Babatunde
Meaningfather has returned · Yoruba
Babatunde is an African boy name meaning “father has returned”, with Yoruba roots. Yoruba names often tell a story, such as the circumstances of a child's birth or a family's hopes. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's a longer name that leaves plenty of room for nicknames, and it pairs well with a short middle name.
Did you know?
- Scrabble scoreIf names were allowed in Scrabble, Babatunde would score 14 points.
- GenerationBabatunde peaked in 1978, which makes it a Gen X name. The typical Babatunde you'd meet today is about 47 years old.
- HistoryBabatunde first shows up in US birth records in 1971, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 54 years since.
US births per million boys, 1971–2025
Similar names
Save adds it to your list. Vote moves it up the top voted names.
Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Babatunde
Babatunde is a boy name of African origin meaning “father has returned”. With 3 syllables it has a flowing, lyrical sound, and plenty of room for a nickname, so a short middle name balances it nicely. It hit its peak in the 1970s, so it feels familiar without being trendy. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name.
Origin:African names
More African boy names
- Unisex name: Cairo · the victorious
- Unisex name: Asa · healer
- Unisex name: Zaire · river
- Boy name: Omari · long-lived
- Boy name: Ermias · form of Jeremiah
- Boy name: Jabari · brave, fearless
- Boy name: Paulo · small
- Unisex name: Amani · peace
Questions about the name Babatunde
What does the name Babatunde mean?
Babatunde means “father has returned” and comes from Yoruba. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Akintunde (“the warrior has returned”), Ayotunde (“joy has returned”) and Tunde (“has returned”).
What is the origin of the name Babatunde?
Babatunde is African in origin, and its meaning traces back to Yoruba. Other African names to consider are Cairo (“the victorious”), Asa (“healer”), Zaire (“river”) and Omari (“long-lived”).
Is Babatunde a boy or girl name?
Babatunde is a boy name.
How popular is the name Babatunde?
Babatunde is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2010. It peaked at #2,929 in 1978, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Babatunde?
If you like Babatunde, you might also like Akintunde, Ayotunde and Tunde.
What should I know before naming my baby Babatunde?
Babatunde is an African boy name meaning “father has returned”, with Yoruba roots. Yoruba names often tell a story, such as the circumstances of a child's birth or a family's hopes. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's a longer name that leaves plenty of room for nicknames, and it pairs well with a short middle name. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.