151 Yoruba Girl Names To Shape Your Daughter's Identity

In this post, we rejoice in the diverse and meaningful Yoruba girl names, reflecting their cultural importance and historical connections. In Yoruba culture, the significance of a name runs deep, representing not only an identity but also the essence of one’s values and soul. With a Yoruba proverb stating, ‘A child’s name determines what he becomes or does,’ it is evident that names are believed to shape a person’s destiny in this culture. Yorùbá names embody stories, hopes, and aspirations and are carefully chosen to avoid any hint of negativity (1). Each Yoruba name carries a rich history, intricately woven with the past bearers’ influences, believed to impact a child’s life. Traditional Yorùbá names are thoughtfully categorized into Orúko Àmútọ̀runwá (Destiny Names), Orúkọ Àbísọ (Acquired Names), Oríkì (Panegyrical Names), and Inagije (Nicknames) (2). Historically, male Yoruba children were believed to be named on the ninth day, while females were named on the seventh day after their birth. However, modern practices have unified this tradition, naming both genders on the seventh day. The naming process involves divination, performed by esteemed Babalawo, traditional Ifá priests. Yet, naming in Yoruba culture goes beyond the purview of priests. Family plays an integral role, with grandparents, parents, and elders contributing their favorite names to the child. Generations come together, reflecting the collective wisdom and heritage of the family. Yoruba families often maintain a long list of names passed down from grandparents and great-grandparents, exemplifying the ancestral bonds that shape a child’s identity. Celebrate the beauty and depth of Yoruba naming traditions by exploring a collection of Yoruba baby girl names with their meanings. Each name is a reflection of the Yoruba culture’s richness and carries its unique story. As you embark on this exciting journey of naming your precious daughter, this guide can serve as your companion, honoring the cultural heritage and spiritual essence woven into each Yoruba name.

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NameGenderMeaning
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Sade
Baby Girl Sign Girl Rain; Rule with nobility; Honor confers a crown
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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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Assata
Baby Girl Sign Girl She who struggles
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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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Iyanla
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Great mother
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Adeola
Baby Girl Sign Girl Crown of wealth
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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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Moremi
Baby Girl Sign Girl The child attracts my attention; A legendary Yoruba queen
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Adesuwa
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Amid wealth and prosperity
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Lolade
Baby Girl Sign Girl God is with you
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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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Kemi
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Cherish me; Caring for me
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Boluwatife
Baby Girl Sign Girl God wishes; One who follows the will of God
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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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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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Shadae
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Honor confers a crown; Rule with nobility
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Folasade
Baby Girl Sign Girl Honor confers a crown; Rule with nobility
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Ibukunoluwa
Baby Girl Sign Girl The blessings of God
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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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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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Folashade
Baby Girl Sign Girl Honor bestows a crown.
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Asabi
Baby Girl Sign Girl One selected for birth; Linen; Hemp; Flax; Biwa fruit; Stringed instruments
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Adunni
Baby Girl Sign Girl A daughter of a sweet person
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Aega
Baby Girl Sign Girl A palm bird; A tiny bird
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Aduke
Baby Girl Sign Girl Beloved; One (people) struggle(d) to care for
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Awo
Baby Girl Sign Girl Mystery; Ancestor; Stepchild; Cotton or peanut market
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Bandele
Baby Girl Sign Girl Born Away From Home
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Bisi
Baby Girl Sign Girl She who is a first-born daughter in the family
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Bosede
Baby Girl Sign Girl A daughter that came to world on a Sunday
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Bunmi
Baby Girl Sign Girl To be my gift
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Eni
Baby Girl Sign Girl Person of wealth
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Monife
Baby Girl Sign Girl The one who has been loved
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Olaniyi
Baby Girl Sign Girl The son of victorious people; Son of the success crowd
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Ronke
Baby Girl Sign Girl A person who has someone to pamper
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Abebi
Baby Girl Sign Girl We asked for a girl child
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Abidemi
Baby Girl Sign Girl A girl born during father's absence
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Adankwo
Baby Girl Sign Girl One born on the fourth day
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Adaoma
Baby Girl Sign Girl A good and virtuous lady
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Adefolake
Baby Girl Sign Girl Your wealth supports us
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Aderiyike
Baby Girl Sign Girl The pampered crown
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Emilohi
Baby Girl Sign Girl Only God is great
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Ibironke
Baby Girl Sign Girl The family will love this child
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Ileara
Baby Girl Sign Girl A healthy child
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Isoken
Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is contented with her destiny
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Iyawa
Baby Girl Sign Girl Ability or skill; A skillful woman
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Mofoluwakemi
Baby Girl Sign Girl Given for the blessing of the Lord
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Oluwabusola
Baby Girl Sign Girl God adds to the wealth
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Oluwafunbi
Baby Girl Sign Girl God gave this
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Omolade
Baby Girl Sign Girl Child of the crown
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Omorinsola
Baby Girl Sign Girl The child who walks into wealth
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Orisa
Baby Girl Sign Girl Deity; Spirit
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Oyinlola
Baby Girl Sign Girl Nigerian term, wealth is sweet
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Tambara
Baby Girl Sign Girl A girl who is at ease
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Timilehin
Baby Girl Sign Girl God is with you
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Tujuka
Baby Girl Sign Girl Cheerful
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Yejide
Baby Girl Sign Girl One who looks like her mother
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Zoputan
Baby Girl Sign Girl The protector
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Folade
Baby Girl Sign Girl Honor arrives
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Ifeya
Baby Girl Sign Girl Love; A lovable woman
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Kokumo
Baby Girl Sign Girl This one will not die
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Atinuke
Baby Girl Sign Girl One who has been taken care of right from conception
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Ayobami
Baby Girl Sign Girl One asking for wealth
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Ayokunumi
Baby Girl Sign Girl Overwhelmed with wealth
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Ayomisioluwakonitan
Baby Girl Sign Girl The Joy of the Lord will never diminish in my life
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Ayoola
Baby Girl Sign Girl The joy of wealth
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Ayotola
Baby Girl Sign Girl Joy is enough wealth
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Ayotoluwafunmi
Baby Girl Sign Girl The joy that the Lord has given me
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Ayotundun
Baby Girl Sign Girl Joy is sweet
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Ayowonuola
Baby Girl Sign Girl Joy enters wealth
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Ayowunmi
Baby Girl Sign Girl A girl who loves joy
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Bere
Baby Girl Sign Girl First daughter of the family
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Bidemi
Baby Girl Sign Girl Born awaiting me
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Bimpe
Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is gorgeous and beautiful
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Bmidele
Baby Girl Sign Girl A Yoruba term meaning follow me home
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Bodunde
Baby Girl Sign Girl Came with christmas or one who was born during christmas
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Bolanle
Baby Girl Sign Girl One who finds wealth at home.
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Bolatito
Baby Girl Sign Girl A Yoruba term meaning how joy sanctifies me.
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Boluwaji
Baby Girl Sign Girl Rise up with Lord
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Busayo
Baby Girl Sign Girl Adds to joy
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Dideoluwakusidede
Baby Girl Sign Girl The coming of the lord is at hand
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Diekololaoluwa
Baby Girl Sign Girl God's blessing isn't small
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Diekololaoluwalayemi
Baby Girl Sign Girl The wealth of god in my life cannot be measured
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Doyinsola
Baby Girl Sign Girl My wealth is sweet
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Emiola
Baby Girl Sign Girl The honorable one; An honorable man
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Eniafe
Baby Girl Sign Girl A beloved man
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Eniiyi
Baby Girl Sign Girl A person of integrity
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Eriifeoluwa
Baby Girl Sign Girl The evidence of God's love
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This collection of Yoruba girl names with their meanings celebrates the rich cultural significance and historical connections deeply ingrained in Yoruba naming traditions. Each name reflects identity and the essence of values and soul, echoing the profound belief that a child’s name shapes their destiny. From traditional choices to modern ones, each name preserves ancestral wisdom and heritage. With this selection of diverse names from one of the largest Nigerian ethnic groups, you can grace your little girl with positivity and optimism.

