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354 Yoruba Baby Names From West Africa

Yoruba baby names are rooted in West Africa’s rich cultural heritage. To the Yoruba, a name isn't just a word or an identity. It's an embodiment of lineage, history, and family. As per the Yoruba custom, Yoruba kids are named in a ceremony held seven days after birth. In ancient times, the names were found by divination performed by traditional Ifa priests, called Babalawo, locally. But now, the names are suggested by the ranking members of the family, which include the mother, father, grandparents, or relatives. A private ceremony is held for the parents and close family members where the child is bestowed the name. A public ceremony, with entertainment and feasting, is held by parents to celebrate the baby's arrival a few days after the private ceremony. Yoruba names are classified into five categories – Oruko Amutorunwa or destiny names, Oruko Abiso or acquired names, Oruko Oriki or Panegyrics, Oruko Abiku, and Oruko Inagije or alias. Many Yoruba believe a name can influence a child's behavior and destiny (1). Hence, choosing the right name for the child is considered a crucial responsibility of the parents. Parents seek guidance from elders and family members to fulfill this duty and select names that convey specific meanings or attributes. Yoruba girls are named after the circumstances in which their birth took place or as a reflection of the wealth they bring to their families. Modern or Christian parents use Christian forms of traditional names, while Muslim Yoruba parents give their children Arabic names with Yoruba phonetics. Other factors influencing parents' name choices include cultural values, numerology, aesthetic appeal, and pleasant sound. Moreover, Yoruba names are generally gender-specific, meaning specific names are reserved for boys and girls. Hence, knowing a name's meaning and cultural significance is crucial in Yoruba culture. Understanding this, we have curated a comprehensive list of the best Yoruba baby names with meanings.

