Essien is a surname of independent Efik/Ibibio and Akan origin. In Efik and Ibibio, the “esien” was traditionally the gathering place of families and villagers. People born in such a place, or simply outside the house, were named Essien, and this became a payronymic. In Akan cultures, it is an Anglicised form of the traditional name for the sixth-born son, Esia.
Notable people with the name E. U. Essien-Udom (1928–2002), Nigerian professor Emmanuel Essien, Nigerian politician Essiën Bassey (born 2006), Ghanaian footballer Kweku Essien (born 1984), Ghanaian footballer, currently playing for Eleven Wise Loick Essien (born 1990), British musician Michael Essien (born 1982), Ghanaian former footballer, currently coaching FC Nordsjælland. Nduese Essien (born 1944), Nigerian politician Okon Flo Essien (born 1981), Nigerian footballer, currently playing for Đồng Tâm Long An F.C.
See also Essien Udim, a local government area of Nigeria