Olakunle first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Olakunle has been for the last 10 years (from 1978 to 1987) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Olakunle

A masculine Yoruba name meaning "one who wakes up with wealth or riches".

Popularity of Olakunle by gender

Based on the last 10 years of data, Olakunle is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1987, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Olakunle.

Year Male Count Female Count
1987 5 0
1978 5 0

The history of the first name Olakunle

The name Olakunle has its origins in the Yoruba language, spoken primarily in southwestern Nigeria and parts of neighboring countries like Benin and Togo. It is a compound name derived from the Yoruba words "Ola," meaning wealth or riches, and "Kunle," a shortened form of "Okunrin," meaning a male child or son.

The Yoruba people have a rich cultural heritage dating back several centuries, and their naming practices often reflect values, beliefs, and events surrounding a child's birth. Olakunle, with its emphasis on wealth and masculinity, likely originated as a name bestowed upon male children born into affluent or influential families, signifying the parents' hopes and aspirations for their son's future prosperity and success.

While the exact origins of the name Olakunle are difficult to pinpoint, it has been in use among the Yoruba people for generations. However, there are no known historical references or appearances in ancient texts or religious scriptures specific to this particular name.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Olakunle can be traced back to the 19th century, when it was borne by Olakunle Aluko, a prominent Yoruba chief and landowner who lived in the town of Ogbomosho, in present-day Oyo State, Nigeria. Aluko played a significant role in the expansion and development of Ogbomosho during his lifetime.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the name Olakunle:

  1. Olakunle Sijuwade (1928-2015), the late Ooni of Ife, a prominent traditional ruler and spiritual leader of the Yoruba people.
  2. Olakunle Akinboboye (1935-2018), a Nigerian politician and lawyer who served as the Attorney General and Minister of Justice in the 1970s.
  3. Olakunle Bakare (born 1962), a Nigerian economist and businessman who has held leadership positions in various organizations.
  4. Olakunle Churchill (born 1982), a Nigerian entrepreneur and philanthropist, best known for his relationship with actress Tonto Dikeh.
  5. Olakunle Makun (born 1983), a Nigerian comedian, actor, and television host, popularly known as Baba Ijesha.

These individuals, hailing from diverse backgrounds and professions, have contributed to various aspects of Nigerian society, further solidifying the name Olakunle as a respected and recognizable name within the country and among the Yoruba community.

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

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

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"Olakunle first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on September 14, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/olakunle-meaning-and-history/.

"Olakunle first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/olakunle-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 14 September, 2025

Olakunle first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/olakunle-meaning-and-history/.

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