131 Unique Yoruba Boy Names

Enriching names from the fascinating ancient world ethnic African tribes.

Written by Trisha Chakraborty, MA, BEd Specialty: Child development & educationExperience: 5 years

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Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

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Last Updated on Nov 14, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

In Yoruba culture, one of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa, naming a child is an artful process that reflects the family's values, beliefs, and aspirations. Yoruba baby boy names hold a profound connection to the child's heritage. They often convey meaningful messages about their personality and destiny. Naming ceremonies are of great importance to the Yoruba. Their naming ceremonies follow a similar pattern, but various groups and families have their own distinct customs. Furthermore, over time, some of these traditions have changed, and some have been entirely discarded (1). The Christening Ceremony is a cross-cultural tradition as parents give names to their newborns. A name holds significant importance in all African cultures and religions. Among the Yoruba people in Southwest Nigeria, naming is akin to revealing the social DNA of the individual, uncovering their ancestry, occupation, education, birth circumstances, aura, and religious background. Names reflect the aspirations, expectations, and prospects the name-givers wish for the newborn. Some circumstantial names represent the hopes and fears of the child's biological parents and relatives. The Yoruba even consider the mother's birth condition, her mode of delivery, and the child's position before selecting names (2). A name is not merely a label but a profound connection to one's roots and the circumstances influencing one’s birth. It is a cherished tradition that binds generations together, celebrating the rich tapestry of history and culture that makes the Yoruba people unique and proud. The importance of preserving traditional names and customs cannot be overstated in a world of evolving cultural dynamics. Yoruba baby boy names serve as a testament to the community's enduring legacy, passed down through generations with pride and love. By bestowing a Yoruba name upon their child, parents celebrate their heritage and contribute to the continuation of a cherished tradition. Read our post to learn more about Yoruba baby boy names.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Remi	Boy	Oarsman; Rower; Lord consoles in me; Heaven; Sky
Akin	Boy	Brave; Heroic; Valor
Amadi	Boy	Seemed destined to die at birth; Free-born; Beloved
Kanye	Boy	Next in line; Let's give; Only once; Only one
Folarin	Boy	Walk with wealth
Toluwanimi	Boy	I belong to God
Adedayo	Boy	The crown has turned to joy
Obaloluwa	Boy	God is the king
Toluwalase	Boy	Authority belongs to God
Ayinde	Boy	We gave praises and he came

Babajide	Boy	Father has awakened
Babatunde	Boy	Father has come again
Abayomi	Boy	One who brings joy and happiness
Akanni	Boy	One who is special to have
Djimon	Boy	One who has strong blood; Powerful person
Adetayo	Boy	Crown has brought us great joy
Taio	Boy	Worth joy; Many; World
Ademola	Boy	The crown is with wealth
Adeniyi	Boy	Precious crown
Adebowale	Boy	Royalty returns home

Afolabi	Boy	Born into wealth
Aken	Unisex	Brave; Warrior
Femi	Boy	God loves me
Inioluwa	Boy	Acquiring God's treasure
Kayen	Boy	He who is celebrated; Long hoped-for child
Oba	Boy	The king; Ruler
Rotimi	Boy	Stay with me; Stand by me; The Lord stays with me
Obafemi	Boy	The King loves me
Temidayo	Boy	Mine has turned into joy
Tifeoluwa	Boy	It is the will of God

Temitope	Boy	One who is worthy for praise
Tolulope	Boy	To God be the glory
Olamilekan	Boy	My wealth is increased
Abioye	Boy	The son of royalty; A Variant of Abiola
Akuji	Boy	Dead and awake; Bad deed
Alake	Boy	One to be petted and made much of; Leader; Chief
Apara	Boy	Matchless; Unique; Exclusive; Has no equivalent
Ati	Boy	Too much; Extreme; Food; We had; And
Adepero	Boy	The crown has brought peace
Adeshola	Boy	One who is crowned to bring wealth

Bayo	Boy	The crown meets joy
Binu	Girl	Merry man; Anger; Father; Source of all light; Sun
Kaseko	Boy	To mock or ridicule someone
Kola	Boy	Gathers wealth; Victory of the people
Lekan	Boy	My wealth has increased by one
Olu	Boy	God; Lord; Chief; Ruler
Olufemi	Unisex	God loves me
Abayomrunkoje	Boy	God won't allow humiliation
Abegunde	Boy	One born during the holiday
Abidugun	Boy	One born before the war

Adebamgbe	Boy	A Nigerian term meaning royalty dwells within me
Adebiyi	Boy	The royal one
Banjoko	Boy	Don't ever leave me
Durojaiye	Boy	One who waits for the joy of life
Idogbe	Boy	The second child born after twins
Isamotu-Olalekan	Boy	Without God I'm destitute
Mobo	Boy	Freedom
Babatunji	Boy	The father returns again
Bolade	Boy	Honor will come.
Oson	Boy	Summer

