Find out how popular the first name Azani has been for the last 17 years (from 2007 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Azani by gender

Based on the last 17 years of data, Azani is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 85% of people named Azani being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 20 female babies and 6 male babies born with the name Azani.

The history of the first name Azani

The name Azani is believed to have originated from the Swahili language spoken in East Africa, particularly in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It is derived from the Arabic word "azani," which means "to announce" or "to proclaim," referring to the call to prayer in Islamic tradition.

In Swahili culture, the name Azani is often associated with the role of the muezzin, the person responsible for making the call to prayer (adhan) from the mosque. This association suggests that the name may have been given to individuals who held this important religious position or had a connection to the Islamic faith.

The earliest recorded use of the name Azani can be traced back to the 9th century, during the spread of Islam along the East African coast. As trade and cultural exchange flourished in the region, the name likely gained popularity among Muslim communities and those influenced by Arabic and Swahili traditions.

One of the earliest known individuals with the name Azani was Azani ibn Uthman, a renowned Islamic scholar and jurist who lived in the 9th century in present-day Somalia. He was widely respected for his contributions to the study and interpretation of Islamic law (Sharia).

Another notable figure with the name Azani was Azani al-Baghdadi, a prominent poet and writer from Baghdad, Iraq, who lived in the 11th century. His literary works, particularly his poetry, were widely celebrated and influenced the development of Arabic literature during that period.

In the 14th century, Azani ibn Ali was a prominent Swahili trader and explorer who played a significant role in establishing trade routes along the East African coast and fostering cultural exchange between coastal communities and the interior regions.

During the 19th century, Azani Sharif was a revered Sufi scholar and spiritual leader from Zanzibar. He was known for his teachings on Islamic mysticism and his contributions to the preservation of Swahili cultural traditions.

Azani Bakhri, born in 1887 in Lamu, Kenya, was a renowned educator and activist who worked tirelessly to promote education and literacy among the Swahili people. He established several schools and contributed to the development of Swahili literature and educational materials.

It is important to note that while the name Azani has its roots in Swahili and Arabic cultures, it has also been adopted and used in various parts of the world, particularly among Muslim communities, due to its religious and cultural significance.

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

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

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