Find out how popular the first name Ako has been for the last 1 years (from 2015 to 2015) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ako by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Ako is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2015, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Ako.

The history of the first name Ako

The name Ako is believed to have originated from the Yoruba language spoken in West Africa, particularly in present-day Nigeria. The name is thought to be derived from the Yoruba word "oko," which means "husband" or "male."

In traditional Yoruba culture, the name Ako was often given to male children in the hope that they would grow up to embody the qualities of a responsible and caring husband and father. The name was also associated with strength, courage, and leadership.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Ako can be found in the Yoruba oral tradition, which includes folktales, proverbs, and historical narratives. These stories often featured characters with names like Ako, reflecting the cultural significance of names in Yoruba society.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who carried the name Ako. One such person was Ako Adjei (1916-1981), a Ghanaian diplomat and politician who served as the first Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana after the country's independence in 1957.

Another prominent figure was Ako Abdul-Samad (1932-2017), an American Muslim leader and activist who played a significant role in the civil rights movement and worked tirelessly to promote understanding between different religious and cultural communities.

In the realm of sports, Ako Eriksson (born 1981) is a Swedish professional ice hockey player who has represented his country in several international tournaments, including the Winter Olympics and World Championships.

Ako Bikila (1932-1973) was an Ethiopian long-distance runner famous for winning the marathon event at the 1960 and 1964 Summer Olympics while running barefoot. His achievements brought international recognition to Ethiopia and inspired many runners around the world.

Lastly, Ako Adjei-Kwarteng (born 1971) is a Ghanaian-American businessman and entrepreneur known for his work in the technology and entertainment industries. He has been recognized for his contributions to promoting diversity and inclusion in the corporate world.

While the name Ako has its roots in West Africa, it has since gained popularity in various parts of the world, transcending cultural boundaries and serving as a testament to the rich tapestry of human diversity.

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

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

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