Find out how popular the first name Iayana has been for the last 6 years (from 2005 to 2010) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Iayana by gender

Based on the last 6 years of data, Iayana 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 Iayana.

The history of the first name Iayana

The name Iayana has its origins in West Africa and is believed to be of Yoruba descent. The Yoruba people are an ethnic group found in modern-day Nigeria and neighboring regions. The name is thought to derive from the Yoruba word "ìyàn," which means "to walk with grace and dignity."

In pre-colonial West Africa, names often carried significant cultural meaning and were carefully chosen to reflect desirable traits or blessings for the child. The name Iayana was likely given to girls with the hope that they would embody grace, elegance, and poise in their life's journey.

While the exact origins of the name are difficult to trace due to the oral traditions of the Yoruba culture, some of the earliest recorded instances of the name appear in historical accounts from the 18th and 19th centuries. During this period, European explorers and traders documented encounters with West African communities, occasionally mentioning individuals by name.

One notable individual with the name Iayana was a Yoruba woman born around 1790 in the Kingdom of Oyo, located in present-day southwestern Nigeria. Historical records suggest she was a respected trader and played a significant role in facilitating commercial exchanges between her community and European merchants.

Another historical figure with the name Iayana was a Yoruba priestess born in the early 19th century. She was known for her deep knowledge of traditional spiritual practices and her influence within the local religious community.

In the late 19th century, a woman named Iayana was recorded as a prominent storyteller and oral historian in the Yoruba city of Ibadan. She was renowned for her ability to preserve and pass down the rich cultural heritage of her people through captivating tales and narratives.

As the name Iayana spread beyond its West African origins, it gained recognition in other parts of the world. In the early 20th century, a woman named Iayana was born in Jamaica to parents of Yoruba descent. She became a celebrated poet and writer, contributing to the literary landscape of the Caribbean region.

Another notable individual with the name Iayana was a Nigerian-American artist born in the 1960s. Her vibrant and expressive paintings, often inspired by her Yoruba heritage, gained widespread acclaim and were featured in numerous exhibitions and galleries.

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

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

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