Find out how popular the first name Zakyi has been for the last 1 years (from 2018 to 2018) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Zakyi by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Zakyi is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2018, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Zakyi.

The history of the first name Zakyi

The name Zakyi originates from the Akan language spoken by the Akan people of West Africa, particularly in present-day Ghana and Ivory Coast. It likely emerged during the medieval period, around the 13th to 16th centuries, when various Akan kingdoms flourished in the region.

The name Zakyi is derived from the Akan root word "kye," which means "to remove" or "to take away." This suggests that the name may have been bestowed upon children with the hope that they would remove or overcome challenges or difficulties in their lives or those of their families or communities.

In Akan culture, names often carry significant meaning and are carefully chosen based on the circumstances surrounding a child's birth, the day of the week they were born, or other notable events or characteristics. Zakyi, with its connotation of removing obstacles, would have held particular importance.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Zakyi can be found in the oral histories and folklore of the Akan people, which were passed down through generations of griots (storytellers) and oral historians. These stories often featured characters bearing traditional Akan names, including Zakyi.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Zakyi. One such figure was Zakyi Annan, a prominent Akan chief and leader in the 18th century who played a crucial role in negotiating trade agreements and maintaining peace between the Akan kingdoms and European traders along the West African coast.

Another notable bearer of the name was Zakyi Ayew, a renowned Akan herbalist and traditional healer who lived in the late 19th century. Ayew's expertise in traditional medicine and healing practices earned him widespread respect and recognition throughout the region.

In the 20th century, Zakyi Gabbidon was a celebrated Ghanaian artist and sculptor whose works celebrated Akan culture and traditions. His intricate wood carvings and sculptures depicting Akan mythology and daily life are highly regarded and can be found in museums and private collections around the world.

The name Zakyi also gained prominence in the literary world through the works of Zakyi Kwei Quartey, a Ghanaian-American author whose mystery novels, such as "Wife of the Gods" and "Children of the Street," explore themes of tradition, crime, and social issues in contemporary Ghana.

Lastly, Zakyi Awudu was a Ghanaian politician and diplomat who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and later as the Ambassador to the United Nations in the late 20th century, playing a significant role in promoting Ghana's interests on the international stage.

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

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

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