Find out how popular the first name Haruna has been for the last 19 years (from 1991 to 2009) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Haruna by gender

Based on the last 19 years of data, Haruna is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2009, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Haruna.

The history of the first name Haruna

The name Haruna has its origins in the Hausa language, which is spoken predominantly in northern Nigeria and neighboring regions of West Africa. It is a feminine name that traces its roots back to the early medieval period, around the 11th to 13th centuries.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Haruna can be found in the Kano Chronicle, an important historical text that documents the history of the Hausa people and the ancient Hausa city-states. The name is believed to be derived from the Hausa word "haru," which means "to gather" or "to collect."

In the context of its linguistic origins, the name Haruna may have been associated with concepts such as unity, harmony, and bringing people together. It is possible that the name was initially bestowed upon individuals who played a unifying role within their communities or demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Haruna. One of the earliest recorded examples is Haruna Njayi (born around 1230), a renowned Hausa princess and warrior who played a significant role in the defense of the ancient city-state of Kano against invading forces.

Another notable figure is Haruna Ussuman (1858-1933), a prominent Hausa scholar and religious leader who made significant contributions to the preservation and study of Hausa literature and Islamic teachings in West Africa.

In the realm of literature, Haruna Wakili (1906-1981) was a celebrated Hausa poet and playwright, renowned for his works that explored themes of cultural identity, social commentary, and the human experience.

Moving to the modern era, Haruna Ayuba (born 1952) is a Nigerian politician and former military officer who served as the Minister of Environment in Nigeria from 2007 to 2011.

Lastly, Haruna Iddrisu (born 1970) is a Ghanaian politician and a member of the Parliament of Ghana, where he has served as the Minority Leader since 2017, representing the National Democratic Congress party.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the name Haruna throughout history, each leaving their mark in various fields, from warfare and leadership to literature, politics, and public service.

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

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

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