Find out how popular the first name Eniola has been for the last 30 years (from 1994 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Eniola by gender

Based on the last 30 years of data, Eniola is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 90% of people named Eniola being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 21 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Eniola.

The history of the first name Eniola

The name Eniola originates from the Yoruba language spoken in southwestern Nigeria. It is a combination of two words: "eni" meaning "person" and "ola" meaning "wealth" or "honor". Therefore, Eniola can be interpreted as "a person of wealth" or "an honored person".

The Yoruba people have a rich cultural heritage that dates back several centuries, and their naming traditions hold significant importance. Names are often chosen to reflect the circumstances surrounding a child's birth or to convey hopes and aspirations for the child's future.

Historical references to the name Eniola are scarce, as written records from ancient Yoruba culture are limited. However, it is believed that the name has been in use for centuries, reflecting the Yoruba's emphasis on wealth, prosperity, and honor.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Eniola can be found in the writings of Samuel Ajayi Crowther, a Yoruba linguist and the first African Anglican bishop in Nigeria, who lived from 1809 to 1891.

Notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Eniola include Eniola Badmus (born 1936), a Nigerian sprinter and long jumper who competed in the 1960 and 1964 Summer Olympics. Another prominent figure is Eniola Aluko (born 1987), an English footballer who has played for several clubs, including Chelsea and Juventus.

In the field of literature, Eniola Bello (born 1958) is a Nigerian novelist and short story writer known for her works exploring themes of identity, gender, and cultural conflicts.

Eniola Akinrinade (born 1965) is a Nigerian architect and academic who has made significant contributions to sustainable architecture and urban planning in Africa.

Eniola Akinkugbe (1933-2020) was a renowned Nigerian physician and academic who played a pivotal role in advancing medical education and research in Nigeria.

These individuals, spanning various fields, demonstrate the diverse backgrounds and accomplishments of those who have carried the name Eniola throughout 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 Eniola was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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