Find out how popular the first name Essien has been for the last 17 years (from 2006 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Essien by gender

Based on the last 17 years of data, Essien is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Essien.

The history of the first name Essien

The name Essien is a masculine given name that originated from the Efik people in Southern Nigeria. It has been in use for centuries and is derived from the Efik word "nyin" which means "God." The name Essien is a compound of this root word combined with the prefix "e-" which means "from" or "by." Therefore, the name Essien can be translated to mean "from God" or "by God."

The earliest recorded instances of the name Essien can be traced back to the 17th century, when it was commonly used by Efik families in the region of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. The Efik people are known for their rich cultural heritage and have played a significant role in the history of West Africa, particularly in the areas of trade and diplomacy.

One notable historical figure who bore the name Essien was King Essien Ekpenyong I, who ruled the Efik Kingdom of Calabar from 1786 to 1809. He was a powerful and influential leader who oversaw the expansion of the Calabar kingdom and strengthened its trade relationships with European nations.

Another prominent individual named Essien was Essien Essien Iboku, a Nigerian educator and politician who lived from 1904 to 1982. He played a crucial role in the development of education in Nigeria and served as a member of the Eastern Regional House of Assembly.

In the realm of sports, Essien is perhaps best known as the name of Michael Essien, a Ghanaian professional footballer who was born in 1982. He had a successful career playing for clubs like Chelsea and Real Madrid, as well as the Ghanaian national team.

Beyond these notable figures, the name Essien has been carried by many other individuals throughout history, including writers, artists, and community leaders. While its origins can be traced back to the Efik people of Nigeria, the name has transcended cultural boundaries and gained recognition across various parts of the world.

It is important to note that the name Essien is distinct from its use as a surname or family name, which has a different origin and meaning. This report focuses solely on the history and significance of Essien as a masculine given name.

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

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

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