Declining since 2019.
Popularity of Abiola since 1977
Babies named Abiola per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 16 | 0 |
| 1980s | 26 | 16 |
| 1990s | 45 | 5 |
| 2000s | 28 | 11 |
| 2010s | 57 | 12 |
| 2020s | 11 | 6 |
Meaning & origin
Abiola is a unisex Yoruba name that entered U.S. birth records in 1977, a decade that saw the first wave of Nigerian immigration after the 1965 Immigration Act. The name reached its peak usage in 2018, but has been falling in popularity since 2019. Despite its rarity (it has never ranked in the top 1,000 and its 1-in-N rate is not available due to low frequency), it carries strong cultural ties to West African heritage and is often chosen by Nigerian-American families. The name's trajectory reflects broader patterns of diaspora naming, where names from the ancestral language serve as markers of identity and continuity.
Abiola is a Yoruba name from southwestern Nigeria, composed of the elements 'abi' meaning 'born' and 'ola' meaning 'wealth, honor, or nobility.' It is often given in gratitude or aspiration, reflecting the value placed on prosperity and dignity. The name gained international recognition through the late Nigerian politician Moshood Abiola, though this connection is not referenced as a bearer here. Its use outside Africa remains rare but has risen modestly in diaspora communities since the 1970s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Abi, Biola, Ola
Sibling names for Abiola
Names that share Abiola's style, for a brother or sister.
