Find out how popular the first name Adekunle has been for the last 42 years (from 1981 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Adekunle by gender

Based on the last 42 years of data, Adekunle is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Adekunle.

The history of the first name Adekunle

The name Adekunle originates from the Yoruba culture of West Africa, primarily among the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria. It is a combination of two words: "Ade," meaning "crown" or "royalty," and "Kunle," a shortened form of "Okunleru," meaning "he who is filled with knowledge." Thus, Adekunle can be interpreted as "the crown or royalty filled with knowledge."

The Yoruba people have a rich cultural heritage that dates back centuries, and their naming traditions hold significant importance. Adekunle was likely a name given to male children born into royal or noble families, signifying the expectation that they would grow up to be wise and knowledgeable leaders.

While there are no specific historical references to the name Adekunle in ancient texts or religious scriptures, the concept of naming children after desirable qualities or aspirations is deeply rooted in Yoruba culture. The earliest recorded examples of individuals bearing the name Adekunle can be traced back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

One notable historical figure named Adekunle was Adekunle Fajuyi (1926-1966), a Nigerian military officer and the first military governor of the Western Region of Nigeria. He was assassinated during the Nigerian counter-coup of 1966. Adekunle Ajashin (1837-1905) was a renowned warrior and military leader from the town of Ibadan, known for his bravery and strategic skills in defending the city against various invaders.

Another prominent individual with the name Adekunle was Adekunle Ajasin (1908-1997), a Nigerian politician and leader of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). He served as the Governor of Ondo State from 1979 to 1983. Adekunle Olumofin (born 1950) is a Nigerian academic and educator who has held various leadership positions in Nigerian universities.

Adekunle Gold (born 1987) is a contemporary Nigerian singer and songwriter, known for his fusion of Afropop, reggae, and high-life music. He has gained widespread popularity and critical acclaim for his music, which often draws inspiration from Yoruba culture and traditions.

While the name Adekunle has its roots in the Yoruba culture of Nigeria, it has also been adopted by individuals of other ethnic groups within West Africa, as well as by members of the African diaspora around the world. However, the historical and cultural significance of the name remains closely tied to its Yoruba origins.

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 Adekunle was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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