What does Ayo mean?
Ayo means “joy” in Yoruba.
What does Taiwo mean?
A Yoruba twin-order name for the first-born twin, from a phrase meaning roughly 'the first to taste the world' (to-aye-wo). Paired with Kehinde, the second twin; unisex.
Ayo vs Taiwo
Which is more popular?
Ayo and Taiwo are given to a similar number of US babies today.
| Ayo | Taiwo | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Joy | First-born of twins |
| Origin | Yoruba | yoruba |
| Gender | Unisex | Unisex |
| Pronunciation | AH-yoh | TIE-woh |
| Syllables | 2 | 2 |
| First appeared | 1973 | 0 |
| Peak year | 2021 (12) | 1992 (10) |
| In 2025 | 0 | 0 |
| Trend | Rising | Declining |
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Ayo
Taiwo
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Births by decade
| Decade | Ayo | Taiwo |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 42 | 0 |
| 2010s | 38 | 24 |
| 2000s | 23 | 29 |
| 1990s | 19 | 48 |
| 1980s | 11 | 18 |
| 1970s | 22 | 28 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Ayo or Taiwo more popular?
Ayo and Taiwo are given to a similar number of US babies today.
What is the difference between Ayo and Taiwo?
Ayo means Joy (Yoruba origin), while Taiwo means First-born of twins (yoruba origin).
Which name is older, Ayo or Taiwo?
In US records, Ayo first appears in 1973 and Taiwo in 0, so Taiwo has the longer recorded history.