Adetokunbo
Primarily a boy's name of Yoruba origin with 104 recorded births. Also given to 5 girls.
Meaning & Origin
Adetokunbo peaked during the Millennial wave, when 8 babies received this name in a single year (1991). That era was defined by pop-culture-influenced, individuality-forward naming, and Adetokunbo has a more concentrated history, reflecting a specific cultural moment rather than a broad generational wave.
Adetokunbo is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Adetokunbo is a boy's and girl's baby name of Yoruba origin from Nigeria, composed of ade ('crown'), toku ('returns'), and nbo ('from overseas'), meaning 'the crown returns from overseas.' This name expresses the Yoruba tradition of naming children in relation to significant family events or ancestral journeys.
Adetokunbo is associated worldwide with NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, whose surname derives from the Yoruba Adetokunbo. The crown-returning-overseas meaning tells a story of diaspora and homecoming — deeply resonant for many families with trans-Atlantic heritage.
EtymologyShow more
Phonetically, Adetokunbo belongs to a cluster of names characterized by their open, approachable ending — ending on a vowel softens the overall impression. At 5 syllables, it has a multi-syllable cadence that gives it presence and gravitas.
Within the Yoruba naming tradition, names with similar sound structures often share underlying etymological patterns. Exploring Yoruba names on this site may surface connections that illuminate Adetokunbo’s linguistic neighborhood.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Adetokunbo has 17+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1976.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 26 | #10301 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 5 | #10932 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 25 | #7707 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 35 | #6026 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 13 | #4895 | — |
The Story of Adetokunbo
A Millennial name
Peaking in 1991, Adetokunbo is a Millennial-era classic. Boys named Adetokunbo are most likely born between 1981 and 2001.
How rare is Adetokunbo?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Adetokunbo is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1976, peaked in the 1980s with 35 births that decade, and remains solidly popular today.
Adetokunbo by the numbers
- Would fill 2 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(17 years, 1976–2018)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 6 | #10788 |
| 2017 | 8 | #8854 |
| 2016 | 6 | #10776 |
| 2010 | 6 | #10787 |
| 2003 | 5 | #10932 |
| 1999 | 5 | #9934 |
| 1993 | 7 | #6822 |
| 1991 | 8 | #5944 |
| 1990 | 5 | #8127 |
| 1989 | 5 | #7914 |
| 1986 | 6 | #5935 |
| 1984 | 6 | #5572 |
| 1983 | 5 | #6249 |
| 1982 | 7 | #5011 |
| 1981 | 6 | #5477 |
| 1979 | 6 | #5361 |
| 1976 | 7 | #4428 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Adetokunbo as a Girl's Name
While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Adetokunbo has also been given to 5 girls in the U.S. since 1981.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adetokunbo a boy's or girl's name?
When was Adetokunbo most popular?
How popular is the name Adetokunbo?
Can Adetokunbo be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1976–2018