Fẹ́mi is a common unisex name of Yoruba origin, meaning "love me." Most frequently, Femi is a diminutive of Olufemi or Olúfẹ́mi, which translates to "the Lord loves me" ("Olú" meaning Lord, Leader, or the Prominent one). It can also derive from Olu or longer forms such as Olúwafẹ́mi, Olorunfemi (God loves me), Jesufemi (Jesus loves me), Nifemi (Have my love), Babafemi (Father loves me), Obafemi (The King loves me), Adefemi (Royalty loves me), and Ifafemi (Ifa loves me). This reflects a common Yoruba onomastic practice of forming names from phrases praising or acknowledging a deity, with "fẹ́" meaning "to love" and a subject prefix indicating the one who loves. Notable Bearers Femi is borne by several notable figures across various fields. In politics, Femi Gbajabiamila (born 1962) served as Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, while Femi Fani-Kayode (born 1960) is a politician and former Minister of Culture and Tourism. Femi Oluwole (born 1990) is a British political activist and barrister. In entertainment, Femi Branch is a Nigerian actor, director, and politician; Femi Taylor is a British dancer and actress known for The Wiz and Star Wars; Femi Emiola is an American actress; and Femi Oyeniran is a British actor and filmmaker. Cultural Significance Among the Yoruba people, personal names are often chosen to reflect circumstances of birth, family aspirations, or religious devotion, especially to the orishas or the Christian/Islamic God. Names like Femi, especially as a shortened form of Olufemi, are common among practicing Christians referring to the Christian God, though Olufemi can also be interpreted in traditional Yoruba religion as referencing Olódùmarè. The name's frequency both in West Africa and in the diaspora makes it a recognizable element of Yoruba heritage. Meaning: "love me" (short form of "Olufemi" meaning "God loves me") Origin: Yoruba (Nigeria, Benin, Togo) Type: Diminutive of Olufemi; also unisex given name Usage regions: Nigeria, especially among Yoruba communities, also in diaspora