Find out how popular the first name Ijeoma has been for the last 46 years (from 1974 to 2019) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ijeoma by gender

Based on the last 46 years of data, Ijeoma is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2019, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Ijeoma.

The history of the first name Ijeoma

The name Ijeoma has its origins in the Igbo language of southeastern Nigeria. It is a combination of two Igbo words: "ije" meaning "journey" and "oma" meaning "good" or "beautiful." The name can be translated to mean "a journey is good" or "a safe and beautiful journey."

Ijeoma is a name that has been in use among the Igbo people for centuries, with records of its use dating back to the 15th century. The name was often given to children as a way of wishing them a safe and prosperous journey through life.

In Igbo culture, names carry significant meaning and are carefully chosen to reflect the hopes and aspirations of the parents for their child. Ijeoma was a popular name for girls, as it embodied the desire for a life filled with positivity, success, and blessings.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Ijeoma appears in the book "The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano" written by Olaudah Equiano, a former slave who became a prominent abolitionist in the late 18th century. In the book, Equiano mentions an Igbo woman named Ijeoma who played a significant role in his early life.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Ijeoma:

1. Ijeoma Nwogwugwu (born 1965) - A Nigerian writer and academic known for her work on African literature and gender studies.

2. Ijeoma Oluo (born 1980) - An American writer and speaker, best known for her book "So You Want to Talk About Race."

3. Ijeoma Umebinyuo (1941-2021) - A Nigerian poet, playwright, and academic who was a pioneer in the field of African literature.

4. Ijeoma Nwogu (born 1970) - A Nigerian women's rights activist and former government official.

5. Ijeoma Ene (born 1982) - A Nigerian-American author and entrepreneur known for her work in promoting diversity and inclusion in the technology industry.

These are just a few examples of the many individuals who have carried the name Ijeoma throughout history, each making their mark in various fields and contributing to the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people and beyond.

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

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

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