Find out how popular the first name Odera has been for the last 21 years (from 1999 to 2019) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Odera by gender

Based on the last 21 years of data, Odera is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 56% of people named Odera being male.

For the most recent data in 2019, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Odera.

The history of the first name Odera

The name Odera is of Luo origin, an ethnic group from western Kenya and parts of Tanzania. Its roots can be traced back to the Nilotic languages spoken in the region for centuries. The name Odera is derived from the word "oder," which means "born during the rains" or "born after the rains" in the Dholuo language.

In traditional Luo culture, names often carried symbolic meanings related to the circumstances surrounding a child's birth or the hopes and aspirations of the parents. The name Odera likely emerged as a way to commemorate a birth that occurred during or after the rainy season, a time of renewed life and fertility in the region.

While the exact origins of the name are difficult to pinpoint, some historians believe it may have been in use among the Luo people as early as the 16th century. However, the earliest recorded instances of the name Odera appear in colonial-era records and missionary accounts from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

One notable figure bearing the name Odera was Odera Akang'o, a prominent Luo chief and leader who played a significant role in the resistance against British colonial rule in Kenya in the early 20th century. He was born in 1872 and died in 1944, leaving a lasting legacy as a defender of Luo traditions and land rights.

Another historical figure with the name Odera was Odera Okelo, a Kenyan politician and member of the Legislative Council in the 1950s. He was born in 1904 and was actively involved in the fight for Kenya's independence from British rule.

In the realm of literature, Odera Oruko was a renowned Kenyan poet and writer who gained prominence in the 1970s and 1980s. Born in 1940, he was known for his use of the Dholuo language in his works, which explored themes of identity, culture, and social issues.

Odera Kamara, born in 1961, is a Kenyan academic and educator who has made significant contributions to the field of education and curriculum development in Kenya and beyond.

Lastly, Odera Guya, born in 1982, is a contemporary Kenyan artist and sculptor whose works have been exhibited internationally, often exploring themes of identity, culture, and the human experience.

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

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

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