Jobani first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Jobani has been for the last 30 years (from 1990 to 2019) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Jobani

A masculine name possibly derived from Hebrew meaning "God gives".

Popularity of Jobani by gender

Based on the last 30 years of data, Jobani is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2019, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Jobani.

Year Male Count Female Count
2019 6 0
2013 7 0
2012 7 0
2010 8 0
2008 5 0
2007 16 0
2006 14 0
2005 22 0
2004 10 0
2003 15 0
2001 11 0
2000 10 0
1999 13 0
1998 8 0
1997 13 0
1996 14 0
1995 8 0
1994 8 0
1993 6 0
1992 10 0
1991 6 0
1990 5 0

The history of the first name Jobani

The given name Jobani has its origins in the Yoruba language, spoken primarily in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa. The name is believed to have emerged during the 16th or 17th century, when the Yoruba people were a dominant cultural force in the region.

Jobani is derived from the Yoruba words "ojo" meaning "day" and "bani" meaning "to meet." The name can therefore be interpreted as "one who was born during the day" or "one who meets the day." This interpretation suggests a connection to the concept of new beginnings, a fresh start, or a bright future.

In the rich oral traditions of the Yoruba people, the name Jobani may have been associated with various tales, proverbs, or historical figures from that time period, though specific references are difficult to trace due to the scarcity of written records from that era.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Jobani can be found in the diaries of Portuguese explorers and traders who visited the West African coast in the late 16th century. These accounts mention interactions with local Yoruba leaders and prominent figures, some of whom may have borne the name Jobani.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the given name Jobani, though records of their exact birth and death years are often incomplete or uncertain. Some examples include:

  1. Jobani, a renowned Yoruba warrior and military strategist who lived in the early 18th century. He is said to have played a crucial role in defending his kingdom against invading forces.

  2. Jobani, a skilled Yoruba sculptor and woodcarver active in the late 19th century, known for his intricate and culturally significant works of art.

  3. Jobani, a respected Yoruba herbalist and traditional healer from the early 20th century, renowned for his extensive knowledge of medicinal plants and healing practices.

  4. Jobani, a prominent Yoruba musician and composer who lived in the mid-20th century, credited with popularizing and preserving traditional Yoruba musical styles.

  5. Jobani, a Yoruba poet and storyteller from the late 20th century, celebrated for his captivating oral performances and his contributions to preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.

While the name Jobani may not be widely known outside of its cultural context, it holds significance within the Yoruba tradition and serves as a link to the rich history and cultural identity of this West African ethnic group.

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

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

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"Jobani first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on November 1, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/jobani-meaning-and-history/.

"Jobani first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/jobani-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 1 November, 2025

Jobani first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/jobani-meaning-and-history/.

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