Find out how popular the first name Shola has been for the last 41 years (from 1979 to 2019) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shola by gender

Based on the last 41 years of data, Shola is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 86% of people named Shola being female.

For the most recent data in 2019, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Shola.

The history of the first name Shola

The name Shola has its origins in the Yoruba language, spoken by the Yoruba people of West Africa, primarily in Nigeria. It is believed to have emerged as a name during the medieval period, around the 12th to 16th centuries, when the Yoruba kingdoms and city-states were flourishing in the region.

Shola is derived from the Yoruba word "ọlá," which means "wealth" or "honor." It is a gender-neutral name that can be given to both boys and girls, although it is more commonly used for males. The name carries connotations of prosperity, respect, and high standing within the Yoruba culture.

While there are no specific historical references to the name in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it has been in use among the Yoruba people for centuries. The earliest recorded examples of the name date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, during the height of the Oyo Empire, one of the most powerful Yoruba kingdoms of that era.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Shola. One of the most famous is Shola Ameobi (born 1981), a former Nigerian professional footballer who played for clubs like Newcastle United and Stoke City in England. Another prominent figure is Shola Akingbola (born 1959), a Nigerian-British businessman and former CEO of the HBOS banking group.

In the realm of literature, Shola Shologu (1884-1971) was a prominent Nigerian writer and educator who played a significant role in the development of Yoruba literature. Shola Aderibigbe (1898-1971) was a Nigerian politician and traditional ruler who served as the Olubadan of Ibadan, one of the most influential chieftaincy titles in Yorubaland.

Additionally, Shola Amoo (born 1995) is a British filmmaker and screenwriter known for her work in independent cinema, including the critically acclaimed film "The Last Tree" (2019).

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who have carried the name Shola throughout history, highlighting its rich cultural heritage and enduring significance 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 Shola was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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