Find out how popular the first name Oladapo has been for the last 8 years (from 1991 to 1998) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Oladapo by gender

Based on the last 8 years of data, Oladapo is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1998, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Oladapo.

The history of the first name Oladapo

The given name Oladapo has its origins in the Yoruba language spoken primarily in southwestern Nigeria. The name is composed of two distinct parts: "Ola," which means wealth or fortune, and "dapo," which translates to "brought home" or "arrived safely." Together, the name Oladapo conveys the meaning of "wealth has arrived" or "fortune has come home."

The Yoruba people, one of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa, have a rich cultural heritage dating back several centuries. Their naming traditions often reflect significant life events, desired traits, or circumstances surrounding a child's birth. The name Oladapo was likely bestowed upon newborns to express gratitude for the arrival of a healthy child and the prosperity it signified for the family.

While the exact origin of the name Oladapo is not well-documented in ancient texts or religious scriptures, its presence can be traced back to the early 19th century in various historical records from the Yoruba Kingdom. One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Oladapo was Oladapo Adamolekun, a prominent Yoruba chief and politician who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Oladapo. Oladapo Tomori (1917-1992) was a Nigerian physician and academic who served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan from 1975 to 1980. Oladapo Oyebanji (1898-1973) was a Nigerian educator and author who played a significant role in promoting Yoruba literature and culture.

Another prominent individual was Oladapo Afolayan (1928-2014), a Nigerian poet, playwright, and academic who is regarded as one of the pioneers of modern Yoruba literature. Oladapo Fafunwa (1923-2022) was a Nigerian educationist and former Director of Education in Western Nigeria, known for his contributions to the development of primary education in the region.

Oladapo Olatunbosun (1908-1980) was a Nigerian jurist and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria from 1971 to 1979. His tenure was marked by notable legal reforms and the establishment of a more independent judiciary in the country.

These individuals, spanning different fields and eras, exemplify the rich history and cultural significance associated with the name Oladapo within the Yoruba community and broader Nigerian society.

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

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

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