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

Popularity of Alaki by gender

Based on the last 13 years of data, Alaki is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Alaki.

The history of the first name Alaki

The name Alaki originates from the Yoruba language spoken in southwestern Nigeria and other parts of West Africa. It is believed to have emerged in the 16th century or earlier during the height of the Yoruba kingdoms. Alaki is derived from the Yoruba words "ala" meaning "dream" and "ki" meaning "to have," suggesting the name may have been given to children born after a significant dream or vision.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Alaki can be found in the Ifa literary corpus, a collection of Yoruba spiritual texts and oral histories. In these texts, Alaki is mentioned as the name of a revered diviner and spiritual leader from the ancient city of Ife, considered the cradle of Yoruba civilization.

In the 17th century, Alaki Aworun was a prominent Yoruba ruler and military commander who led successful campaigns against neighboring kingdoms, expanding the territory of the Oyo Empire. Aworun, born around 1620, is remembered for his strategic brilliance and unwavering leadership during a tumultuous period in Yoruba history.

During the trans-Atlantic slave trade, the name Alaki was carried across the Middle Passage to the Americas, where it took root in various Afro-diasporic communities. Notable individuals with the name include Alaki Mbaku (1892-1976), a celebrated Cameroonian writer and activist who championed Pan-Africanism and the decolonization of Africa.

In the 20th century, Alaki Ola Thomas (1913-1995) was a Nigerian politician and diplomat who served as the first Nigerian ambassador to the United States from 1961 to 1964, playing a crucial role in strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations during the early years of Nigeria's independence.

More recently, Alaki Oluwole (born 1974) is a renowned Nigerian-American artist known for her vibrant paintings and mixed media works that explore themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the African diaspora experience.

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

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

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