204 Igbo Baby Names With Meanings

igbo-baby-names-with-meanings

Igbo baby names are versatile and have great cultural significance. Igbo is an ethnic group from Southeast Nigeria. People with Igbo roots follow distinctive naming practices that stand out because of their intrinsic richness, depth, and symbolic meanings. Most of the Igbo names are grammatically constructed and have symbolic meanings. The names reflect the circumstances under which the child was born. Some names also have strong undertones, as Igbo people believe in praising the strength and power of God while naming their children. The Igbo culture is incredibly rich with unique rituals, ceremonies, and traditions that they observe to commemorate every significant phase of their lives. Among these traditions is 'Igu nwa aha,' a child-naming ceremony (1), which is held shortly after the birth of a child. It is usually organized within two to three weeks or seven to twelve days in Igbo terms. This is because a week in Igbo culture comprises four market days: Eke, Orie, Afor, and Nkwor. This ceremony serves as a formal introduction of the child to the extended family. Typically, the ceremony starts with acknowledging the ancestors, followed by naming the child and planting a sapling symbolizing survival, flourishing, and longevity. This ceremony is followed by the traditional breaking of the kola nut, prayers for the newborn, her parents, the attendees, and finally, gratitude to the ancestors for their blessings and a plea for their protection over the child. One noteworthy aspect of naming a child in Igbo culture is considering the significance behind the name. Igbos usually name their children after carefully assessing the circumstances surrounding their birth. Naming a child could be influenced by birthmarks, resemblance to a specific individual, pledges of reincarnation from a certain person, a dream, the family's current or past situation, etc. To differentiate individuals with the same names in the same generation, the elders join the father's first name to the given title. It's also said that in the old times, Igbo women were named after market days. Surnames are equally important amongst the Igbo people. It's evidence of your root and a mark of your identity. Surnames are also used to sustain the family heritage. Below is a compilation of Igbo baby names with meanings.

