Find out how popular the first name Babatunde has been for the last 37 years (from 1974 to 2010) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Babatunde by gender

Based on the last 37 years of data, Babatunde is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2010, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Babatunde.

The history of the first name Babatunde

The name Babatunde is of Yoruba origin, a language spoken by the Yoruba people who are primarily found in southwestern Nigeria, as well as parts of Benin and Togo. It is a compound name combining the Yoruba words "baba" meaning "father" and "tunde" which means "to return" or "to repeat". Thus, the name Babatunde can be interpreted as "father returns" or "the father has returned".

The Yoruba people have a rich cultural heritage dating back several centuries, and their naming traditions have played a significant role in preserving their history and values. The name Babatunde reflects the importance placed on the role of the father in Yoruba society, as well as the concept of reincarnation and the belief that a child may be the reincarnation of an ancestor.

While the exact origins of the name Babatunde are difficult to trace, it is believed to have been in use among the Yoruba people for centuries. The name has been mentioned in various Yoruba folktales and oral traditions, which have been passed down through generations.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Babatunde can be found in the writings of Samuel Ajayi Crowther, a Yoruba explorer and linguist who lived in the 19th century (1809-1891). Crowther played a significant role in documenting the Yoruba language and culture, and his works provide valuable insights into the naming traditions of the Yoruba people.

Throughout history, there have been several notable figures who bore the name Babatunde. One of the most famous was Babatunde Olatunji (1927-2003), a Nigerian drummer and musician who was instrumental in introducing Yoruba music to the West. Another prominent individual was Babatunde Obafemi (1925-1994), a Nigerian writer and academic who made significant contributions to the field of African literature.

Other notable individuals with the name Babatunde include Babatunde Fashola (born 1963), a Nigerian politician and former Governor of Lagos State, and Babatunde Eleyinmi (born 1950), a Nigerian artist and sculptor known for his intricate wood carvings.

Additionally, the name Babatunde has been used in various works of literature and popular culture, further solidifying its place in the cultural landscape. For example, Babatunde is a character in the novel "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe, one of the most celebrated works of African 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 Babatunde was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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