Find out how popular the first name Ugonna has been for the last 32 years (from 1993 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ugonna by gender

Based on the last 32 years of data, Ugonna is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 79% of people named Ugonna being male.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 10 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Ugonna.

The history of the first name Ugonna

The name Ugonna originates from the Igbo language spoken in southeastern Nigeria. It is a combination of two Igbo words: "Ugonna" meaning "father's wealth" or "father's fortune." The name likely first arose during the pre-colonial era when the Igbo culture placed great significance on lineage, ancestry, and the idea of a father's legacy being passed down through his children.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Ugonna can be found in the literary work "Things Fall Apart" by the renowned Nigerian author Chinua Achebe, published in 1958. In this novel, one of the characters bears the name Ugonna, reflecting the name's deep roots in Igbo culture and tradition.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Ugonna. One such figure was Ugonna Ozurigbo (c. 1885 - 1965), a prominent Igbo chief and community leader who played a crucial role in the social and political affairs of his region during the early 20th century.

Another significant bearer of the name was Ugonna Okpara (1920 - 2001), a Nigerian lawyer and politician who served as the first Premier of the Eastern Region of Nigeria from 1959 to 1966. He was a key figure in the country's transition to independence and worked tirelessly to promote the interests of the Igbo people.

In the realm of sports, Ugonna Onyeneke (born 1982) is a Nigerian-American former basketball player who played professionally in various leagues across Europe and Asia. His name serves as a testament to the global reach and recognition of Igbo names.

Ugonna Okpara (born 1991) is a contemporary Nigerian actress and model who has gained popularity for her roles in several Nollywood films. Her name reflects the continued use and appreciation of traditional Igbo names in modern times.

While the name Ugonna has its roots in the Igbo culture of southeastern Nigeria, it has transcended geographical boundaries and found its way into the lives of individuals from various backgrounds, serving as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage and linguistic diversity of the region.

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

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

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