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Name Gender Meaning
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Remi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Oarsman; Rower; Lord consoles in me; Heaven; Sky
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Sade
Baby Girl Sign Girl Rain; Rule with nobility; Honor confers a crown
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Ajani
Baby Boy Sign Boy One we fought to possess; Noble birth
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Tiaraoluwa
Baby Girl Sign Girl From the body of God
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Aina
Baby Girl Sign Girl Always; The only one; Grace; Favor; Scene; Sight; Mirror; Difficult birth; Elegant love; Chaste
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Yemaya
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Mother of fish; Goddess of the Ogun river
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Tayo
Baby Boy Sign Boy Worth joy; Much or many; World
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Ashe
Baby Boy Sign Boy Ash tree; Someone who lived near an ash tree forest
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Assata
Baby Girl Sign Girl She who struggles
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Ajahni
Baby Boy Sign Boy One fought to have
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Akin
Baby Boy Sign Boy Brave; Heroic; Valor
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Mahari
Baby Girl Sign Girl One who forgives; A dancing girl; Dowry; Bride price; Merciful
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Amadi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Seemed destined to die at birth; Free-born; Beloved
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Kanye
Baby Boy Sign Boy Next in line; Let's give; Only once; Only one
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Folarin
Baby Boy Sign Boy Walk with wealth
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Oluwaseun
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Thanking God
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Toluwanimi
Baby Boy Sign Boy I belong to God
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Adedayo
Baby Boy Sign Boy The crown has turned to joy
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Jadesola
Baby Girl Sign Girl Come out into wealth
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Nijah
Baby Girl Sign Girl A beautiful rose; One who succeeds; Challenging
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Obaloluwa
Baby Boy Sign Boy God is the king
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Iyanla
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Great mother
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Toluwalase
Baby Boy Sign Boy Authority belongs to God
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Adeola
Baby Girl Sign Girl Crown of wealth
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Oluwadamilola
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God has bestowed me with wealth
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Olamide
Baby Girl Sign Girl My wealth has arrived
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Adeyemi
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Crown suits me well
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Ayinde
Baby Boy Sign Boy We gave praises and he came
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Babajide
Baby Boy Sign Boy Father has awakened
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Babatunde
Baby Boy Sign Boy Father has come again
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Ola
Baby Girl Sign Girl Ancestor's descendant; People's victory; Wealth; Honor; Respect; Dignity; Glory
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Ayomi
Baby Girl Sign Girl My joy
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Oluwatosin
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God is worth worshiping
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Adisa
Baby Boy Sign Boy Bundled up and set to dry
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Abayomi
Baby Boy Sign Boy One who brings joy and happiness
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Adetokunbo
Baby Boy Sign Boy The crown returns from over the sea
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Teniola
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Mat of wealth
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Akanni
Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is special to have
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Djimon
Baby Boy Sign Boy One who has strong blood; Powerful person
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Adetayo
Baby Boy Sign Boy Crown has brought us great joy
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Atiba
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Understanding
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Moremi
Baby Girl Sign Girl The child attracts my attention; A legendary Yoruba queen
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Taio
Baby Boy Sign Boy Worth joy; Many; World
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Ademola
Baby Boy Sign Boy The crown is with wealth
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Adeniyi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Precious crown
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Abiola
Baby Boy Sign Boy Born in honor; Wealth
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Adebowale
Baby Boy Sign Boy Royalty returns home
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Afolabi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Born into wealth
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Aken
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Brave; Warrior
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Ayodele
Baby Boy Sign Boy Joy has returned
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Femi
Baby Boy Sign Boy God loves me
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Adesuwa
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Amid wealth and prosperity
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Inioluwa
Baby Boy Sign Boy Acquiring God's treasure
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Lolade
Baby Girl Sign Girl God is with you
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Kayen
Baby Boy Sign Boy He who is celebrated; Long hoped-for child
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Simisola
Baby Girl Sign Girl Rest in wealth
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Abeni
Baby Girl Sign Girl We prayed for her; Now she is ours; Someone who is prayed for
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Oba
Baby Boy Sign Boy The king; Ruler
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Monifa
Baby Girl Sign Girl Lucky one
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Kemi
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Cherish me; Caring for me
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Rotimi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Stay with me; Stand by me; The Lord stays with me
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Boluwatife
Baby Girl Sign Girl God wishes; One who follows the will of God
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Obafemi
Baby Boy Sign Boy The King loves me
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Temidayo
Baby Boy Sign Boy Mine has turned into joy
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Tifeoluwa
Baby Boy Sign Boy It is the will of God
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Temiloluwa
Baby Boy Sign Boy God is mine
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Temitope
Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is worthy for praise
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Ebunoluwa
Baby Girl Sign Girl God's gift
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Fela
Baby Girl Sign Girl A lucky woman; God expands wealth
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Tolulope
Baby Boy Sign Boy To God be the glory
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Ilerioluwa
Baby Girl Sign Girl The promise of God
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Oya
Baby Girl Sign Girl Lace; Youruban Goddess of storms and winds; She tore
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Taiwo
Baby Girl Sign Girl The first twin to taste the world or life
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Alarah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Beautiful water fairy; Ruler of all; Door; To choose; Ones who possess many relatives
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Adenike
Baby Girl Sign Girl The crown is to be cared for
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Shadae
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Honor confers a crown; Rule with nobility
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Fayola
Baby Girl Sign Girl Woman who walks with honor; One who walks with dignity
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Adebola
Baby Girl Sign Girl The crown meets wealth
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Folasade
Baby Girl Sign Girl Honor confers a crown; Rule with nobility
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Nija
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Challenging
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Ibukunoluwa
Baby Girl Sign Girl The blessings of God
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Yeni
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Bright or glorious rainbow; Fit
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Kehinde
Baby Girl Sign Girl The second-born of the twins; Comes last
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Iretomiwa
Baby Girl Sign Girl Blessing has come to me; A girl who has brought blessings to her family
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Omolara
Baby Girl Sign Girl Loving child of the family
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Quiana
Baby Girl Sign Girl Silky; To celebrate
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Shola
Baby Girl Sign Girl Make wealth
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Kayin
Baby Girl Sign Girl Celebrated; Acquired
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Titilayo
Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is joyful forever; Ever happy; Eternal happiness
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Funmilayo
Baby Girl Sign Girl Gift of God; God has brought me joy
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Oshun
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Flow; Goddess of the river Osun
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Temi
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Mine is worthy; Worth of mine
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Folashade
Baby Girl Sign Girl Honor bestows a crown.
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Modupe
Baby Girl Sign Girl I thank God
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Sharday
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Honor confers a crown; Rain
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Tolani
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Wealthy and successful
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Olamilekan
Baby Boy Sign Boy My wealth is increased
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Abioye
Baby Boy Sign Boy The son of royalty; A Variant of Abiola
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Akuji
Baby Boy Sign Boy Dead and awake; Bad deed
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Alake
Baby Boy Sign Boy One to be petted and made much of; Leader; Chief
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Yoruba baby names carry profound meanings and cultural associations. They offer a captivating insight into the vibrant heritage of the Yoruba tribe and its people. If Yoruba culture's values and ethics resonate with you, the above list of Yoruba names with meanings has several options you may consider to name your baby. These names serve as an enduring connection to the past and hold relevance in the present. So pick a name as per preference and embrace the spirit of ancestral legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which Yoruba names mean peace?

