Babatunde is a male given name of African origin, specifically from the Yoruba ethnic group in Nigeria and Benin. It is composed of two elements: "Baba", which means "father", and "Tunde", an abbreviation for "Oladunni" or "Olatundun", which translates to "returning from the market". Therefore, Babatunde literally means "Father returns from the market".
The name Babatunde has a rich history among the Yoruba people. It is often given to the youngest child in a family as an expression of gratitude for the blessings received and as a prayer that they will grow up healthy and prosperous like their siblings who came before them.
In Nigeria, where the majority of the population are Yoruba, Babatunde is a common name, and it can be found among notable figures such as Babatunde Alao Akala, former governor of Oyo State, and Babatunde Fashola, former Lagos State Governor and current Minister of Works and Housing in Nigeria.
Overall, Babatunde is not just a name but also a reflection of cultural values, traditions, and the importance placed on family among the Yoruba people. It serves as a reminder of the love, gratitude, and hope that parents have for their children.
The name Babatunde experienced varying popularity over the decades, with a notable peak in the mid-1990s. Between 1992 and 1995, there were significantly more babies named Babatunde each year (ranging from 18 to 20 births per year), compared to other years which fluctuated between 5 to 14 births annually. After 2005, the name's popularity appears to have declined, with no more than 8 births recorded in a single year since then. Overall, Babatunde has seen 344 babies named after it across these decades.