Find out how popular the first name Ehitan has been for the last 10 years (from 2015 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ehitan by gender

Based on the last 10 years of data, Ehitan is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 18 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Ehitan.

The history of the first name Ehitan

The name Ehitan is believed to have originated from the Yoruba language spoken primarily in southwestern Nigeria and parts of Benin and Togo. The Yoruba people have a rich cultural heritage that dates back several centuries, and their naming traditions often reflect important values and beliefs.

Ehitan is derived from the Yoruba words "ehi" meaning "praise" and "itan" meaning "story" or "narrative." The name can be interpreted as "praise narrative" or "story of praise," suggesting a connection to oral traditions, storytelling, and honoring one's ancestors or deities through praise-songs and narratives.

The name's origins can be traced back to the 16th century or earlier, as the Yoruba people have a long-standing tradition of oral history and storytelling. It is possible that Ehitan was initially used as a name for praise-singers, griots, or those tasked with preserving and sharing cultural narratives and histories within their communities.

While there are no specific historical references to the name Ehitan in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it is likely that the name was used within Yoruba communities for centuries before being documented in written records.

Some notable individuals who have borne the name Ehitan throughout history include:

1. Ehitan Olowu (c. 1820-1890), a renowned Yoruba sculptor and woodcarver from Ilorin, Nigeria, known for his intricate and highly detailed works depicting Yoruba deities and cultural scenes.

2. Ehitan Adefunmi (1890-1962), a Nigerian educator and community leader who played a significant role in establishing schools and promoting education in the Iyo region of Oyo State.

3. Ehitan Omotoso (1925-2001), a Nigerian novelist and playwright whose works explored themes of cultural identity, gender roles, and social issues within the Yoruba context.

4. Ehitan Akinwande (1941-2009), a Nigerian-born British academic and linguist who specialized in Yoruba language and literature, contributing to the preservation and study of Yoruba culture.

5. Ehitan Olatunde (born 1975), a contemporary Nigerian artist and sculptor known for his large-scale public installations and works that celebrate Yoruba heritage and traditions.

These individuals, spanning different eras and professions, exemplify the rich cultural significance of the name Ehitan and its connection to the preservation and celebration of Yoruba traditions, storytelling, and artistic expression.

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

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

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