Find out how popular the first name Opeyemi has been for the last 15 years (from 1996 to 2010) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Opeyemi by gender

Based on the last 15 years of data, Opeyemi is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 61% of people named Opeyemi being female.

For the most recent data in 2010, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Opeyemi.

The history of the first name Opeyemi

The name Opeyemi originates from the Yoruba language spoken in southwestern Nigeria and parts of Benin. It is a compound name composed of two words, "Ope" meaning "gratitude" or "thanks," and "Yemi" meaning "life." Together, Opeyemi can be interpreted as "My gratitude for life" or "Thanks for this life."

This name has been in use among the Yoruba people for centuries, dating back to the medieval period when the Yoruba kingdoms flourished in the region. Its roots can be traced back to the Yoruba belief system and worldview, which emphasizes gratitude and reverence for the gift of life.

While there are no known ancient texts or scriptures that directly reference the name Opeyemi, it is deeply rooted in the cultural traditions and oral histories passed down through generations of Yoruba storytellers and elders.

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

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Opeyemi, including:

1. Opeyemi Awolowo (1905-1992), a Nigerian politician and diplomat who served as the Federal Commissioner for Finance and the Governor of the Western Region of Nigeria.

2. Opeyemi Bamidele (born 1960), a Nigerian politician and member of the House of Representatives, representing the Ekiti North Federal Constituency.

3. Opeyemi Ogunlola (born 1981), a Nigerian footballer who played as a striker for clubs in Nigeria, Sweden, and Norway.

4. Opeyemi Adebola (born 1985), a Nigerian-British former professional footballer who played as a striker for various clubs in England and Scotland.

5. Opeyemi Olagunju (born 1990), a Nigerian sprinter who specializes in the 100 meters and 200 meters events.

These individuals, spanning different eras and professions, exemplify the enduring legacy of the name Opeyemi and its deep roots in the Yoruba culture and history.

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

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

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