Find out how popular the first name Mazi has been for the last 47 years (from 1977 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Mazi by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Mazi is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 80% of people named Mazi being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 198 male babies and 19 female babies born with the name Mazi.

The history of the first name Mazi

The name Mazi is believed to have originated from the Igbo language spoken in southeastern Nigeria. The Igbo people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria, and their language dates back several centuries.

According to linguistic experts, the name Mazi is derived from the Igbo word "ezi," which means "good" or "virtuous." The prefix "ma" is a respectful title added to the name, similar to the English prefix "Mr." or "Master." Thus, the name Mazi can be interpreted as "Good Master" or "Virtuous Master."

While the exact origin of the name is unclear, it is believed to have been used by the Igbo people for centuries as a name bestowed upon respected elders or leaders in the community. The name may have been given to individuals who demonstrated exceptional wisdom, integrity, or leadership qualities.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Mazi can be found in the writings of Olaudah Equiano, a former slave who published his autobiography, "The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano," in 1789. In his work, Equiano mentions encountering a man named Mazi during his travels in West Africa.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Mazi. One of the most famous was Mazi Nwafor Orizu (1888-1953), a Nigerian politician and educator who played a significant role in the country's independence movement. Orizu served as the president of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons, a prominent political organization that advocated for Nigerian self-governance.

Another prominent figure was Mazi Nnamdi Azikiwe (1904-1996), a renowned Nigerian statesman and a leading figure in the struggle for Nigerian independence. Azikiwe served as the first President of Nigeria after the country gained independence from British rule in 1960.

In the field of literature, Mazi Nwachukwu Anyo (1918-2006) was a renowned Nigerian poet and playwright. His works, such as "The Tragedy of Anowa" and "The Old Dance," explored themes of cultural identity and the clash between traditional and modern values.

Mazi Okoro Nkem (1938-2018) was a Nigerian businessman and philanthropist who founded the Mazi Group of Companies, a conglomerate with interests in various sectors, including oil and gas, construction, and hospitality.

While the name Mazi is primarily associated with the Igbo people of Nigeria, it has also been adopted by individuals of other ethnic backgrounds, particularly those with connections to West African culture and history.

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

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

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