It is proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *ɔ́-kʊ̃rɪ̃, this form remains the same in Central Yoruba dialects. Cognate with Arigidi ọkọ́ọrẹ. Akinkugbe suggests it may be equivalent to ọkọ (“man”) + ẹni (“person”), compare with obìnrin. The /k/ consonant exists in the roots of many basic male terms, okó (“penis”), akọ (“male”), ọkọ (“husband”)