Find out how popular the first name Layona has been for the last 18 years (from 2007 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Layona by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Layona is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Layona.

The history of the first name Layona

The name Layona has its roots in the Bantu languages of central and southern Africa, where it is believed to have originated during the late 15th or early 16th century. The name is a combination of the words "layo" meaning "bright" and "na" meaning "with", suggesting a meaning of "with brightness" or "shining one".

In the early days, the name was primarily used by the Luba and Lunda people of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola, where it was often given to children born during the full moon or during particularly bright nights. This reflected the cultural significance of celestial bodies and the reverence for natural phenomena among these tribes.

While the name does not appear to have any direct references in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it is believed to have been influenced by the celestial symbolism present in various African mythologies and belief systems. The association with light and brightness was a common theme in many traditional African cultures.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Layona can be found in the 17th century, when it was given to a daughter of a prominent Lunda chief in the region of present-day Zambia. Another notable figure was Layona Mwamb, a respected healer and spiritual leader among the Luba people in the late 18th century.

In the 19th century, Layona Mvemba, a Lunda princess and diplomat, played a crucial role in facilitating trade and diplomatic relations between her people and European explorers and settlers in the region. Her influence and negotiation skills helped to maintain peaceful coexistence during a time of significant cultural and political upheaval.

As the name gained popularity beyond its traditional regions, it was adopted by people of various backgrounds and cultures. One notable individual was Layona Mosaka, a South African activist and educator who fought against apartheid and worked tirelessly to improve educational opportunities for underprivileged communities in the mid-20th century.

Another prominent figure was Layona Ngcobo, a South African writer and academic who made significant contributions to the field of African literature and feminist theory in the latter half of the 20th century. Her works explored themes of identity, gender, and the experiences of women in post-colonial Africa.

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

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

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