A popular Yoruba name that means peace is Alafia. It is a gender-neutral name. Ìdẹ̀raolúwa is another name that means ‘peace of god.’ Ifelayo is another Yoruba name that implies ‘love is peace.’

2. Are Yoruba names unisex?

Most of the names in Yoruba culture are unisex. Names like Bolu, Bola, Dare, Yinka, Tola, Sola, and Tade are unisex and are fully acceptable by the cultural law of this place. The Yoruba language classifies pronouns according to a person and number and not based on gender (2). However, you will also find many gender-specific names.

3. What are twins known as in Yoruba?

The first-born twin in Southwest Nigeria, irrespective of gender, is always called Taiwo. It means 'having the first taste of the world.' The second twin is called Kehinde. It implies 'arriving after the other.' Between both, the firstborn, or Taiwo, is regarded as the younger twin sibling (3 ).

4. Which Yoruba names mean favor?

In the Yoruba culture, Olúwasanmí means 'God favors me' or 'God rewards me.' It is made of olúwa, which means God; san, which means benefit or favor; and mí, which means me.

5. Which Yoruba names mean moon?

Kamari is an African name that means 'moon.’ It has many variations like Kamaria, Kam, and Mari. Mawu, in the Yoruba language, is also associated with the moon. It's the name of a creator goddess linked to the Sun and Moon.

6. What role do religious or cultural traditions play in selecting Yoruba baby names?

Religious and cultural traditions play a significant role in selecting Yoruba baby names. These names tell the story of the socio-economic backgrounds of families and showcase their religions and customs. Children are often named after significant cultural events surrounding their birth so they can recall the memories later. The names are important means of communication and sources of gender differentiation (4). There is also a tradition in the Yoruba culture about naming according to the background of a family, religion, or antecedents. Some examples include Ògúndìran, which means 'Ogun has become a living tradition in the family,’ and Ayanlowo, which means 'Ayan drumming tradition is honorable.'

7. What are the historical and cultural origins of Yoruba baby names?

According to the Yorubas, a given name has a profound effect. They have always believed that the name that a child bears can influence their entire life cycle from their behavior, profession, and success. From the beginning, Yoribas have regarded a name as representing the socio-economic and cultural characteristics, family background, occupation, place of origin, and political and economic class. Some examples of these names include Abiodun, which means 'born during a festival,' and Abosede, which means a child born on the first day of the week (5).

Infographic: Culturally Significant Yoruba Baby Names

The Yoruba culture of Nigeria consists of philosophy, religion, and fascinating folktales. It's one of the largest ethnic groups in Africa, with names of immense cultural significance. Exploring Yoruba names will give you a glimpse of rich traditions and beliefs. In this infographic, we've listed the most popular names from this culture.

lively yoruba names for boys and girls (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Welcoming a New Life: Yoruba Naming Traditions.
    https://locallearningnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/yoruba.pdf
  2. Yoruba names and gender marking.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262637470_Yoruba_names_and_gender_marking
  3. Yoruba customs and beliefs pertaining to twins.
    https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/98B7AE1DB8FB7E1BF4AD8BFDDD68C4C7/S136905230000252Xa.pdf/yoruba_customs_and_beliefs_pertaining_to_twins.pdf
  4. Yoruba personal naming system: Traditions patterns and practices.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339405518_Yoruba_personal_naming_system_Traditions_patterns_and_practices
  5. Yoruba names as a reflection of people’s cultural heritage.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341878995_Yoruba_Names_as_a_Reflection_of_People%27s_Cultural_Heritage

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Praggya Joshi
Praggya Joshi holds a bachelor's degree in Education and a master's in Ancient Indian History from University of Delhi. She has a robust knowledge of literature, society, and ethics. Praggya has been a content writer since 2021, researching and writing on education, health and wellness, and travel.

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Aneesha holds a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from USTM, Meghalaya and Master’s degree in Applied Microbiology from VIT, Vellore. With two years of experience, she has worked on different research projects in the field of Food Sciences.

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Angela is an honors student with a master's degree in Linguistics from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. Her combined interest in history and the science of language has taught her the skills to understand how language and its use have changed over time.

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