Holding steady, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Ayodele since 1971
Babies named Ayodele per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 35 | 30 |
| 1980s | 34 | 62 |
| 1990s | 29 | 74 |
| 2000s | 0 | 44 |
| 2010s | 0 | 26 |
| 2020s | 0 | 25 |
Meaning & origin
Ayodele is a Yoruba name meaning 'joy comes home,' first recorded in the United States in 1973. It has remained in consistent but rare use, with a rank of 12,008 in 2025 (approximately 1 in 341,615 births). The name's peak came in 1988, and its trajectory has been largely stable, never breaking into the top 10,000. Though unisex, it has been given almost exclusively to boys in U.S. records. The name has not yet appeared in any top state lists, reflecting its niche but enduring appeal. Ayodele is a meaningful choice for families honoring Yoruba heritage or seeking a name that embodies joy and homecoming.
Ayodele is a Yoruba name from Nigeria, derived from the elements 'ayo' (joy) and 'dele' (arrives home). It is commonly given to both boys and girls, though in the United States it has been used predominantly for boys since its first recorded use in 1973. The name reflects the cultural value of celebrating a child as a source of happiness.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ayo, Dele
Sibling names for Ayodele
Names that share Ayodele's style, for a brother or sister.
