395 Nigerian Baby Names From The Giant Of Africa

Nigerian baby names are as unique as the culture of this region, which is one of the many reasons behind the popularity of these names. Nigerian parents like to be descriptive regarding naming tradition, but the customs vary by ethnic group. Some families and tribes prefer anglicized names, while others don't. But one thing is common - almost all families and tribes pick names that express their expectations of the child or the circumstances surrounding the baby's birth. That's because Nigerians believe that a name has a determining effect on the child's life. Naming traditions in Nigeria showcase immense diversity due to the many ethnic groups nationwide. Three significant groups – Yoruba, Igbo/Ibo, and Hausa – each possess distinct and characteristic naming practices. Within Yoruba culture, prevalent in the southwestern regions, names carry profound meanings. They generally comprise a first name followed by a family name, often constructed using compound words. Elements like ade, ayo, oba, and oluwa are frequently integrated. Olatunde, for instance, translates to 'return of wealth.' In the Igbo/Ibo tradition dominant in the southeast, compound names are shaped using components like amaka and chi. Abbreviations are widespread, and some names transcend gender confines. Western influences are evident in personal names, frequently derived from the Bible, like Chukwuma Moses Chinedu. Among the Hausa names prevailing in the northern zones, Islamic influences interlace. Ahmad stands as a recognizable first name, and compound names frequently commence with Abdul, symbolizing 'servant of' (1). Some tribes also give their children as many as five names, but only one or two are used. The child's position in the family is also considered while naming. Naming the child after the day they were born is also popular in Nigeria. If Nigerian baby naming traditions attract you and you want to explore Nigerian baby names, explore the list shared below.

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Name		Gender	Meaning
Sade		Girl	Rain; Rule with nobility; Honor confers a crown
Zayaan		Boy	Beautifier; Beautiful; Handsome
Jidenna		Girl	Embrace the father
Adeya		Unisex	A gift from God has come
Yohanna		Boy	Yahweh is gracious
Jaja		Boy	God's gift; From Lydia; Yahweh is gracious; Fragrant flower
Ovie		Boy	King
Akin		Boy	Brave; Heroic; Valor
Kelechi		Boy	Glorify God
Jamani		Unisex	Collateral; Guarantor; Responsibility-bearer
Adaeze		Girl	Princess; Eldest daughter of a king
Adedayo		Boy	The crown has turned to joy
Alika		Girl	Defender or helper of the people; Most beautiful
Abdulhamid		Boy	Servant of the praiseworthy
Chukwuma		Boy	God knows; God knows better than anyone
Chidiebere		Boy	God is merciful
Munachimso		Boy	One who always agrees with God
Ikechukwu		Boy	The power of God
Oluwatosin		Unisex	God is worth worshiping
Uzoma		Boy	One born during a journey
Chimaobi		Boy	God knows the heart
Chibuike		Boy	God is strength
Chikezie		Boy	May God appease
Amarachukwu		Girl	God's grace; Mercy of God
Aretta		Girl	A charming and enchanting woman
Kwali		Unisex	Strength; Powerful
Akachukwu		Boy	The hand of God
Abdulhameed		Boy	Servant of the praiseworthy
Adeniyi		Boy	Precious crown
Arinzechukwu		Boy	Thanks be to God
Chidiebube		Boy	God is glorious and great
Chiemeka		Boy	God has done well
Chidozie		Boy	May God fix mend
Ebubechukwu		Boy	The glory and greatness of God
Ifeanyichukwu		Boy	God is the most powerful; We can do anything with God
Essien		Boy	Sixth born child; Favorite one; Beloved
Saro		Boy	First son; Blond prince; Rosary
Kachiside		Boy	As God has written it or the will of God
Nike		Girl	Victory; Cherished
Adaugo		Girl	Beautiful daughter or daughter of an eagle
Oba		Boy	The king; Ruler
Asian		Girl	One who is proud
Ebunoluwa		Girl	God's gift
Ezinne		Girl	The good mother
Fela		Girl	A lucky woman; God expands wealth
Ifunanya		Girl	Love
Adaobi		Girl	The first daughter in the family compound
Hassana		Girl	Twin girl; Beautiful
Akala		Unisex	Untimely; Not black; Pink
Chisimdi		Girl	God says I shall live
Folasade		Girl	Honor confers a crown; Rule with nobility
Isioma		Girl	Good luck
Esohe		Girl	God's gift
Taneisha		Girl	God's gift
Iretomiwa		Girl	Blessing has come to me; A girl who has brought blessings to her family
Folashade		Girl	Honor bestows a crown.
Shima		Girl	Beauty marks; Heart; Tree; True poetry
Adim		Boy	Man
Bade		Boy	Big, Older; Wine
Bi		Girl	Stone; Rain
Chuk		Boy	The Supreme divine; the one beyond everything
Jol		Girl	Lover of art and culture
Nnenne		Girl	Resembles mother's mother
Obasi		Boy	God; In honor of the supreme God
Obioma		Girl	The Charm of a King that wins over the hearts of others; One who can win with his charm
Ochuko		Boy	Hindu name of deity Lord Krishna
Oladele		Unisex	Persons of success; Pupil of triumph
Onochie		Boy	The one who can replace the status of father
Redeem		Girl	A woman who has redeemed herself
Tonna		Unisex	A settlement; A town near the hedge; All praises to God
Abaeze		Boy	Branch of the kings
Abayomrunkoje		Boy	God won't allow humiliation
Abebi		Girl	We asked for a girl child
Abegunde		Boy	One born during the holiday
Abidugun		Boy	One born before the war
Adankwo		Girl	One born on the fourth day
Adaoma		Girl	A good and virtuous lady
Adebamgbe		Boy	A Nigerian term meaning royalty dwells within me
Adebiyi		Boy	The royal one
Adefolake		Girl	Your wealth supports us
Aderiyike		Girl	The pampered crown
Anwilichukwu		Girl	God's joy
Bako		Boy	A Nigerian term meaning guest
Banjoko		Boy	Don't ever leave me
Bolanile		Girl	The wealth of this house.
Chetachukwu		Boy	One who always remembers God
Chichima		Girl	A sweet and precious girl
Chimezie		Boy	Let God do it
Chinechezirim		Girl	God thinks good of me
Daraja		Girl	One who is valuable and important to everyone
Debare		Boy	One born during good times
Durojaiye		Boy	One who waits for the joy of life
Ebhaleleme		Boy	You won't follow my lead
Egharevba		Boy	One who is not bothered by enemies
Ekemma		Girl	One who was born on Eke market day
Ekong		Boy	War or battle
Elochukwu		Boy	God's will
Emilohi		Girl	Only God is great
Enofe		Boy	One who is rich
Ezesinachi		Boy	The chief is from God

Infographic: Time-honored Nigerian Baby Names

Nigeria is a place of rich diversity, with several native groups, each with varying practices of naming their newborns. But what they share is an abundance of unique and inspiring names. Choosing a Nigerian name is a great way to honor your roots. Go through this infographic to discover the best options.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team