185 Yoruba Baby Boy Names With Meanings
Enriching names from the fascinating ancient world ethnic African tribes.
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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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  Unisex | Born face-down | |
| |  Boy | One to be honored | |
| | Boy | Matchless; Unique; Exclusive; Has no equivalent | |
| | Unisex | Born feet first | |
| | Unisex | Wealth surrounds me | |
| | Boy | God won't allow humiliation | |
| | Boy | One born during the holiday | |
| | Boy | The bringer of happiness | |
| | Boy | One who is born to royal parents | |
| | Boy | One born before the war | |
| | Unisex | Born to bring joy | |
| | Boy | One born at the time of festival | |
| | Boy | Born in Honor; Born during the first days | |
| | Boy | The son of royalty; A Variant of Abiola | |
| | Boy | A Nigerian term meaning royalty dwells within me | |
| | Boy | The royal one | |
| | Boy | The crown has turned to joy | |
| | Unisex | Noble, brave, born into wealth, strong | |
| | Boy | Crown is Added to My Wealth | |
| | Boy | The value or honor of a crown | |
| | Boy | The crown has brought peace | |
| | Boy | My pains have been compensated with the arrival of this child | |
| | Boy | One who is crowned to bring wealth | |
| | Boy | A child crowned with wealth | |
| | Unisex | Royal wealth | |
| | Boy | Crown has brought us great joy | |
| | Boy | A Nigerian name of Yoruba descent in which the word Ade means crown | |
| | Boy | The crown can be measured to wealth | |
| | Boy | The crown is worthy of praise | |
| | Boy | The crown is entitled to the throne | |
| | Unisex | God's gift; God's miracles | |
| | Unisex | Royalty or crown brings honor | |
| | Boy | Clear spoken person | |
| | Unisex | Bright; Clear | |
| | Boy | Strong, brave warrior | |
| | Boy | Brave; Heroic; Man | |
| | Boy | We gave praise and he came | |
| | Boy | Joy has returned; A variant of name Ayotunde | |
| | Unisex | My joy has arrived | |
| | Boy | Wealth has returned | |
| | Unisex | Joy has returned; A variant of name Ayomide | |
| | Boy | Father's wealth has arrived | |
| | Boy | The father returns again | |
| | Boy | Don't ever leave me | |
| | Boy | Build a home for me | |
| | Boy | He who brings joy with himself | |
| | Boy | He has come with joy | |
| | Unisex | Country in West Africa | |
| | Boy | Honor will come. | |
| | Unisex | Give me; Bless me | |
| | Boy | Mixed with wealth | |
| | Boy | One who waits for the joy of life | |
| | Boy | Wait to rest | |
| | Boy | The devil has lost | |
| | Boy | Exuberant and joyful | |
| | Boy | I rely on God | |
| | Unisex | Worship; Faith | |
| | Boy | Give honor to God | |
| | Boy | Walk with glory | |
| | Boy | A shy or timid man | |
| | Boy | The one who brings the crown | |
| | Boy | The second child born after twins | |
| | Boy | A beautiful love | |
| | Boy | Messenger of God | |
| | Unisex | Omnipresent | |
| | Unisex | Someone who loves to buy and wear gold | |
| | Unisex | God has given | |
| | Boy | Acquiring God's treasure | |
| | Boy | A wealthy family | |
| | Boy | Without God I'm destitute | |
| | Boy | The act of God | |
| | Unisex | Violet | |
| | Unisex | Strong, supportive, leader | |
| | Unisex | God's gift; Blessing | |
| | Boy | The miracle of God | |
| | Boy | Supplanter | |
| | Unisex | To enjoy life; To live life | |
| | Unisex | One who believes in enjoying the life | |
| | Boy | Jesus is worthy of worship | |
| | Boy | A person born on Friday | |
| | Boy | To mock or ridicule someone | |
| | Unisex | Pamper me; Take good care of me | |
| | Unisex | The first; First born | |
| | Boy | Do not destroy joy | |
| | Boy | Do not let it be a thing of pain | |
| | Boy | One who brings joy to the family | |
| | Unisex | Strength; Courageous; Leader | |
| | Boy | Freedom | |
| | Boy | A boy who is born of wealth | |
| | Boy | A man wearing a crown of wealth or affluence | |
| | Unisex | Thank you, God, for this gift | |
| | Boy | I waited on the Lord | |
| | Boy | One who stands on the promise of God | |
| | Boy | A man who graciously accepts God's will | |
| | Boy | To God belongs the glory | |
| | Boy | One who is placed in God's care | |
| | Unisex | Enjoying the wealth of God | |
| | Unisex | A resembling child | |
| | Boy | Born in royalty | |
| | Unisex | Strong, determined, and courageous | |
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.
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.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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.
References
- 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.
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