Find out how popular the first name Femi has been for the last 47 years (from 1977 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Femi by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Femi is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 58% of people named Femi being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 9 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Femi.

The history of the first name Femi

The name Femi originates from the Yoruba language, an ethnic group native to southwestern Nigeria and the surrounding region. It is a shortened version of the Yoruba name Olufemi, which means "God loves me" or "God loves the son." The name dates back several centuries and has its roots in the Yoruba cultural and religious traditions.

In Yoruba culture, names often carry deep significance and are chosen for their symbolic meaning or to honor a specific event or circumstance. The prefix "Olu" in Olufemi is a common honorific title meaning "owner" or "lord," while "femi" translates to "love me." This combination reflects the belief that a child is a gift from God and should be loved and cherished.

The earliest recorded use of the name Femi can be traced back to the 16th century, during the height of the Oyo Empire in present-day southwestern Nigeria. At this time, the Yoruba people had a well-established tradition of naming their children with meaningful names that reflected their cultural values and beliefs.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Femi. One prominent figure was Femi Ayinde (1934-1997), a Nigerian playwright, poet, and cultural activist who played a significant role in promoting and preserving Yoruba culture through his literary works.

Another notable Femi was Femi Kuti (born 1962), a Nigerian musician and son of the legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. Femi has carried on his father's musical legacy and has been an influential figure in the Nigerian music scene for decades.

Femi Falana (born 1958) is a renowned Nigerian human rights lawyer and activist who has been a vocal advocate for social justice and democracy in Nigeria. His tireless efforts have earned him international recognition and numerous awards.

In the realm of sports, Femi Opabunmi (born 1984) is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a striker for several clubs in Europe and represented the Nigerian national team.

Femi Adesina (born 1959) is a Nigerian journalist and writer who currently serves as the Special Adviser to the President of Nigeria on Media and Publicity. He has had a distinguished career in journalism and has authored several books on Nigerian politics and society.

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

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

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