IPA Pronunciation

ˈroʊ.tɪ.mi

Say It Like

ROH-tee-mee

Syllables

3

trisyllabic

The name Rotimi originates from the Yoruba language, predominantly spoken in Nigeria. It is a shortened form of the Yoruba phrase 'Oluwarotimi,' which translates to 'God has come to my rescue' or 'God is my helper.' This name reflects a deep spiritual gratitude and acknowledgment of divine intervention or support in one's life.

Cultural Significance of Rotimi

In Yoruba culture, names carry significant meanings and are often chosen to reflect circumstances around a child's birth or family aspirations. Rotimi, meaning 'God has come to my rescue,' is a powerful affirmation of faith and gratitude, often given to children born after a challenging period or as a testament to divine favor.

Rotimi Name Popularity in 2025

Today, Rotimi is gaining popularity not only in Nigeria but also among the African diaspora worldwide. Influenced by famous personalities and its meaningful origin, it is embraced by parents seeking culturally rich, meaningful names with positive spiritual connotations.

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Popular Nicknames5

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International Variations10

OluwarotimiRotimmyRotymeRotemiRotymyRotymiRotemmyRotymeeRotyemiRotimy

Name Energy & Essence

The name Rotimi carries the essence of “God has come to my rescue” from Yoruba (Nigerian, African) tradition. Names beginning with "R" often embody qualities of resilience, romance, and resourcefulness.

Symbolism

The name symbolizes divine intervention, protection, and salvation. It represents hope and the belief that one is never alone in times of difficulty, embodying resilience and faith.

Cultural Significance

In Yoruba culture, names carry significant meanings and are often chosen to reflect circumstances around a child's birth or family aspirations. Rotimi, meaning 'God has come to my rescue,' is a powerful affirmation of faith and gratitude, often given to children born after a challenging period or as a testament to divine favor.

Rotimi Williams

Law and Politics

Williams was a pioneering Nigerian lawyer whose career helped shape the post-colonial legal framework of Nigeria.

  • First indigenous Nigerian lawyer to become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria
  • Prominent political activist during Nigeria's independence movement
  • Advocate for the rule of law and constitutionalism in Nigeria

Rotimi Fani-Kayode

Arts and Photography

Fani-Kayode’s work challenged social norms and expanded the representation of African identities in art.

  • Renowned Nigerian photographer
  • Known for exploring themes of sexuality, identity, and Yoruba culture
  • Influential figure in contemporary African art

Rotimi Akinosho

Actor and Musician

2010–present

  • Role in TV series 'Power'
  • Music career blending R&B and Afrobeat

Rotimi Peters

Athlete (Sprinter)

1980s–1990s

  • Representing Nigeria in international sprinting events

Power ()

Andre Coleman (Rotimi)

A complex character involved in crime and business, portrayed by actor Rotimi Akinosho.

The New Edition Story ()

Ronnie DeVoe (Rotimi)

Portrays the life of the R&B singer, with Rotimi playing a supporting role.

Fallout ()

Rotimi

A key supporting character in this Nigerian drama film.

Rotimi

🇪🇸spanish

Rotimi

🇫🇷french

Rotimi

🇮🇹italian

Rotimi

🇩🇪german

ロティミ

🇯🇵japanese

罗蒂米

🇨🇳chinese

روتيمي

🇸🇦arabic

רוטימי

🇮🇱hebrew

Fun Fact About Rotimi

Rotimi is not only a given name but also a surname in Yoruba culture, and it has been popularized worldwide by Nigerian-American actor and singer Rotimi Akinosho, bridging cultures through entertainment.

Personality Traits for Rotimi

Individuals named Rotimi often carry a strong sense of spirituality and resilience, reflecting the meaning of their name. They tend to be compassionate, determined, and possess a natural ability to uplift those around them, often seen as dependable and supportive friends or leaders.

What does the name Rotimi mean?

Rotimi is a Yoruba (Nigerian, African) name meaning “God has come to my rescue”. The name Rotimi originates from the Yoruba language, predominantly spoken in Nigeria. It is a shortened form of the Yoruba phrase 'Oluwarotimi,' which translates to 'God has come to my rescue' or 'God is my helper.' This name reflects a deep spiritual gratitude and acknowledgment of divine intervention or support in one's life.

How do you pronounce Rotimi?

Rotimi is pronounced ROH-tee-mee (IPA: ˈroʊ.tɪ.mi). It has 3 syllables with the pattern trisyllabic.

What are nicknames for Rotimi?

Popular nicknames for Rotimi include: Roti, Timmy, Rot, Roro, Timi.

Who are famous people named Rotimi?

Famous people named Rotimi include: Rotimi Williams, Rotimi Fani-Kayode, Rotimi Akinosho, Rotimi Peters.

