Find out how popular the first name Adedeji has been for the last 32 years (from 1990 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Adedeji by gender

Based on the last 32 years of data, Adedeji is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Adedeji.

The history of the first name Adedeji

The name Adedeji is a traditional Yoruba name from West Africa. It has its origins in the Yoruba language, which is spoken primarily in southwestern Nigeria, as well as parts of Benin and Togo. The name can be traced back to the 15th century or earlier, during the height of the Oyo Empire in what is now southwestern Nigeria.

Adedeji is a combination of two Yoruba words: "ade" meaning "crown" or "royalty," and "deji" meaning "watcher" or "guardian." Together, the name can be interpreted as "the crown watcher" or "the guardian of royalty." This suggests that the name may have been initially bestowed upon individuals tasked with protecting or serving members of the royal family or nobility within the Yoruba kingdoms.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Adedeji can be found in the oral traditions and historical accounts of the Oyo Empire. According to these sources, there was an Adedeji who served as a prominent military commander and advisor to the Alaafin (the ruler) of Oyo in the 16th century. However, specific details about this individual's life and accomplishments are scarce due to the limitations of historical records from that era.

Throughout the centuries, the name Adedeji has been borne by various notable figures within the Yoruba culture and beyond. One such individual was Adedeji Alao (1882-1959), a prominent Nigerian educator and political activist who played a significant role in the Nigerian independence movement in the early 20th century.

Another notable bearer of the name was Adedeji Bodunrin (1939-2021), a Nigerian philosopher and academic who made significant contributions to the fields of African philosophy, ethics, and political theory. He served as a professor at various universities in Nigeria and the United States, and was widely respected for his scholarly work.

In the realm of sports, Adedeji Alami (born 1985) is a Nigerian-born professional basketball player who has represented the Nigerian national team and played in several professional leagues around the world, including the NBA G League.

Adedeji Ogundeji (born 1998) is a Nigerian-American football player currently playing as a defensive end for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League (NFL).

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the name Adedeji throughout history, showcasing its enduring presence and significance within the Yoruba culture and beyond.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Adedeji was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Adedeji, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!