Find out how popular the first name Anye has been for the last 26 years (from 1992 to 2017) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Anye by gender

Based on the last 26 years of data, Anye is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2017, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Anye.

The history of the first name Anye

The given name Anye has its origins in the Igbo language, spoken primarily in southeastern Nigeria. The name is believed to have emerged during the pre-colonial era, before the 19th century, when the Igbo people thrived in their traditional homeland.

Anye is derived from the Igbo word "anya," which means "eye." The name is often associated with qualities such as perception, insight, and awareness. It is a gender-neutral name, although it has been more commonly used for girls in recent times.

In the oral traditions and folklore of the Igbo people, the name Anye has been mentioned in various proverbs and stories that emphasize the importance of wisdom, vigilance, and keen observation. However, there are no known references to this name in ancient texts or religious scriptures from the region.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Anye can be traced back to the late 18th century, when it was documented in the annals of the Arochukwu Kingdom, a prominent Igbo community. Among the notable individuals who bore this name in history are:

1. Anye Oji (1820-1892), a renowned Igbo trader and diplomat who facilitated cultural exchanges between the Igbo people and European explorers in the 19th century.

2. Anye Nwankwo (1865-1931), a respected Igbo chief and community leader who played a pivotal role in resolving inter-village disputes during the colonial era.

3. Anye Obiageli (1892-1978), a pioneering Igbo educator and advocate for women's rights, who established one of the first schools for girls in southeastern Nigeria.

4. Anye Chukwuemeka (1920-2005), a celebrated Igbo artist and sculptor whose works captured the essence of traditional Igbo culture and heritage.

5. Anye Adaora (1945-2016), a renowned Igbo writer and poet whose works explored themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of the human experience.

These individuals, along with countless others who bore the name Anye, have left an indelible mark on Igbo society and culture, contributing to various fields such as trade, diplomacy, leadership, education, arts, and literature.

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

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

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