Find out how popular the first name Nii has been for the last 37 years (from 1978 to 2014) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nii by gender

Based on the last 37 years of data, Nii is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2014, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Nii.

The history of the first name Nii

The name Nii has its origins in the Akan language spoken by the Akan people of Ghana and Ivory Coast in West Africa. The name dates back centuries and is believed to have originated from the Akan word "ni" which means "born on" or "came into being on".

In traditional Akan culture, the name Nii was often given to a child born on a particular day of the week, with different names corresponding to different days. For example, a boy born on Tuesday might be named Nii Kwao, while a girl born on the same day might be named Nii Abena.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Nii can be found in historical accounts and oral traditions passed down through generations of Akan people. However, there are no known references to the name in ancient texts or religious scriptures from other cultures.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Nii was Nii Okai Okunor, a prominent Ga chief and trader who lived in the late 17th and early 18th centuries in what is now Ghana. He played a significant role in the early trading relationships between the Ga people and European merchants.

Another notable figure with the name Nii was Nii Ammah Ollennu, a respected Ghanaian lawyer, writer, and scholar who lived from 1906 to 1986. He made significant contributions to the study of customary law in Ghana and was instrumental in shaping the country's legal system after independence.

In the realm of politics, Nii Amaa Ollennu served as the Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana from 1965 to 1966. He was born in 1915 and played a pivotal role in Ghana's transition to independence.

Nii Quaye was a renowned Ghanaian musician and composer who lived from 1919 to 2008. He is considered one of the pioneers of highlife music, a genre that blends traditional Akan music with Western styles. His compositions and performances have left a lasting impact on Ghanaian music.

Nii Lante Vanderpuye is a contemporary Ghanaian politician who served as the Minister for Youth and Sports in Ghana from 2013 to 2017. Born in 1967, he has been actively involved in various governmental and community initiatives throughout his career.

It is important to note that while the name Nii has its roots in the Akan culture, it has also gained popularity and usage beyond its traditional boundaries, particularly within Ghana and other parts of West 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 Nii was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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