Ayante first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Ayante has been for the last 1 years (from 1994 to 1994) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Ayante

Of Yoruba origin meaning "fire that never goes out".

Popularity of Ayante by gender

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

For the most recent data in 1994, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Ayante.

Year Male Count Female Count
1994 0 5

The history of the first name Ayante

The name Ayante has its roots in the Yoruba language spoken in West Africa, particularly in present-day Nigeria. Its origins can be traced back to the 15th century during the height of the Oyo Empire, one of the most powerful Yoruba states at the time.

Ayante is derived from the Yoruba words "aya" meaning "joy" and "nte" meaning "bringer" or "bearer." Together, the name translates to "one who brings joy" or "bearer of joy." This name was often given to children born during times of celebration or after a period of hardship, symbolizing the joy their arrival brought to their families and communities.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Ayante can be found in the oral histories and folktales passed down through generations of Yoruba storytellers. These stories often featured characters with names like Ayante, reflecting the cultural significance and values associated with these names.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Ayante. One such figure was Ayante Ajibola, a revered Yoruba priest and herbalist who lived in the 17th century and was renowned for his knowledge of traditional medicine and spiritual practices.

Another prominent bearer of the name was Ayante Olatunji, a skilled warrior and military strategist who served in the army of the Oyo Empire during the 18th century. His bravery and tactical prowess were celebrated in various Yoruba narratives and oral traditions.

In the 19th century, Ayante Adebimpe gained recognition as a skilled sculptor and artisan, contributing to the rich artistic heritage of the Yoruba people. Her intricate woodcarvings and sculptures adorned many important buildings and structures of the time.

Moving into the 20th century, Ayante Ogunlesi was a renowned educator and advocate for women's rights. She dedicated her life to promoting education and empowerment for girls and women, establishing several schools and educational programs throughout Nigeria.

More recently, the name Ayante has been carried on by individuals like Ayante Bakare, a celebrated Nigerian author and playwright whose works have explored themes of identity, cultural traditions, and social issues within the Yoruba community.

While the name Ayante may not be as widely known globally, it remains a significant and meaningful name within the Yoruba culture, symbolizing the joy and celebration associated with the birth of a child and the rich cultural heritage of this West African ethnic group.

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

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

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"Ayante first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on June 14, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/ayante-meaning-and-history/.

"Ayante first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/ayante-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 14 June, 2025

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

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