Find out how popular the first name Eni has been for the last 1 years (from 2016 to 2016) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Eni by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2016, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Eni.

The history of the first name Eni

The name Eni has its origins in the Yoruba language, which is spoken by the Yoruba people of West Africa, primarily in Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. The name is believed to have emerged during the medieval period, around the 12th to 15th centuries.

In Yoruba culture, the name Eni is derived from the word "eni," which means "a person" or "human being." It is a gender-neutral name that can be given to both boys and girls. The name reflects the Yoruba belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Eni can be found in the Odu Ifa, a sacred literary corpus of the Yoruba people that contains their oral tradition, mythology, and divination systems. The name appears in various stories and proverbs, reflecting its deep-rooted cultural significance.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Eni. One of the most famous was Eni Olufade (c. 1445-1512), a Yoruba warrior and leader from the city of Oyo, who played a crucial role in defending his people against invaders during the 15th century.

Another prominent figure was Eni Koku (c. 1650-1718), a Yoruba woman who was captured and enslaved, but later became a respected translator and intermediary between European slave traders and the Yoruba people in the 17th century.

In more recent times, Eni Faleye (1904-1987) was a Nigerian educationist and author who made significant contributions to the promotion of Yoruba language and culture through his literary works and teaching career.

Eni Iyamba (1920-1995) was a Nigerian politician and activist who played a pivotal role in the struggle for independence and the promotion of women's rights in the mid-20th century.

Eni Falola (born 1953) is a renowned Nigerian historian and professor who has authored numerous books and publications on African history, culture, and diaspora studies.

While these examples showcase the historical and cultural significance of the name Eni within the Yoruba tradition, it is important to note that names can transcend their origins and take on new meanings and associations as they spread across cultures and generations.

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

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

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