Find out how popular the first name Dayo has been for the last 46 years (from 1974 to 2019) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Dayo by gender

Based on the last 46 years of data, Dayo is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 69% of people named Dayo being male.

For the most recent data in 2019, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Dayo.

The history of the first name Dayo

The name Dayo has its origins in the Yoruba language, spoken primarily in southwestern Nigeria and neighboring regions of West Africa. It is a contraction of the longer name Dayo-Dayo, which means "joy arrives" or "joy has come" in Yoruba.

This name has been in use among the Yoruba people for centuries, with records dating back to the 15th century or earlier. It was a popular name given to children, reflecting the joy and happiness associated with their arrival.

In traditional Yoruba culture, names often carried significant meaning and were believed to shape a child's destiny. Dayo was seen as a auspicious name, bestowing blessings of joy and contentment upon its bearer.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Dayo was Dayo Ademuwagun, a renowned Yoruba scholar and historian who lived in the late 18th century. He authored several important works on Yoruba history and culture, preserving valuable knowledge for future generations.

Another notable figure was Dayo Akande, a 19th-century Yoruba warrior and leader who played a significant role in the defense of the Oyo Empire against external threats. His bravery and strategic acumen were widely celebrated.

In the 20th century, Dayo Adedayo gained prominence as a pioneering Nigerian filmmaker and actor. He is credited with producing some of the earliest Nigerian feature films and paving the way for the country's vibrant film industry.

Dayo Ojerinde, a Nigerian diplomat and scholar, made invaluable contributions to international relations and the study of African history. He served as Nigeria's ambassador to several countries and authored numerous books on African politics and culture.

Dayo Olomu, a renowned Nigerian artist and sculptor, gained international recognition for his intricate and culturally significant works of art. His pieces can be found in museums and private collections around the world, celebrating the rich artistic heritage of the Yoruba people.

While the name Dayo has its roots in West Africa, it has spread globally and is now used by people of various cultural backgrounds, reflecting the diversity and interconnectedness of the modern world.

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

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

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