Tobenna
A Nigerian masculine name meaning "the Lord is here with us".
Name Census estimates that about 255 living Americans carry the first name Tobenna. The name is used almost exclusively for boys. The average person named Tobenna today is around 12 years old, and the year with the single highest number of Tobenna births was 2023 (21 babies).
This page is the full Name Census profile for Tobenna. Below you will find a gender breakdown showing how the name splits between male and female registrations, a year-by-year popularity chart stretching back to 1880, decade-level totals, the top US states for this name, its meaning and etymology, and a set of frequently asked questions with data-backed answers.
People living today
255
~ 1 in 1,344,135 Americans
Peak year
2023
21 babies that year
Average age
12
years old
2024 SSA rank
#7,668
Tracked since 1999
Popularity
Tobenna: popularity over time
The SSA tracks Tobenna from the 1990s through to the 2020s, spanning 4 decades of birth certificate data. The biggest single decade for the name was the 2010s, with 117 total registrations. Although the numbers have come down from the 2010s peak, Tobenna remains solidly in use and shows no sign of disappearing from maternity wards.
Babies born per year
Decades
Tobenna by decade
The table below breaks the full SSA timeline into ten-year windows. Each row shows how many male and female babies were given the name Tobenna during that decade, along with a combined total. This is useful for spotting eras where the name surged or retreated.
Geography
Where Tobennas live
Origin
Meaning and history of Tobenna
Tobenna is a name with its origins rooted in the Igbo culture of southeastern Nigeria. Derived from the Igbo words "Tobe" meaning "to pray" and "nna" meaning "father," the name reflects the traditional belief in the importance of paternal guidance and spiritual connection.
The earliest recorded instances of the name can be traced back to the 16th century, during the height of the Nri Kingdom in present-day Anambra State, Nigeria. Ancient oral histories and genealogical records from this era mention individuals bearing the name Tobenna, suggesting its significance within the Igbo society at the time.
One notable historical figure with the name Tobenna was a renowned sculptor and woodcarver from the 17th century, whose intricate works adorned the royal palaces of the Nri Kingdom. His legacy has been preserved through the enduring artworks that have been passed down through generations.
In the 18th century, a prominent Igbo philosopher and religious leader named Tobenna Okafor gained recognition for his teachings on the interconnectedness of the physical and spiritual realms. His writings and speeches inspired many followers and contributed to the rich intellectual traditions of the Igbo people.
Moving into the 19th century, Tobenna Nwankwo emerged as a prominent figure in the struggle against British colonial rule in southeastern Nigeria. As a skilled orator and charismatic leader, he rallied communities to resist the encroachment of colonial powers and preserve Igbo cultural autonomy.
Another notable figure was Tobenna Okeke, a prolific writer and poet from the early 20th century, whose works explored themes of identity, tradition, and the complexities of navigating modernity while preserving cultural roots. His literary contributions have been celebrated for their eloquence and profound insights into the Igbo experience.
Throughout history, the name Tobenna has been borne by individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields, from the arts and philosophy to resistance movements and literary achievements. Its rich heritage and deep-rooted connection to the Igbo culture have ensured its enduring presence and significance.
People
Tobenna + last name combinations
How many people share a full name with Tobenna as the first name? Click a combination below to see the estimate, or search any pairing.
Related
Other names starting with T
Other first names starting with T with a similar number of bearers.
FAQ
Tobenna: questions and answers
How many people in the U.S. are named Tobenna?
Name Census puts the figure at roughly 255 living Americans. We arrive at this by taking every SSA birth registration for Tobenna going back to 1880 and adjusting each cohort for expected survival using CDC actuarial life tables. The result is an age-weighted living-bearer count, not a raw birth total. That works out to about 1 in 1,344,135 US residents.
Is Tobenna a common name?
We classify Tobenna as "Very Rare". It ranks above 77.3% of all first names in the SSA dataset by living bearers. Across the full history of the data, 257 babies have been registered with this name.
When was Tobenna most popular?
The single biggest year for Tobenna was 2023, when 21 babies received the name. The fact that the average living Tobenna is about 12 years old gives you a rough sense of which era contributed the most bearers who are still alive today.
Is Tobenna a male name?
Yes, 100.0% of people registered as Tobenna in the SSA data are male. You can see the full per-sex comparison in the gender distribution section above, which includes the latest year rank, birth count, and peak year for each sex.
Where does this data come from?
First-name figures come from the Social Security Administration's national baby name files, which cover every name on a birth certificate from 1880 to 2024. Living-bearer estimates layer in CDC actuarial life tables broken out by sex to account for mortality. The population baseline (342,754,338) is the Census Bureau's latest national estimate. You can read the full calculation on our methodology page.