Wole Soyinka
Nigerian playwright, poet, and essayist; first African Nobel Prize winner in Literature.
IPA Pronunciation
หsษษชษฒkษ
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Syllables
Soyinka is a Yoruba name meaning 'one who is worthy of honor or reverence.' It is derived from the Yoruba language of Nigeria, where names often carry deep meanings reflecting virtues or circumstances surrounding birth. Historically, it is associated with respect, dignity, and cultural pride within the Yoruba ethnic group.
Cultural Significance of Soyinka
Soyinka holds a prestigious place in Yoruba culture, symbolizing honor and reverence. The name is notably recognized worldwide due to Wole Soyinka, the Nigerian playwright and Nobel Laureate, who brought global attention to Yoruba heritage and African literature. Yoruba names like Soyinka carry deep spiritual and cultural meanings reflecting identity and values.
Soyinka Name Popularity in 2025
Today, Soyinka is embraced as a unisex name, appreciated globally for its cultural richness and connection to African heritage. It is favored by parents who seek a name that stands out with strong cultural roots and a message of dignity. The name is less common but growing in multicultural settings, symbolizing pride in African origins and intellectual legacy.
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International Variations7
Name Energy & Essence
The name Soyinka carries the essence of โOne who is worthy of honor or reverenceโ from Yoruba tradition. Names beginning with "S" often embody qualities of spirituality, sensitivity, and inner strength.
Symbolism
Cultural Significance
Soyinka holds a prestigious place in Yoruba culture, symbolizing honor and reverence. The name is notably recognized worldwide due to Wole Soyinka, the Nigerian playwright and Nobel Laureate, who brought global attention to Yoruba heritage and African literature. Yoruba names like Soyinka carry deep spiritual and cultural meanings reflecting identity and values.
Toyin Soyinka
Nigerian activist and academic, known for her role in social justice and education.
Grace Eniola Soyinka
Nigerian activist and mother of Wole Soyinka, influential in Nigerian women's rights movements.
Olusola Soyinka
Prominent Yoruba community leader and cultural advocate.
Abiola Soyinka
Nigerian historian and writer who contributed to preserving Yoruba history.
Femi Soyinka
Scholar and intellectual known for his writings on African philosophy.
Bamidele Soyinka
Yoruba elder and traditional leader noted for cultural preservation.
Akin Soyinka
Nigerian lawyer and activist known for human rights advocacy.
Wole Soyinka
Playwright/Author
Toyin Soyinka
Academic/Activist
Grace Eniola Soyinka
Activist
Femi Soyinka
Philosopher
Abiola Soyinka
Historian
Akin Soyinka
Lawyer/Activist
Olusola Soyinka
Cultural Advocate
Bamidele Soyinka
Traditional Leader
The Interpreters ()
Death and the King's Horseman ()
Ake: The Years of Childhood ()
Kongi's Harvest ()
Madmen and Specialists ()
The Lion and the Jewel ()
The Beatification of Area Boy ()
Season of Anomy ()
Soyinka
๐Spanish
Soyinka
๐French
Soyinka
๐German
Soyinka
๐Italian
ใฝใคใณใซ
๐Japanese
็ดขๅ ๅก
๐Chinese
ุณูููููุง
๐Arabic
Fun Fact About Soyinka
The name Soyinka gained international recognition largely due to Wole Soyinka, the first African Nobel Prize winner in Literature, making it synonymous with intellectual brilliance and cultural pride.
Personality Traits for Soyinka
People named Soyinka are often perceived as dignified, intelligent, and charismatic. They tend to embody leadership qualities, creativity, and a strong sense of cultural identity. The name suggests a personality that commands respect, values tradition, and possesses a deep awareness of history and social justice.
What does the name Soyinka mean?
Soyinka is a Yoruba name meaning โOne who is worthy of honor or reverenceโ. Soyinka is a Yoruba name meaning 'one who is worthy of honor or reverence.' It is derived from the Yoruba language of Nigeria, where names often carry deep meanings reflecting virtues or circumstances surrounding birth. Historically, it is associated with respect, dignity, and cultural pride within the Yoruba ethnic group.
How do you pronounce Soyinka?
Soyinka is pronounced (IPA: หsษษชษฒkษ). It has 2 syllables with the pattern N/A.
What are nicknames for Soyinka?
Popular nicknames for Soyinka include: Soy, Soni, Nka, Soya, Kaya, Soky, Ninky, Sok, Soks, Yinka.
Who are famous people named Soyinka?
Famous people named Soyinka include: , , , , .
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Soyinka is a beautiful Yoruba name meaning โOne who is worthy of honor or reverenceโ. Soyinka is a Yoruba name meaning 'one who is worthy of honor or reverence.' It is derived from the Yoruba language of Nigeria, where names often carry deep meanings reflecting virtues or circumstances...
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