Find out how popular the first name Ehi has been for the last 1 years (from 2023 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ehi by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Ehi.

The history of the first name Ehi

The name Ehi has its origins rooted in the Edo language, spoken by the Edo people of southern Nigeria. It is believed to have emerged around the 16th century, during the peak of the Benin Empire. The name Ehi is derived from the Edo word "ehiẹ," which means "life" or "breath."

In ancient Benin folklore and oral traditions, the name Ehi was often associated with concepts of vitality, longevity, and the essence of existence. It was a popular choice for newborns, symbolizing the parents' hopes for their child to have a long and fulfilling life.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Ehi can be found in the "Ẹkhẹ Ọba" (The History of the Kings), a historical chronicle of the Benin Kingdom compiled in the late 16th century. This text references an Oba (king) named Ehi, who ruled in the early 15th century.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Ehi. One such figure was Ehi Olaudah Equiano (c. 1745 – 1797), a former slave who became a prominent abolitionist, author, and activist. His autobiography, "The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano," provided a firsthand account of the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade and played a crucial role in the abolitionist movement.

Another notable Ehi was Ehi Braimah (1939 – 2015), a Nigerian writer and playwright. He was renowned for his contributions to Nigerian literature, particularly his plays that explored themes of cultural identity and societal issues.

In the realm of sports, Ehi Omonode (born 1986) is a Nigerian-American basketball player who has played professionally in various leagues around the world, including the NBA G League and leagues in Europe and Asia.

Moving to the arts, Ehi Musa (born 1976) is a Nigerian-British artist and sculptor known for his intricate and thought-provoking works that explore themes of identity, migration, and cultural intersection.

While these are just a few examples, the name Ehi has been carried by individuals from various walks of life, each leaving their mark in their respective fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of human history.

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

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

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