Find out how popular the first name Teko has been for the last 3 years (from 1976 to 1978) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Teko by gender

Based on the last 3 years of data, Teko is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1978, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Teko.

The history of the first name Teko

The name Teko is believed to originate from the Yoruba people of present-day Nigeria and Benin. The Yoruba language is a member of the Volta-Niger branch of the Niger-Congo language family. The name Teko is thought to be derived from the Yoruba word "teko," which means "wealth" or "prosperity."

In the 16th century, during the height of the Oyo Empire, the name Teko was commonly used among the Yoruba people. It was often given to newborn boys as a way of wishing them a prosperous and successful life. The name's association with wealth and prosperity likely stems from the Yoruba culture's emphasis on the importance of material success and prosperity.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Teko can be found in the writings of Samuel Ajayi Crowther, a Yoruba scholar and linguist who lived in the 19th century. In his works, Crowther mentioned several individuals with the name Teko, indicating its widespread use among the Yoruba people during that time.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Teko. One such person was Teko Isama (1885-1962), a prominent Yoruba chief and traditional ruler in the Ondo region of present-day Nigeria. He was widely respected for his leadership and efforts to preserve Yoruba cultural traditions.

Another noteworthy figure was Teko Barnett (1901-1988), an American jazz pianist and bandleader who was active during the Harlem Renaissance era of the 1920s and 1930s. He was known for his innovative piano style and his contributions to the development of stride piano.

In the realm of sports, Teko Modise (born 1982) is a former South African football player who played as a midfielder for various clubs, including Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. He was also a member of the South African national team and is considered one of the country's most talented players of his generation.

In the world of literature, Teko Teko Seko (1925-2002) was a celebrated Congolese writer and poet. He is best known for his poetry collections, which explored themes of identity, culture, and the struggles of the Congolese people during the colonial era.

Finally, Teko Foly (born 1954) is a renowned Malian singer and songwriter who has been a prominent figure in the West African music scene for several decades. He is celebrated for his unique blend of traditional Malian music with modern influences and his contributions to the preservation of Malian cultural heritage.

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

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