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)

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.’

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).

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).

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).

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.

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4 Yoruba Boy Names with Meanings, Starting With K

Written by Shikha Thakur, MBA Specialty: Relationships and Baby NamesExperience: 7 years

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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Edited by Siddharth Kesiraju, MA, Certification in Relationship Coaching Specialty: Love, Marriage and RelationshipsExperience: 7 years

Siddharth holds a certification in Relationship Coaching and a masters degree in communication and journalism from the University of Hyderabad. He has around seven years of experience in various fields of writing and editing.

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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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Last Updated on Oct 3, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Name	Gender	Meaning
Kanye	Boy	Next in line; Let's give; Only once; Only one
Kayen	Boy	He who is celebrated; Long hoped-for child
Kaseko	Boy	To mock or ridicule someone
Kola	Boy	Gathers wealth; Victory of the people