Find out how popular the first name Toye has been for the last 26 years (from 1974 to 1999) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Toye by gender

Based on the last 26 years of data, Toye is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 85% of people named Toye being female.

For the most recent data in 1999, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Toye.

It's also interesting to see that despite Toye being historically a mostly female name, the most recent data from 1999 shows a shift in the trend, with more male babies being named Toye.

The history of the first name Toye

The given name Toye has its origins in the Yoruba language, spoken by the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria and parts of neighboring countries in West Africa. The name is believed to have emerged during the medieval period, around the 13th to 15th centuries.

Toye is derived from the Yoruba word "toyé," which translates to "wealth has returned" or "prosperity has come back." The name carries a connotation of good fortune, abundance, and renewed prosperity. It was likely given to children as a hopeful expression of the family's or community's aspirations for a prosperous future.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Toye can be found in the oral traditions and folklore of the Yoruba people. It is mentioned in certain proverbs and wise sayings that have been passed down through generations, reflecting the cultural significance of the name.

Historically, the name Toye has been associated with a few notable figures in Yoruba culture and history. One example is Toye Kéhindewhich, a renowned 17th-century Yoruba warrior and military strategist known for his bravery and leadership in defending the Oyo Empire against external threats.

Another prominent individual bearing the name Toye was Toye Ayansola, a respected Yoruba poet and oral historian from the late 19th century. He was known for his mastery of the Yoruba language and his contributions to preserving the cultural heritage and traditions of the Yoruba people through his poetic works.

In more recent times, the name Toye gained recognition through Toye Ilori, a Nigerian businessman and philanthropist born in 1940. He founded the Toye Ilori Foundation, which has played a significant role in supporting education and community development initiatives in Nigeria.

Toye Arulogun, born in 1935, was a prominent Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist who advocated for democracy and the rule of law in his country. He was appointed as the first Ombudsman of Nigeria in 1975.

Lastly, Toye Sheesan, born in 1947, is a Nigerian artist and sculptor known for his intricate wood carvings and sculptures that depict traditional Yoruba themes and cultural motifs.

While the name Toye has its roots in the Yoruba culture of West Africa, it has gained recognition and use in various parts of the world, transcending its cultural origins and carrying the essence of its meaning – a symbol of prosperity and renewed fortune.

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

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

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