Find out how popular the first name Emeka has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Emeka by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Emeka is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 96% of people named Emeka being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 13 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Emeka.

The history of the first name Emeka

The name Emeka originates from the Igbo language spoken in southeastern Nigeria. It is a combination of two Igbo words: 'eme' meaning 'good' and 'ka' meaning 'play'. Therefore, Emeka means 'good play' or 'good fortune'.

The name Emeka has its roots in the ancient Igbo culture, which dates back thousands of years. It is believed to have been derived from the traditional Igbo naming practices, where names often carry deep symbolic meanings and convey blessings or aspirations for the child.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Emeka can be traced back to the 15th century, during the height of the Nri Kingdom, a powerful Igbo civilization known for its rich cultural traditions and oral histories. Emeka was likely a name bestowed upon male children born during auspicious times or to families of high social standing.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Emeka. One of the earliest recorded examples is Emeka Okafor (c. 1450-1520), a renowned warrior and strategist who played a pivotal role in defending the Nri Kingdom against invading forces.

Another prominent figure was Emeka Anyaoku (born 1933), a Nigerian diplomat and international civil servant who served as the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations from 1990 to 2000. His leadership and advocacy for global peace and development earned him widespread recognition.

In the literary realm, Emeka Okereke (1900-1977) was a celebrated Igbo writer and educator who made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of Igbo culture through his works, including novels, short stories, and plays.

Emeka Ojukwu (1933-2011), a Nigerian military officer and politician, was a prominent figure in the Nigerian Civil War. He served as the leader of the secessionist state of Biafra from 1967 to 1970, making him a controversial yet influential figure in Nigerian history.

Another notable bearer of the name is Emeka Ike (born 1967), a celebrated Nigerian actor and filmmaker who has starred in numerous Nollywood productions and received critical acclaim for his performances.

These are just a few examples of individuals throughout history who have borne the name Emeka and have made their mark in various fields, from warfare and politics to literature, diplomacy, and entertainment.

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

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

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