Find out how popular the first name Funmilayo has been for the last 5 years (from 2006 to 2010) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Funmilayo by gender

Based on the last 5 years of data, Funmilayo is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2010, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Funmilayo.

The history of the first name Funmilayo

The name Funmilayo is a Yoruba name originating from southwestern Nigeria in West Africa. The name has its roots in the Yoruba language, which is spoken by over 30 million people, primarily in Nigeria, Benin, and Togo.

Funmilayo is a combination of two Yoruba words: "fun" meaning "to give" or "to spend," and "milayo" meaning "wealth" or "honor." The name can be interpreted as "give me honor" or "spend wealth on me." It is a beautiful name that reflects the Yoruba culture's emphasis on wealth, honor, and respect.

The earliest recorded use of the name Funmilayo can be traced back to the 16th century, during the height of the Oyo Empire in present-day southwestern Nigeria. The name was given to both male and female children, although it has become more commonly associated with females in modern times.

One of the most notable historical figures with the name Funmilayo was Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (1900-1978), a Nigerian women's rights activist, and traditional aristocrat. She played a significant role in the anti-colonial movement and the struggle for women's rights in Nigeria. Her activism and leadership during the Abeokuta Women's Revolt of 1949 earned her the title "Funmilayo, the Lioness of Lisabi."

Another prominent figure with the name Funmilayo was Funmilayo Olayinka Doherty (1867-1942), a pioneering Nigerian businesswoman and trader. She was one of the wealthiest individuals in West Africa during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, amassing a fortune through her extensive trading empire.

In the realm of literature, Funmilayo Fakunle (1928-1958) was a Nigerian writer and playwright. Her play "The Broken Calabash" addressed issues of gender inequality and women's rights in traditional Yoruba society.

In the field of medicine, Funmilayo Ogunsola (1921-2012) was a pioneering Nigerian obstetrician and gynecologist. She was the first female consultant in her field in Nigeria and played a significant role in improving maternal and child healthcare in the country.

Funmilayo Olayinka (1930-2019) was a Nigerian traditional ruler and the Ayaba (Queen) of Iwoland in Osun State, Nigeria. She was known for her efforts in promoting education, cultural preservation, and community development.

While the name Funmilayo has origins in the Yoruba culture, it has gained popularity beyond Nigeria and is now used by people of various cultural backgrounds around the world, transcending its original linguistic and cultural boundaries.

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

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

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