Baba
A boy's name of Yoruba origin with 45 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
A male Peranakan.
Baba is a boy's baby name found across multiple cultures. In Yoruba tradition, it is an honorific meaning 'father' or a title of great respect. In Swahili, baba also means 'father.' As a given name, it carries warmth, authority, and familial love.
Simple, universal, and full of paternal warmth, Baba is a name that speaks across cultural boundaries with a single, powerful syllable.
EtymologyShow more
In the American context, Baba is a boy's name with a focused stretch of recorded use (2001–2022). Its Yoruba roots connect it to a broader naming tradition, but in practice, American usage often reshapes names — adding nicknames, shifting pronunciation, and building new associations that diverge from the original cultural context.
With 45 total births, Baba exists at the edges of the American naming landscape — a name known primarily to the families who carry it, giving it an intensely personal character.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Baba has 8+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2001.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 10 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 18 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 17 | — |
The Story of Baba
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2017, Baba is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Baba are most likely born between 2007 and 2022.
How rare is Baba?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Baba is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 2001, peaked in the 2010s with 18 births that decade, and remains solidly popular today.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(8 years, 2001–2022)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 5 | #12568 |
| 2020 | 5 | #12228 |
| 2019 | 5 | #12359 |
| 2017 | 7 | #9799 |
| 2011 | 6 | #10951 |
| 2006 | 5 | #12229 |
| 2003 | 6 | #9700 |
| 2001 | 6 | #9364 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baba a boy's or girl's name?
When was Baba most popular?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2001–2022