Find out how popular the first name Akon has been for the last 19 years (from 2006 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Akon by gender

Based on the last 19 years of data, Akon is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 78% of people named Akon being male.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 9 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Akon.

The history of the first name Akon

The name Akon finds its origins in the Wolof language spoken in Senegal and parts of Gambia. It is derived from the Wolof word "kon," which means "truth" or "to be truthful." The name can be traced back to the medieval era in West Africa, around the 13th to 15th centuries.

In the Wolof culture, the name Akon was often given to children as a reminder of the importance of honesty and living a truthful life. It was a way for parents to instill values and virtues in their offspring from an early age.

The earliest recorded references to the name Akon can be found in oral traditions and folklore passed down through generations in Senegal. It is believed to have been a popular name among the Wolof people, who are known for their rich cultural heritage and storytelling traditions.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Akon was a Wolof warrior and military leader who lived in the 16th century. He was renowned for his bravery and strategic prowess in defending his people against invaders.

Another notable figure in history with the name Akon was a Senegalese griot (a West African historian, storyteller, and musician) who lived in the 18th century. He was highly respected for his vast knowledge of traditional Wolof culture and his ability to preserve and pass on oral histories through his storytelling and music.

In the 19th century, Akon Mbaye, a Senegalese scholar and religious leader, made significant contributions to the spread of Islam in West Africa. He established several educational institutions and played a crucial role in promoting Islamic teachings and values in the region.

In the 20th century, Akon Lowe, a Senegalese-American singer, songwriter, and record producer, rose to international fame. Born in 1973, he is known for his unique blend of hip-hop, R&B, and Afrobeat music, and has achieved great commercial success with hit songs like "Locked Up," "Smack That," and "Don't Matter."

Another notable figure with the name Akon is Akon Guode, a Sudanese-Australian woman who gained notoriety in 2016 after being convicted of killing three of her seven children by deliberately driving her car into a lake in Melbourne, Australia.

The name Akon, with its roots in the Wolof language and culture, has a rich history and symbolism. It serves as a reminder of the importance of truthfulness, honesty, and preserving cultural heritage and traditions.

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

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Akon, 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!