Find out how popular the first name Tobi has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Tobi by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Tobi is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 75% of people named Tobi being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 36 male babies and 20 female babies born with the name Tobi.

It's also interesting to see that despite Tobi being historically a mostly female name, the most recent data from 2023 shows a shift in the trend, with more male babies being named Tobi.

The history of the first name Tobi

The name Tobi has its origins in the Yoruba language, spoken by the Yoruba people of West Africa, primarily in Nigeria. It is believed to have emerged around the 15th century CE, during the height of the Oyo Empire, a prominent Yoruba civilization.

Tobi is derived from the Yoruba verb "tó" meaning "to be sufficient" or "to be enough." It is a name often given to children with the intention of expressing gratitude and satisfaction with their arrival, symbolizing the fulfillment of parental desires and hopes.

In Yoruba culture, names hold significant importance and are carefully chosen to reflect the circumstances surrounding a child's birth, family traditions, or aspirations for the child's future. The name Tobi carries with it a sense of contentment and appreciation for the precious gift of a new life.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Tobi dates back to the 16th century, when a prominent Yoruba ruler, Tobi Akinloye, led the Oyo Empire during a period of expansion and prosperity. His reign is documented in historical accounts and oral traditions passed down through generations.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Tobi. One such figure is Tobi Olawumi (1876-1962), a renowned Yoruba businessman and philanthropist who played a significant role in the economic development of Lagos, Nigeria, in the early 20th century.

Another prominent bearer of the name is Tobi Amusan (born 1997), a Nigerian track and field athlete who won the gold medal in the 100m hurdles at the 2022 World Athletics Championships, setting a new world record in the process.

Tobi Bakre (born 1994) is a Nigerian actor, model, and TV personality who gained fame for his participation in the reality show "Big Brother Naija" in 2018. His charismatic personality and talent have garnered him a substantial following in the entertainment industry.

In the field of literature, Tobi Olugbenga (born 1977) is a Nigerian writer and poet whose works explore themes of identity, diaspora, and social justice. His critically acclaimed poetry collection, "To Breathe into this Light," has been widely praised for its evocative language and powerful narratives.

Tobi Oshin (born 1987) is a British-Nigerian fashion designer and entrepreneur known for her eponymous label, which celebrates African prints and craftsmanship. Her designs have graced numerous global fashion events and have been worn by influential figures, showcasing the richness of African culture.

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

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

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