Find out how popular the first name Anyiah has been for the last 25 years (from 1999 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Anyiah by gender

Based on the last 25 years of data, Anyiah is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 11 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Anyiah.

The history of the first name Anyiah

The name Anyiah is believed to have originated from the Akan language spoken in Ghana and other parts of West Africa. It is a combination of the Akan words "anya" meaning "eye" and "hia" meaning "beautiful." Historically, the name was given to children who were considered beautiful or had striking eyes.

The earliest recorded use of the name Anyiah dates back to the 17th century in the Akan region of present-day Ghana. It appears in several historical records and texts from that era, often referring to individuals of Akan descent.

One of the earliest known references to the name Anyiah is found in the Akan oral tradition, where it is mentioned in a folktale about a beautiful princess. This folktale is believed to have originated in the late 16th or early 17th century and was passed down through generations of storytellers.

In the 18th century, Anyiah Kwaku was a prominent Akan chief known for his leadership and diplomatic skills. He played a significant role in negotiating trade agreements between the Akan people and European merchants along the Gold Coast (now Ghana).

Another notable figure with the name Anyiah was Anyiah Mensah, a renowned Akan artist and sculptor who lived in the late 19th century. His intricate wood carvings and sculptures depicting Akan cultural themes and motifs are highly regarded and can be found in various museums and private collections.

In the early 20th century, Anyiah Asiedu was a Ghanaian educator and advocate for women's rights. She founded several schools in Ghana and worked tirelessly to promote education for girls and women in her community.

Anyiah Nketia, born in 1935, is a celebrated Ghanaian ethnomusicologist and scholar. He has made significant contributions to the study and preservation of traditional African music, particularly the music of the Akan people. His extensive research and publications have earned him international recognition and numerous awards.

While the name Anyiah has its roots in the Akan culture of West Africa, it has gained popularity in other parts of the world in recent decades, particularly in the United States and other English-speaking countries. However, its use as a first name remains relatively uncommon compared to its historical and cultural significance in the Akan region.

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

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

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