Find out how popular the first name Akanni has been for the last 13 years (from 2009 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Akanni by gender

Based on the last 13 years of data, Akanni is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 71% of people named Akanni being male.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Akanni.

The history of the first name Akanni

The name Akanni originates from the Yoruba language spoken in southwestern Nigeria and some surrounding regions. It is a compound name derived from the words "Akan," meaning "warrior" or "brave one," and "ni," which means "this is." Essentially, Akanni translates to "this is a warrior" or "this is a brave one."

The Yoruba people have a rich cultural heritage dating back centuries, and their naming traditions often reflect important values, events, or circumstances surrounding a child's birth. The name Akanni likely emerged during times of conflict or warfare, bestowed upon boys born during such periods or whose births were seen as a symbol of strength and bravery.

While the exact origins of the name are difficult to trace, some historical references suggest that Akanni may have been used as early as the 16th century during the height of the Oyo Empire, one of the most powerful Yoruba kingdoms in West Africa. However, written records from that era are scarce, making it challenging to pinpoint the earliest known use of the name.

One of the earliest documented figures bearing the name Akanni was Akanni Ogunmola, a prominent Yoruba warrior and military leader who lived in the late 18th century. He played a significant role in the Kiriji War, a series of conflicts between the Oyo Empire and the Ibarapa region.

Another notable figure was Akanni Alesinloye, a revered Yoruba chief and landowner who lived in the mid-19th century. He was instrumental in the establishment of the town of Ibadan, which became one of the largest and most influential cities in southwestern Nigeria.

In the 20th century, Akanni Doherty, born in 1926, was a Nigerian politician and statesman who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and later as the Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources. He played a crucial role in Nigeria's transition to independence and was highly respected for his diplomatic efforts.

Akanni Oluwasanmi, born in 1933, was a renowned Nigerian surgeon and academic. He made significant contributions to the field of medicine and served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) from 1975 to 1982.

Akanni Oyekan, born in 1935, was a prominent Nigerian artist and sculptor. His works, often depicting Yoruba culture and traditions, have been exhibited internationally and are highly regarded in the art world.

While the name Akanni has its roots in Yoruba culture, it has since been embraced by people of various backgrounds both within Nigeria and beyond, particularly among those with connections to West African heritage.

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

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

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