Temitayo
Primarily a boy's name of Yoruba origin with 88 recorded births. Also given to 39 girls.
Meaning & Origin
Temitayo reads as a modern invention — a name that emerged in the 1990s and was likely coined by parents looking for something fresh rather than inherited.
The open, approachable quality of its ending — ending on a vowel softens the overall impression — gives it a distinctive rhythm that pairs well with shorter middle names or surnames.
Temitayo is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Temitayo is a boy's and girl's baby name of Yoruba (Nigerian) origin, meaning 'mine is worthy of joy' or 'God is worthy of praise,' from Temi ('mine') + tayo ('is worthy of joy'). It expresses gratitude for the child as a source of joy.
Temitayo is a Yoruba celebration — a name declaring that this child is the family's greatest joy.
EtymologyShow more
Temitayo appeared in SSA records in 1993, placing it in the modern era of American naming — a period when parents increasingly began breaking from generational naming patterns, experimenting with spelling, and treating naming as a form of creative self-expression. Its Yoruba roots may have been the starting point, adapted or respelled to fit contemporary American tastes.
With only 88 recorded births, Temitayo has not been widely studied in naming literature — its story belongs primarily to the families who chose it.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Temitayo has 14+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1993.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 5 | #13860 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 31 | #11918 | — |
| 2000s | 33 | #10867 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 19 | #8666 | — |
The Story of Temitayo
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2001, Temitayo is a name that defines a generation. Boys named Temitayo are most likely born between 1993 and 2011.
How rare is Temitayo?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Temitayo is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1993, peaked in the 2000s with 33 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Temitayo by the numbers
- Would fill 2 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(14 years, 1993–2021)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5 | #13860 |
| 2019 | 6 | #11982 |
| 2017 | 6 | #12075 |
| 2016 | 8 | #9576 |
| 2015 | 5 | #13834 |
| 2012 | 6 | #12124 |
| 2009 | 7 | #10845 |
| 2007 | 6 | #12194 |
| 2005 | 7 | #10032 |
| 2004 | 5 | #13028 |
| 2001 | 8 | #8238 |
| 1998 | 7 | #8365 |
| 1994 | 5 | #10096 |
| 1993 | 7 | #7537 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Temitayo as a Girl's Name
Though more common for boys, Temitayo has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 39 births since 1984.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Temitayo a boy's or girl's name?
When was Temitayo most popular?
How popular is the name Temitayo?
Can Temitayo be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1993–2021