Find out how popular the first name Eze has been for the last 10 years (from 2014 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Eze by gender

Based on the last 10 years of data, Eze is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 19 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Eze.

The history of the first name Eze

The name Eze has its origins in the Igbo language of southeastern Nigeria. It is a shortened version of the name Ezekiel, which is derived from the Hebrew name Yeḥezqel, meaning "God will strengthen." The Igbo people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria, with a rich cultural heritage dating back centuries.

Eze is believed to have been in use as a given name among the Igbo people since at least the 16th century, during the height of the Nri Kingdom, one of the oldest and most influential civilizations in West Africa. The name may have been influenced by the spread of Christianity and the Bible in the region during this time.

In Igbo culture, the name Eze is often associated with strength, resilience, and divine protection. It is a name that is frequently given to boys with the hope that they will grow to be strong leaders and pillars of their communities.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Eze can be found in the writings of the 16th-century Portuguese explorer Duarte Lopes, who documented his encounters with the Igbo people during his travels in West Africa.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who have borne the name Eze. One such figure is Eze Nri Oba (c. 1550-1610), who was a prominent ruler of the Nri Kingdom during the late 16th century. Another notable bearer of the name is Eze Nwokolo (1852-1924), a renowned Igbo trader and businessman who played a significant role in the economic development of southeastern Nigeria in the early 20th century.

Other historical figures with the name Eze include Eze Nri Apia (c. 1700-1770), a respected leader and spiritual figure in the Nri Kingdom; Eze Nri Olaudah Equiano (c. 1745-1797), a former slave who became a prominent author and abolitionist; and Eze Nri Akanu Ibiam (1900-1995), a Nigerian statesman and one of the founding fathers of modern Nigeria.

The name Eze continues to be a popular choice among the Igbo people and has also gained recognition in other parts of Nigeria and beyond. Its rich cultural heritage and associations with strength and leadership ensure that it will remain a significant name in the region for generations to come.

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

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

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