Find out how popular the first name Olisa has been for the last 40 years (from 1977 to 2016) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Olisa by gender

Based on the last 40 years of data, Olisa is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2016, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Olisa.

The history of the first name Olisa

The name Olisa has its origins in the Igbo culture of Nigeria. It is a combination of two Igbo words: 'Olu' meaning 'source' or 'head' and 'isa' meaning 'play' or 'to rejoice'. Together, the name can be interpreted to mean 'source of joy' or 'head of rejoicing'.

The earliest recorded use of the name Olisa dates back to the 15th century, during the height of the Nri Kingdom, one of the oldest and most influential kingdoms in Igboland. It is believed that the name was first given to children born during times of great celebration or after a period of hardship, symbolizing the joy and relief felt by their families and communities.

One of the earliest known bearers of the name Olisa was Olisa Nri, a prominent ruler of the Nri Kingdom in the late 15th century. He was renowned for his wisdom, diplomacy, and efforts to promote unity among the various Igbo clans and communities.

In the 17th century, the name Olisa gained popularity among the Igbo people living in the Kingdom of Arochukwu, a major center of slave trade and commerce. Olisa Aro, a wealthy and influential merchant and slave trader, was a notable figure of this era.

During the 19th century, the name Olisa became associated with resistance and resilience against British colonial rule. Olisa Opara, a warrior and leader of the Aro Confederacy, played a significant role in the Aro Expedition of 1901-1902, a conflict between the British and the Aro people.

In more recent times, Olisa has continued to be a popular name among the Igbo people, and it has been adopted by people of other cultures and nationalities as well. Olisa Agbakoba, a prominent Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist, was born in 1953 and has been a vocal advocate for democracy and good governance in Nigeria.

Olisa Metuh, born in 1959, is a Nigerian politician and former spokesperson for the People's Democratic Party (PDP). He served as the National Publicity Secretary of the party from 2012 to 2015.

While the name Olisa has its roots in the Igbo culture, it has transcended its origins and is now recognized and embraced by people around the world, carrying with it a sense of joy, celebration, and resilience.

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

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

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