Find out how popular the first name Eto has been for the last 7 years (from 2017 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Eto by gender

Based on the last 7 years of data, Eto is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Eto.

The history of the first name Eto

The name Eto is believed to have originated in Africa, specifically in the Yoruba language spoken in parts of modern-day Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. It is derived from the Yoruba word "eto," which means "stranger" or "visitor." This name has its roots in the ancient Yoruba culture, which dates back to around the 11th century AD.

In the Yoruba tradition, the name Eto was often given to children born to parents who had recently moved to a new location or village. It symbolized the child's status as a newcomer or visitor to that particular community. The name carried a sense of welcoming and acceptance, reflecting the Yoruba people's hospitable nature towards strangers and travelers.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Eto can be found in the Oyo Empire, a prominent Yoruba kingdom that existed between the 16th and 19th centuries. Historical records from this period mention individuals bearing the name, indicating its usage among the Yoruba people during that time.

Throughout history, there have been several notable figures who carried the name Eto. One example is Eto Otibu, a prominent Yoruba trader and diplomat who lived in the 18th century. He played a crucial role in facilitating trade and diplomatic relations between the Oyo Empire and neighboring kingdoms.

Another historical figure with the name Eto was Eto Inongo, a renowned Yoruba sculptor from the 17th century. His intricate wood carvings and artistic works have been preserved and are considered important representations of traditional Yoruba art and craftsmanship.

In the realm of literature, Eto Balogun was a Yoruba writer and poet who lived in the late 19th century. His works, which explored themes of identity, culture, and tradition, have been widely studied and celebrated within the Yoruba literary canon.

Moving to the 20th century, Eto Mensah was a Ghanaian politician and diplomat who served as the first African Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa from 1958 to 1961. He played a significant role in advocating for the economic development and self-determination of African nations.

Lastly, Eto Ighodaro was a Nigerian artist and sculptor who gained recognition for his innovative use of materials and his exploration of traditional Yoruba themes in his works. He was active in the latter half of the 20th century and contributed significantly to the development of contemporary African art.

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

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

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