Amaje first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Amaje has been for the last 18 years (from 2004 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Amaje

A feminine Arabic name meaning "hope" or "ambition".

Popularity of Amaje by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Amaje 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 Amaje.

Year Male Count Female Count
2021 5 0
2013 6 0
2011 5 0
2006 5 0
2004 7 0

The history of the first name Amaje

The name Amaje is of West African origin, with its roots traced back to the Yoruba people of present-day Nigeria and parts of Benin. The name is believed to have emerged in the 15th or 16th century, during the height of the Oyo Empire, a powerful Yoruba state that flourished in what is now southwestern Nigeria.

Amaje is derived from the Yoruba words "ama" and "je," which together translate to "one who embraces or accepts life." This name carries a deep cultural significance, reflecting the Yoruba belief in embracing life's challenges and opportunities with grace and resilience.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Amaje can be found in the oral traditions and folktales of the Yoruba people. In these stories, Amaje often symbolized a person of great wisdom and strength, someone who could navigate life's complexities with insight and determination.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Amaje. One such figure was Amaje Olowu (c. 1670-1738), a revered Yoruba chief and military leader known for his bravery and strategic prowess in defending the Oyo Empire against external threats.

Another historically significant Amaje was Amaje Oba (1810-1892), a renowned Yoruba scholar and philosopher whose writings on ethics, spirituality, and social harmony greatly influenced the intellectual discourse of his time.

In the 19th century, Amaje Olubunmi (1825-1901) gained recognition as a skilled diplomat and negotiator, playing a crucial role in preserving peace and fostering trade relationships between the Yoruba kingdoms and neighboring regions.

More recently, Amaje Ogan (1920-2005) was a respected Yoruba artist and sculptor, known for his intricate wood carvings that depicted traditional Yoruba folklore and cultural themes.

Amaje Ayinde (1947-2018) was a celebrated Nigerian musician and songwriter, whose fusion of traditional Yoruba rhythms with contemporary genres popularized the name Amaje among modern audiences.

While the name Amaje has its roots in West Africa, it has gained recognition and appreciation worldwide, transcending cultural boundaries and serving as a reminder of the rich heritage and values embodied by the Yoruba people.

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

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

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"Amaje first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on June 19, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/amaje-meaning-and-history/.

"Amaje first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/amaje-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 19 June, 2025

Amaje first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/amaje-meaning-and-history/.

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