Abiade	Boy	One who is born to royal parents
Adesanya	Boy	My pains have been compensated with the arrival of this child
Adesola	Boy	The crown honored us
Adetola	Boy	The crown can be measured to wealth
Adetope	Boy	The crown is worthy of praise
Adetosoye	Boy	The crown is entitled to the throne
Ayotomiwa	Boy	Wealth has returned
Babasolaf	Boy	Father's wealth has arrived
Bankole	Boy	Build a home for me
Bayode	Boy	He who brings joy with himself

Bayowa	Boy	He has come with joy
Damola	Boy	Mixed with wealth
Durosinmi	Boy	Wait to rest
Esupofo	Boy	The devil has lost
Farayioluwa	Boy	I rely on God
Fiyifolu	Boy	Give honor to God
Folu	Boy	A shy or timid man
Gbadebo	Boy	The one who brings the crown
Ifelewa	Boy	A beautiful love
Iles	Boy	Messenger of God

Iranola	Boy	A wealthy family
Iseoluwa	Boy	The act of God
Iyanu-Oluwa	Boy	The miracle of God
Jesutosin	Boy	Jesus is worthy of worship
Jimoh	Boy	A person born on Friday
Lanre	Girl	Wealth goes forward
Mabayoje	Boy	Do not destroy joy
Majekodunmi	Boy	Do not let it be a thing of pain
Mobolaji	Boy	A boy who is born of wealth
Modadeola	Boy	A man wearing a crown of wealth or affluence

Modurodoluwa	Boy	I waited on the Lord
Modurolorilerioluwa	Boy	One who stands on the promise of God
Mofetoluwa	Boy	A man who graciously accepts God's will
Mofihinfoluwa	Boy	To God belongs the glory
Mofolorunso	Boy	One who is placed in God's care
Naade	Boy	Born in royalty
Numilekunoluwa	Boy	Clean my tears lord
Obasolape	Boy	God has made his wealth complete
Obatotosinloluwa	Boy	God is indeed worthy of praise
Odunayo	Boy	Year of happiness

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Yoruba baby boy names embody the essence of Yoruba heritage, values, and aspirations. The thoughtful naming process in Yoruba culture celebrates new life and links the child to their roots and cultural identity. These names hold deep significance, carrying the dreams and hopes of both the family and the community for the newborn. Preserving this cherished tradition ensures the continued vitality of Yoruba history and culture. It fosters pride and love across generations and enriches the lives of those who carry these meaningful monikers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.What are some Yoruba names for twin boys?

In Yoruba society, twins are revered, and their birth is a cause of celebration. Despite the gender of the baby, the firstborn will be named Taiwo, which means ‘having a first taste of the world,’ and the second child will be named Kehinde, which means ‘arriving after the other.’ (3)

2.What are some names that mean blessing in Yoruba?

Although not many names specifically mean ‘blessings,’ a few names can be related. For instance, Olusula is a unisex name that means ‘God makes wealth,’ while Ayobami, also a unisex name, means ‘joy has met me.’ Oluwaremilekun is another unisex name meaning ‘God has dried my tears.’

3.How are Yoruba baby boy names chosen?

Baby names in Yoruba are usually chosen based on their meaning, specifically to describe more about the person holding the name. They tend to elaborate more on the birth circumstances in which the baby was born, for example, the day, the location, or the order they were born (4).

4.What is the significance of Yoruba names?

Yoruba names have a distinct quality of reflecting the significance of their culture and linguistic heritage. Yoruba names are compound words combined with elements like ‘ade, ayo, fe, omo, ola, Olu, ife, ire, and oluwa’ in between or in some part of the name (4).

5.How have colonialism and Western culture influenced Yoruba baby boy names?

Long Yoruba baby names have been shortened; for example, Oluwole can be shortened to ‘Wole’ and Taiwo to ‘Tai.’ The influence of Christianity and other Western names can also be seen in Yoruba names, with many having a Western nickname. Such names are usually taken from the Bible, like Joseph. Moses, etc. (4).

6. What are some common nicknames or diminutives used for Yoruba baby boy names?

Many Yoruba names are shortened from their original spellings (4). Some examples are Olufemi which can be shortened to Olu or Femi, Adegoke can be shortened to Ade, and Olamilekan to Lekan.

Infographic: Trendy Yoruba Baby Boy Names

Yoruba baby boy names are a treasure trove of rich meanings and cultural heritage. Rooted in the Yoruba language and traditions, these names carry deep significance, reflecting the child's ancestry, aspirations, and spiritual beliefs. Discover the beauty and power of Yoruba baby boy names in the infographic below and choose a meaningful and distinctive title for your charming little prince.

yoruba baby names for your adorable little son (infographic)

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.

Concept Of Naming In Yoruba Culture.
http://www.ekimogundescendant.org/concept-of-naming-in-yoruba-culture/
‘Home Before Naming’: Naming Practices and Yoruba Characterization in Femi Osofisan’s Selected Dramatic Texts.
https://www.bu.edu/africa/files/2021/02/Home-Before-Naming-Naming-Practices-and-Yoruba-Characterization-in-Femi-Osofisans-Selected-Dramatic-Texts.pdf
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
A GUIDE TO NAMES AND NAMING PRACTICES.
https://www.fbiic.gov/public/2008/nov/Naming_practice_guide_UK_2006.pdf

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.