Infographic: Captivating Yoruba Baby Girl Names

Uncover the beauty of Yoruba culture with our collection of Yoruba baby girl names and meanings. Each name holds deep cultural significance and historical connections, reflecting the essence of identity and values. Choose a name that honors your heritage and resonates with your heart, gracing your daughter's life with pride and grace.

yoruba baby girl names with rich meanings (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do Yoruba parents choose their baby girl's name?

Yoruba parents frequently choose a name for their baby girl based on family traditions, circumstances surrounding the birth, and as a reflection of the child's personality traits. Sometimes, the grandparents, spiritual leaders, and relatives may also choose the name.

2. How important is a name in Yoruba culture?

Names play a profound role in Yoruba culture, intricately weaving one's destiny and identity. They bear deep meanings, embracing cultural values, ancestral heritage, and envisioning a bright future for the child, evoking a tapestry of significance and pride. Names in Yoruba culture often act as windows to the time of the baby's birth.

3. What is the significance of naming ceremonies in Yoruba culture?

A naming ceremony is a cherished and inclusive event that transcends religious boundaries, celebrating the chosen name of a child and embracing them into the loving embrace of their family. It symbolizes parental duty and recognizes the invaluable role of grandparents, relatives, and friends in shaping the child's journey.

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. YORUBA NAMING TRADITIONS.
    https://sites.utexas.edu/theatredance-kimmy/kimmys-world/nigerian-naming-conventions/
  2. ‘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

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Nisha Bharatan is a writer with six years of experience. After completing her engineering from Savitribai Phule Pune University, she did content marketing courses to complement her interest in writing. Nisha discovered her passion for writing in 2016 when she started documenting her journey into motherhood.

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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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Trisha worked as a schoolteacher for three years before taking up professional writing in 2021. She completed her masters in English from the University of Calcutta and bachelors in Education from the University of Burdwan.

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