Find out how popular the first name Olayinka has been for the last 44 years (from 1975 to 2018) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Olayinka by gender

Based on the last 44 years of data, Olayinka is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 53% of people named Olayinka being female.

For the most recent data in 2018, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Olayinka.

It's also interesting to see that despite Olayinka being historically a mostly female name, the most recent data from 2018 shows a shift in the trend, with more male babies being named Olayinka.

The history of the first name Olayinka

Olayinka is a Yoruba name originating from southwestern Nigeria. It is a combination of two words from the Yoruba language: "ola" meaning wealth or fortune, and "yinka" meaning to walk with or follow. Thus, the literal meaning of Olayinka is "wealth follows" or "wealth walks with."

The name can be traced back to the Yoruba people of West Africa, an ethnic group known for their rich cultural heritage and traditions. The Yoruba language is one of the most widely spoken languages in Nigeria and has influenced many aspects of Nigerian culture, including naming practices.

While the exact origin of the name Olayinka is difficult to pinpoint, it is believed to have been in use for several centuries. Some historical records suggest that the name was popular among the Yoruba people during the height of the Oyo Empire, which ruled over a significant portion of present-day southwestern Nigeria from the 16th to the 19th century.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Olayinka can be found in the writings of Samuel Ajayi Crowther, a Yoruba linguist and the first African Anglican bishop in Nigeria. Crowther, who lived from 1809 to 1891, played a significant role in promoting Yoruba language and culture.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Olayinka. One such person was Olayinka Oluwole Adeosun (1906-1992), a Nigerian lawyer and politician who served as the Minister of Natural Resources and Social Services in the First Republic of Nigeria.

Another prominent figure was Olayinka Elebuibon (born 1949), a renowned Nigerian chief and traditional priest who has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting Yoruba culture and traditions.

In the realm of literature, Olayinka Tunji Akinshiju (born 1939) is a renowned Nigerian poet and playwright whose works have been widely acclaimed for their exploration of Yoruba culture and themes.

The name Olayinka has also gained recognition in the world of sports. Olayinka Sanni (born 1974) is a retired Nigerian basketball player who represented Nigeria in several international competitions, including the Olympic Games.

Another notable bearer of the name is Olayinka Omigbodun (born 1952), a Nigerian academic and psychiatrist who has made significant contributions to the field of child and adolescent mental health in Africa.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the name Olayinka throughout history, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and significance of this name within the Yoruba community and beyond.

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

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Olayinka, 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!