Find out how popular the first name Timi has been for the last 24 years (from 1974 to 1997) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Timi by gender

Based on the last 24 years of data, Timi is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1997, there were 10 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Timi.

The history of the first name Timi

The name Timi has its origins in the Yoruba language and culture of West Africa, particularly in present-day Nigeria. It is believed to have emerged during the medieval period, around the 13th or 14th century.

Timi is derived from the Yoruba word "timi," which means "to be honored" or "to be revered." It was often used as a title or honorific for Yoruba kings, chiefs, and other high-ranking officials, reflecting their esteemed status within the community.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Timi can be found in the oral traditions and historical accounts of the Oyo Empire, a powerful Yoruba kingdom that thrived between the 16th and 19th centuries. The name was borne by several influential rulers and leaders during this period, including Timi Agbale, who ruled in the 17th century, and Timi Bamgbaiye, a prominent military leader in the late 18th century.

In the 19th century, the name Timi gained wider recognition beyond the Yoruba culture. One notable figure was Timi Hunsu (1851-1909), a prominent Nigerian merchant and philanthropist who played a significant role in the development of Lagos, the former capital of colonial Nigeria.

Another historical figure with the name Timi was Timi Agbaje (1876-1948), a Nigerian scholar, educator, and author who was instrumental in preserving and promoting Yoruba language and literature. His works, such as "Iwe Kika Yoruba" (A Yoruba Reader) and "Itan Ihinriri Ilu Yoruba" (A History of the Yoruba People), are considered seminal texts in the study of Yoruba culture.

In the realm of politics, Timi Olubunmi (1891-1978) was a prominent Nigerian nationalist and statesman who played a crucial role in the country's struggle for independence from British colonial rule. He served as the President of the Nigerian Youth Movement and worked tirelessly to advocate for Nigerian self-governance.

While historically more prevalent among the Yoruba people, the name Timi has transcended cultural boundaries and gained popularity in various parts of the world, particularly in West Africa and regions with significant Yoruba diasporas.

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

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

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