Find out how popular the first name Fela has been for the last 16 years (from 2006 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Fela by gender

Based on the last 16 years of data, Fela is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 69% of people named Fela being female.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Fela.

The history of the first name Fela

The name Fela originates from the Yoruba language spoken in southwestern Nigeria and neighboring regions. It dates back to the 15th century and is believed to be derived from the Yoruba word "Fe" meaning "to make" or "to love".

In Yoruba culture, Fela was traditionally a name given to boys, signifying a desire for the child to be a maker or creator of something valuable. The name was also associated with creativity, artistry, and a love for one's craft.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Fela can be found in the oral histories and folklore of the Yoruba people. Several folktales and proverbs mention characters with the name, highlighting its cultural significance.

Perhaps the most famous bearer of the name Fela was Fela Kuti, the legendary Nigerian musician, and pioneer of Afrobeat music. Born in 1938 and passing away in 1997, Fela Kuti's music and activism had a profound impact on African culture and politics.

Another notable figure named Fela was Fela Sowande, a Nigerian-American composer, and musician born in 1905. He was known for his contributions to the development of African-American classical music and his efforts to promote African musical traditions.

In the realm of sports, Fela Navi was a Nigerian footballer who played as a striker for various clubs in Nigeria and Europe in the 1970s and 1980s. He was a prominent figure in Nigerian football during his career.

In literature, Fela Félix, born in 1935, was a writer and poet from Equatorial Guinea. Her works explored themes of identity, colonialism, and the struggle for independence in her home country.

Fela Ige, born in 1936, was a Nigerian lawyer and politician who served as the Attorney General and Minister of Justice in Nigeria from 1999 to 2001. He was known for his efforts to combat corruption and promote legal reforms.

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!