning the name descended from the original Ude settlers in the region. Ude immigrants to India can be traced back to the 1600s, and the name is commonly found in the country's southern states.

Additionally, Ude is a popular surname in Germany, typically located in Bavaria, where it is thought have been brought by Bavarian and Saxon settlers to West and Central African regions centuries ago.

Overall, Ude is a widespread surname found in many countries around the world today. Its origin story is still rather contested, though there are snippets of evidence that support its various African, German, and Indian roots.

Variations of the surname Ude

The surname Ude is a common German and Jewish surname, which has various variant spellings and surnames of the same origin.

In German, Ude is mainly spelt Udé, Udeh, Udel, Uden, Uder and Udey, while in other languages like Yiddish and Ashkenazi, it may be spelt Udi. In Swedish and Norwegian, the surname is typically spelled Ude.

Ude can also be spelled as Udes, Udez, Udo, Udy, Udu, Udd, Udde and Udh in German, as well as Utas in Hungarian and Uza in Armenian.

Variant surnames of the same origin that may be confused with Ude include Udeh, Udall, Udchuk, Udden, Utt, Oded, Eudy, Oud, Eudee, Udea, Heude, Oude, Heudde and Ouddee.

The first recorded spelling of the surname Ude is believed to be Ude of Mainz, which was dated circa 1490. This was recorded in Germany during the 16th century.

The name is believed to have derived from the old German word "ude" or "udo" which means "wealth". It could also have been adapted from the Dutch word "udde" which means "withered". In some cases, the surname may have originated from an old personal name derived from the Germanic word "Odon", meaning "wealth".

Famous people with the name Ude

• Mirko Ude: German athlete and winner of the Olympic Gold Medal at four Olympic Games.
• Akere Ude: Scholar, author, Nigerian businessman, and philanthropist.
• Reinhard Ude: German doctor and former President of the German Cancer Society.
• Peter Ude: German politician and member of the Social Democratic Party of Germany
• Francesco Ude: Italian tennis player.
• Guido Ude: German architect and philosopher.
• Heinz Ude: German Social Democrat and Civil Rights Activist.
• Percy Ude: Sierra Leone politician and former Leader of the Opposition from 1956 until 1960.
• Paul Ude: German editor, educator, and film director.
• Patrick Ude: German soccer player.

Other surnames

Udell