Find out how popular the first name Nakeba has been for the last 3 years (from 1974 to 1976) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nakeba by gender

Based on the last 3 years of data, Nakeba is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1976, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Nakeba.

The history of the first name Nakeba

The name Nakeba has its origins in the Yoruba language, spoken primarily in present-day Nigeria and the surrounding regions of West Africa. It is believed to have emerged during the medieval period, though its exact etymology is uncertain. Some scholars suggest it may be derived from the Yoruba words "na" (to acquire) and "eba" (wealth or fortune), implying the meaning "to acquire wealth or good fortune."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Nakeba can be found in the oral traditions and folklore of the Yoruba people. It is said to have been the name of a legendary figure, a brave warrior and leader who lived in the 13th century. Unfortunately, historical records from this period are scarce, making it difficult to verify the accuracy of these accounts.

In the 16th century, a prominent Yoruba chief named Nakeba is mentioned in Portuguese explorer João Afonso Aveiro's account of his travels in the region. This provides one of the earliest written records of the name's existence.

During the 18th century, a notable figure named Nakeba Adeyemi rose to prominence in the Kingdom of Oyo, one of the most powerful Yoruba states at the time. Adeyemi was a respected military leader and advisor to the Alaafin (king) of Oyo. His exploits and contributions to the kingdom's expansion and defense are documented in various historical texts from the era.

In the late 19th century, Nakeba Olowu was a renowned Yoruba sculptor and woodcarver. Her intricate and detailed works, often depicting traditional Yoruba figures and deities, are now housed in several museums and private collections around the world. Olowu's birth and death years are uncertain, but she is believed to have lived and worked during the latter half of the 19th century.

Another notable figure with the name Nakeba was Nakeba Ajayi, a Nigerian educationist and women's rights activist who lived from 1890 to 1960. Ajayi was a pioneer in promoting education for girls and women in Nigeria and was instrumental in establishing several schools and educational institutions across the country.

While the name Nakeba has its roots in the Yoruba culture, it has also been adopted and used by individuals from various other ethnic groups and cultures over time, particularly within Nigeria and other parts of West Africa. However, detailed historical records and accounts of individuals bearing this name outside of the Yoruba context are limited.

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!