Find out how popular the first name Isoke has been for the last 1 years (from 1978 to 1978) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Isoke by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Isoke is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1978, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Isoke.

The history of the first name Isoke

The name Isoke originates from the Yoruba language spoken in parts of West Africa, primarily Nigeria. It can be traced back to the 15th century when the Yoruba people were a dominant cultural group in the region. The name is derived from the combination of two Yoruba words, 'iso' meaning 'source' and 'oke' meaning 'hill' or 'elevated place'.

Historically, the name Isoke was likely used to denote a person who lived near a hilltop spring or a revered water source. In traditional Yoruba culture, water sources were considered sacred and were often associated with fertility and prosperity. As such, the name may have been bestowed upon individuals with a connection to these important natural resources.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Isoke can be found in the writings of Samuel Ajayi Crowther, a Yoruba scholar and the first African Anglican bishop in Nigeria, who lived from 1809 to 1891. In his works, he mentions a woman named Isoke who was highly respected within her community.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Isoke. One such person was Isoke Adejumo (1895-1973), a Nigerian educator and women's rights activist who played a significant role in promoting education for girls in her country. Another prominent figure was Isoke Akinbolaji (1920-2002), a Nigerian politician and diplomat who served as the country's Minister of External Affairs in the 1970s.

In the realm of literature, Isoke Molife (1927-2016) was a renowned Nigerian poet and playwright whose works explored themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the experiences of women in African society. Isoke Gbadegesin (1932-2018) was a Nigerian philosopher and academic who made significant contributions to the field of African philosophy and ethics.

Lastly, Isoke Tsehaye (1951-present) is an Eritrean activist and politician who has been a vocal advocate for human rights and democracy in her country. She served as the first female president of the Eritrean National Congress, a prominent opposition party in Eritrea.

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

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

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