All about the name

Opeyemi

Female

« Opeyemi is a unisex Yoruba name from Nigeria, meaning 'have mercy on me'. »

#40215 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Opeyemi is a name of Yoruba origin, which is one of the major ethnic groups in Nigeria, West Africa. The name is derived from the Yoruba words "Ope" meaning "have mercy" and "Yemi" meaning "let me have what I want". Therefore, Opeyemi translates to "Have mercy on me". The name Opeyemi is believed to have been popularized by Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a prominent Nigerian nationalist, politician, and independence leader. He named his son Opeyemi, which contributed to the spread of the name's usage. Opeyemi has been traditionally given to both boys and girls, but it is more commonly used as a boy's name today. Despite its Yoruba origins, Opeyemi has gained popularity beyond Nigeria, being used in other African countries and even internationally, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. In literature, there are no significant characters named Opeyemi that have contributed to the name's fame or popularity. However, it is a name that holds cultural significance among the Yoruba people and is often chosen for its unique sound and meaning.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Opeyemi since 1880

Total births
30
Total since 1880
Peak year
2003
7 births
in 2010
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years