Hey there, name lovers! Today, I’m excited to dive deep into a beautiful and meaningful name that has captured my heart—Rotimi. If you’re curious about names that carry rich cultural significance and a story that resonates with hope and faith, then stick around because Rotimi is truly special.

The Meaning That Moves the Soul Let’s start with the essence—the meaning. Rotimi means "God has come to my rescue." Isn’t that just powerful? Originating from the Yoruba language of Nigeria, Rotimi is a shortened form of 'Oluwarotimi,' which translates directly to this beautiful phrase. It speaks to a moment of divine intervention, a rescue, or a blessing that changes everything. When parents choose this name, they’re expressing gratitude and hope, a declaration that even in tough times, there’s help from above. I find that names like Rotimi connect us to something bigger than ourselves, and that’s truly magical.

A Name Rooted in Yoruba Tradition The Yoruba people have a rich naming culture where every name tells a story or reflects circumstances around a child’s birth. Rotimi fits perfectly into this tradition. It’s more than just a label—it’s a reminder of faith, resilience, and the protective hand of God. In Yoruba culture, names carry weight and are believed to influence a child’s destiny. I love that Rotimi is a name parents can choose to imbue their child’s life with a sense of divine guardianship and strength.

Historical Figures Who Embody Rotimi’s Spirit When I think about Rotimi, I recall some inspiring individuals who carried this name into history with grace and impact. Take Rotimi Williams, for example—a pioneering Nigerian lawyer who was one of the first indigenous Senior Advocates of Nigeria. His dedication to justice and constitutionalism helped shape Nigeria’s legal framework after independence. Then there’s Rotimi Fani-Kayode, a brilliant photographer whose evocative work challenged societal norms and explored identity and culture in profound ways. And let’s not forget Rotimi Adebari, who made history as the first black mayor in Ireland, symbolizing progress and diversity. These men remind us that the name Rotimi is associated with trailblazing spirit and leadership.

Rotimi in the Spotlight: Celebrities and Pop Culture The name Rotimi has also found its way into global pop culture, thanks largely to Nigerian-American actor and musician Rotimi Akinosho. Many of you might recognize him from the hit TV series 'Power,' where he plays the intriguing character Andre Coleman. Beyond acting, Rotimi’s music blends R&B with Afrobeat, connecting cultures and showcasing the vibrancy of African heritage. This crossover appeal has helped boost the name’s popularity internationally.

The name also pops up in other shows and films, like 'The New Edition Story' and the Nigerian film 'Fallout,' where characters named Rotimi carry narratives full of depth and emotion. It’s always fun to see a name I love on screen, and it helps keep the name fresh and relevant for new generations.

Nicknames and Variations: Making Rotimi Your Own One of the things I adore about Rotimi is its versatility. It offers many affectionate nicknames like Roti, Timmy, Roty, or even Mimi. These nicknames make the name feel approachable and personal, perfect for friends and family. Variations such as Oluwarotimi or Rotemmy add a traditional or unique twist while maintaining the core meaning. Whether you prefer something classic or modern, the name Rotimi can be tailored to your liking.

Fun Facts and Trivia Did you know that Rotimi is used both as a first name and a surname in Yoruba culture? It’s quite common to see it in both roles, which speaks to its deep roots in the community. Also, the name’s meaning ties closely with many Yoruba prayers and songs that celebrate divine help and protection. And thanks to Rotimi Akinosho’s international fame, the name is now known in Hollywood circles and beyond—talk about a name crossing borders!

Trends and Modern Usage Lately, there’s been a beautiful resurgence in embracing African names globally, especially among the diaspora. Rotimi fits perfectly into this trend as it is easy to pronounce, carries a beautiful meaning, and connects bearers to a proud cultural heritage. Parents today are looking for names that are distinctive yet meaningful, and Rotimi checks all those boxes. It’s a name that feels timeless yet fresh, traditional yet modern.

Why Rotimi Stands Out to Me As someone passionate about names, I find Rotimi to be a shining example of how a name can carry deep spiritual and cultural significance while feeling vibrant and modern. It tells a story of faith, resilience, and hope, which are values I cherish deeply. Plus, the name’s connection to inspiring individuals and pop culture icons makes it feel alive and relevant. If you’re considering names that are meaningful and have a rich background, Rotimi is definitely one to consider.

Wrapping Up: A Name That Feels Like Family In the end, Rotimi is more than just a name—it’s a celebration of faith, a nod to heritage, and a promise of support and rescue. Whether you’re naming a child, a character in a story, or simply love exploring names, Rotimi offers a warm embrace filled with history, meaning, and modern flair. I hope you’ve enjoyed this journey through the name Rotimi as much as I have sharing it with you. Until next time, keep loving names and the stories they tell!