Find out how popular the first name Alafia has been for the last 1 years (from 1977 to 1977) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Alafia by gender

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

For the most recent data in 1977, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Alafia.

The history of the first name Alafia

Alafia is a given name of Yoruba origin, originating from West Africa. The name is believed to have derived from the Yoruba words "ala" meaning "peace" and "fia" meaning "to enjoy or possess". Therefore, the name Alafia can be interpreted as "one who enjoys peace" or "one who possesses peace".

The Yoruba people are an ethnic group native to southwestern Nigeria and the adjacent parts of Benin and Togo. Their language, also called Yoruba, is a Niger-Congo language spoken by over 30 million people. The name Alafia has been in use among the Yoruba people for centuries and has significant cultural and spiritual significance.

Historically, the name Alafia does not appear to have been mentioned in ancient texts or religious scriptures. However, it has been a common name among the Yoruba people for generations, with some notable individuals bearing the name throughout history.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Alafia dates back to the 18th century, with Alafia Oba, a prominent Yoruba ruler and warrior. He lived from around 1720 to 1780 and was known for his military campaigns and expansion of the Oyo Empire in present-day southwestern Nigeria.

Another notable figure with the name Alafia was Alafia Aina (1850-1908), a Yoruba herbalist and traditional healer who was widely respected for her knowledge of medicinal plants and traditional remedies. She was born in Abeokuta, Nigeria, and her legacy as a renowned healer has been passed down through generations.

In the 20th century, Alafia Bamidele (1925-2005) was a Nigerian musician and composer who played a significant role in preserving and promoting Yoruba culture through his music. He was known for his innovative fusion of traditional Yoruba rhythms with modern instrumentation.

Alafia Agboola (1942-2017) was a Nigerian sculptor and artist renowned for his intricate wood carvings and bronze sculptures depicting Yoruba mythology and cultural themes. His works have been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world.

More recently, Alafia Gaidi (born 1975) is a Beninese-American writer and activist who has published several books and essays exploring themes of identity, culture, and social justice. She was born in Benin but grew up in the United States and has been a prominent voice in the African diaspora community.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Alafia, showcasing its significance and cultural resonance within the Yoruba tradition and beyond.

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

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

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