Find out how popular the first name Tayo has been for the last 26 years (from 1998 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Tayo by gender

Based on the last 26 years of data, Tayo is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 21 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Tayo.

The history of the first name Tayo

The name Tayo originated from the Yoruba language spoken in southwestern Nigeria and neighboring countries. It dates back to the pre-colonial era of West Africa, before the 15th century. Tayo is derived from the Yoruba words "ta" meaning "to return" and "yo" meaning "to rejoice or celebrate". The name signifies joy upon the return of something or someone desired.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Tayo can be found in the Iwe Ifa, a collection of spiritual writings from the Yoruba religion. The text, which dates back to the 16th century, references a person named Tayo who played a significant role in the community's spiritual traditions.

During the 17th century, a notable figure named Tayo Akinsanya rose to prominence as a respected leader and diplomat in the Oyo Empire, which spanned parts of modern-day Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. His diplomatic efforts were instrumental in maintaining peace and trade relations between the Oyo Empire and neighboring kingdoms.

In the 19th century, Tayo Aluko, a Yoruba philosopher and writer, gained recognition for his insightful works exploring Yoruba culture and beliefs. His writings provided valuable insights into the traditions and worldview of the Yoruba people.

Another influential individual with the name Tayo was Tayo Agunbiade, a Nigerian politician and statesman who played a crucial role in the country's independence movement in the mid-20th century. He served as a member of the Nigerian Legislative Council and advocated for self-governance and the rights of indigenous peoples.

In more recent times, Tayo Oladunjoye, a Nigerian-American artist and educator, has gained recognition for her contributions to the arts. Her vibrant paintings and sculptures celebrate African culture and explore themes of identity and diaspora.

While the name Tayo has its roots in West Africa, it has gained popularity globally, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries. Its meaning of joy and celebration resonates across diverse communities, making it a cherished name for children around the world.

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

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

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