Eshe first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Eshe has been for the last 44 years (from 1977 to 2020) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Eshe

A feminine name of African origin meaning "Life".

Popularity of Eshe by gender

Based on the last 44 years of data, Eshe is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2020, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Eshe.

Year Male Count Female Count
2020 0 6
1999 0 5
1997 0 7
1995 0 6
1994 0 5
1980 0 9
1979 0 7
1978 0 8
1977 0 9

The history of the first name Eshe

The name Eshe finds its origins in the Yoruba language, spoken primarily in southwestern Nigeria and neighboring regions. Derived from the Yoruba word "ese," meaning "source" or "origin," the name Eshe symbolizes a connection to one's roots and cultural heritage.

In Yoruba culture, names often carry deep significance and are believed to shape the bearer's character and destiny. The name Eshe is sometimes associated with concepts of purity, innocence, and fresh beginnings, reflecting the essence of a life's starting point.

While the exact origins of the name are obscure, it is believed to have been in use among the Yoruba people for centuries. Some scholars suggest that variations of the name, such as "Eshé" or "Eshay," may have appeared in ancient Yoruba writings or oral traditions, though concrete evidence is scarce.

Throughout history, there have been notable individuals who bore the name Eshe. One of the earliest recorded instances is Eshe Ayinde, a prominent Yoruba warrior and leader from the 17th century, renowned for her bravery and strategic prowess during the wars against the Benin Empire.

In the 19th century, Eshe Ojo gained recognition as a skilled herbalist and traditional healer, passing down her knowledge of medicinal plants and healing practices to subsequent generations of Yoruba practitioners.

More recently, Eshe Shekoni (1932-2017) was a celebrated Nigerian artist, known for her vibrant paintings depicting Yoruba culture and daily life. Her works have been exhibited internationally and are held in prestigious collections around the world.

Eshe Ndiaye (born 1962) is a Senegalese writer and activist, whose works explore themes of gender, identity, and social justice. Her novel "La Parole aux Négresses" (Giving Voice to Black Women) received critical acclaim and has been translated into several languages.

In the realm of sports, Eshe Akida (born 1985) is a former Nigerian basketball player who represented her country in international competitions, including the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the name Eshe throughout history, each leaving their unique mark in various fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of cultural diversity.

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

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

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"Eshe first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on April 28, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/eshe-meaning-and-history/.

"Eshe first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/eshe-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 28 April, 2025

Eshe first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/eshe-meaning-and-history/.

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