Find out how popular the first name Afeni has been for the last 27 years (from 1997 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Afeni by gender

Based on the last 27 years of data, Afeni is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 10 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Afeni.

The history of the first name Afeni

The name Afeni has its origins in the Yoruba language, spoken primarily in parts of West Africa, including Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. The name is derived from the Yoruba word "afe," which means "prosperity" or "wealth." The name Afeni is believed to have originated during the ancient Yoruba civilization, which dates back to the 11th century.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Afeni can be found in the Odu Ifa, a sacred literary corpus of the Yoruba people that contains stories, proverbs, and divination verses. While the name itself is not directly referenced in these texts, the concept of prosperity and abundance, which the name represents, is a recurring theme in Yoruba spiritual and cultural traditions.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Afeni. One of the earliest recorded examples is Afeni Shakur, the mother of the renowned rapper and activist Tupac Shakur. Afeni Shakur was born Alice Faye Williams in 1947 and was a prominent member of the Black Panther Party in the 1960s and 1970s.

Another historical figure with the name Afeni was Afeni Kanda, a Nigerian activist and politician who served as a member of the Nigerian Senate from 1999 to 2003. She was born in 1948 and played a significant role in advocating for women's rights and social justice in Nigeria.

In the realm of literature, Afeni was the name of a character in the novel "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison, published in 1970. The character's name was likely chosen to reflect the Yoruba cultural heritage and its symbolism of prosperity and abundance.

A more contemporary figure bearing the name Afeni was Afeni Sistarah, a prominent figure in the hip-hop community in the United States. She was born in 1968 and was known for her work as a radio DJ, community organizer, and advocate for social justice.

It is worth noting that while the name Afeni has its roots in the Yoruba language and culture, it has gained popularity across various communities and cultures around the world, particularly in the United States, where it has been embraced as a symbol of strength, resilience, and prosperity.

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

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

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