Find out how popular the first name Tomeka has been for the last 23 years (from 1974 to 1996) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Tomeka by gender

Based on the last 23 years of data, Tomeka is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Tomeka being female.

For the most recent data in 1996, there were 12 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Tomeka.

The history of the first name Tomeka

The name Tomeka is believed to have its origins in the Yoruba language spoken in West Africa, particularly in present-day Nigeria, Togo, and Benin. The Yoruba people have a rich cultural heritage that dates back centuries, and their naming traditions often reflect important values and beliefs.

In the Yoruba language, the name Tomeka is thought to be a combination of two words: "Tomi" meaning "to walk" or "to journey," and "eka" meaning "to look upon" or "to behold." Together, the name Tomeka can be interpreted to mean "one who walks with purpose" or "one who journeys with vision."

While the exact origins and historical references of the name Tomeka are not well-documented, it is believed to have been used within Yoruba communities for generations, possibly as early as the 16th or 17th century during the height of the Oyo Empire.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Tomeka can be found in the writings of Samuel Ajayi Crowther, a Yoruba linguist and the first African Anglican bishop in Nigeria, who lived from 1809 to 1891. In his works, he mentioned the name Tomeka as a common name among Yoruba women.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the first name Tomeka:

1. Tomeka Reid (born 1977) is an American jazz saxophonist and composer. She has been a prominent figure in the New York City jazz scene and has released several critically acclaimed albums.

2. Tomeka Williams (born 1975) is an American former professional basketball player who played in the WNBA for the Minnesota Lynx and the Houston Comets.

3. Tomeka Winbourne (born 1977) is an American politician and lawyer who served as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives from 2009 to 2017.

4. Tomeka Carr (born 1967) is an American author and motivational speaker known for her work in the self-help and personal development fields.

5. Tomeka Pringle (born 1985) is a former American track and field athlete who specialized in the high jump. She represented the United States at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

As a name with roots in the Yoruba language and culture, Tomeka carries a sense of purpose, vision, and determination. Its historical usage and the accomplishments of those who have borne the name highlight its enduring significance across different eras and contexts.

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

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

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