The name Ikeni is believed to have originated from the Igbo language spoken in southeastern Nigeria. It likely derives from the Igbo words "ike" meaning strength or power, and "ni" which can mean to live or to have. Thus, Ikeni may have originally meant something along the lines of "possessing strength" or "having power."

This name first appeared in written records dating back to the 15th century, during the Kingdom of Nri, a prestigious Igbo civilization known for their artistic bronzes and sophisticated government. Ikeni was a relatively uncommon name at this time, given mainly to male children born into noble families or those of great warriors.

In the 17th century, references to the name Ikeni can be found in oral epics and folktales passed down among the Igbo people. One legendary figure named Ikeni was said to be a brave hunter who slew a fearsome lion with his bare hands to protect his village. Whether rooted in truth or myth, tales like this reinforced the name's connotations of power and bravery.

The earliest documented individual known as Ikeni lived around 1710. He was a leader of the Arochukwu clan, famed for his military prowess in battles against rival villages. Another notable bearer was Ikeni Okonkwo, born in 1835, one of the first Igbo Christians and a pioneering educator who helped establish schools in his region.

In the mid-19th century, Ikeni became more widespread beyond its Igbo origins due to the transatlantic slave trade. Some African captives brought to the Americas were recorded with this first name in plantation records, preserving it among the African diaspora populations.

Other historically significant individuals named Ikeni include Ikeni Mbakwe (1892-1965), an Igbo philosopher who wrote extensively about African epistemology and ethics, and Ikeni Nnah (1913-1985), an illustrious Nigerian painter celebrated for his vibrant depictions of Igbo culture and village life.