Name Gender Meaning
heart image Abaeze Baby Boy Sign Boy Branch of the kings
heart image Achebe Unisex Baby Sign Unisex One who is protected by the Goddess
heart image Achike Baby Boy Sign Boy Give praise to God
heart image Adaego Baby Girl Sign Girl Daughter of wealth
heart image Adaeze Baby Girl Sign Girl Princess; Daughter of a king
heart image Adaku Baby Girl Sign Girl A girl born into a wealthy family or the one who brings wealth to the family
heart image Adanna Baby Girl Sign Girl Eldest daughter of father
heart image Adaobi Baby Girl Sign Girl The first daughter in the family compound
heart image Adaolisa Baby Girl Sign Girl God's daughter
heart image Adaugo Baby Girl Sign Girl Beautiful daughter or daughter of an eagle
heart image Adaure Baby Girl Sign Girl Daughter of Uruala, a town in Imo state
heart image Addana Baby Girl Sign Girl The younger sister of a girl
heart image Afamefuna Baby Boy Sign Boy My name will not be lost
heart image Ahunna Baby Girl Sign Girl One with the body of her father
heart image Akachukwu Baby Boy Sign Boy The hand of God
heart image Akuada Baby Girl Sign Girl A girl born into a wealthy family
heart image Akumjeli Baby Girl Sign Girl I will enjoy that wealth
heart image Akunna Baby Boy Sign Boy Father's wealth
heart image Akwaugo Baby Girl Sign Girl My precious daughter
heart image Amaechi Baby Boy Sign Boy One who knows tomorrow
heart image Amaka Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Queen of ravishing beauty
heart image Amandi Baby Boy Sign Boy One who does not trust easily
heart image Amaogechukwu Baby Girl Sign Girl The Lord's time is the best
heart image Amara Baby Boy Sign Boy Immortal being; Blessed with eternal life; Grace and gracious
heart image Amobi Baby Boy Sign Boy Who knows the heart of man
heart image Anozie Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is settled or well-positioned
heart image Anwuli Baby Girl Sign Girl Joy; A joyous and happy girl
heart image Anwulichukwu Baby Girl Sign Girl Joy of the Lord
heart image Anwulika Baby Girl Sign Girl My joy is great; Joy is greater
heart image Apunanwu Baby Girl Sign Girl A precious and beautiful girl untainted by the sun
heart image Arinzechukwu Baby Boy Sign Boy Thanks be to God
heart image Azubuike Baby Boy Sign Boy Strength gained from experiences of the past
heart image Binyelum Baby Girl Sign Girl Stay with me
heart image Bunkechukwu Baby Boy Sign Boy Belongs to God
heart image Chetachi Baby Boy Sign Boy One who always remembers God
heart image Chetachukwu Baby Boy Sign Boy One who always remembers God
heart image Chiagozie Baby Girl Sign Girl God has blessed me
heart image Chiasoka Baby Girl Sign Girl God is too sweet
heart image Chiazokam Baby Girl Sign Girl God has saved me well
heart image Chibarameze Baby Girl Sign Girl God has made me a king
heart image Chibinobim Baby Girl Sign Girl God dwells in my heart
heart image Chibuike Baby Boy Sign Boy God is strength
heart image Chibuikem Baby Boy Sign Boy God is my power
heart image Chibundo Baby Girl Sign Girl God is my shelter
heart image Chibundu Baby Boy Sign Boy God is life
heart image Chibunna Baby Boy Sign Boy God is my father
heart image Chibuogu Baby Girl Sign Girl God is my strength
heart image Chibuzor Baby Boy Sign Boy God first or God leads
heart image Chichima Baby Girl Sign Girl A sweet and precious girl
heart image Chidera Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God is merciful
heart image Chidiadi Baby Boy Sign Boy There is God
heart image Chidiebere Baby Boy Sign Boy God is merciful
heart image Chidiebube Baby Boy Sign Boy God is glorious and great
heart image Chidindu Baby Boy Sign Boy Show the world that God is alive
heart image Chidinma Baby Girl Sign Girl Grace of God
heart image Chidozie Baby Boy Sign Boy May God fix it and make it good for me
heart image Chiekezie Baby Boy Sign Boy God has made it good for me
heart image Chiemeka Baby Boy Sign Boy God has done well
heart image Chiemelie Baby Boy Sign Boy God has won
heart image Chiemezie Baby Boy Sign Boy God has made it good for me
heart image Chigozie Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Blessing from God
heart image Chikanma Baby Boy Sign Boy God is better than any other thing
heart image Chikezie Baby Boy Sign Boy May God appease
heart image Chimamanda Baby Boy Sign Boy My God will not fall or fail me
heart image Chimankpa Baby Boy Sign Boy God know my wants
heart image Chimaobi Baby Boy Sign Boy God knows the heart
heart image Chimezie Baby Boy Sign Boy Let God do it
heart image Chinaka Baby Boy Sign Boy God decides or God schedules
heart image Chinecherem Baby Boy Sign Boy God thinks and worries on my behalf
heart image Chinechezirim Baby Girl Sign Girl God thinks good of me
heart image Chinedu Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God leads
heart image Chioke Baby Boy Sign Boy Gift of God
heart image Chisimdi Baby Girl Sign Girl God says I shall live
heart image Chisom Baby Boy Sign Boy God is with me
heart image Chizutere Baby Boy Sign Boy God's envoy
heart image Chukwudaalu Baby Girl Sign Girl thank you, Lord or thank God
heart image Chukwudumaga Baby Boy Sign Boy God leads me
heart image Chukwuebuka Baby Boy Sign Boy God is great
heart image Chukwuemerie Baby Boy Sign Boy God has won
heart image Chukwueneka Baby Boy Sign Boy God is kind to us
heart image Chukwuma Baby Boy Sign Boy God knows; God knows better than anyone
heart image Chuwudubem Baby Boy Sign Boy Lead me God
heart image Daberechi Baby Girl Sign Girl Lean on God; One who is dependent on God.
heart image Daluchi Baby Girl Sign Girl Thank God
heart image Debare Baby Boy Sign Boy One born during good times
heart image Diarachukwundu Baby Boy Sign Boy Live for God
heart image Ebubechukwu Baby Boy Sign Boy The glory and greatness of God
heart image Echezonanna Baby Boy Sign Boy Don't forget your God and your father
heart image Ejikeme Baby Boy Sign Boy It's not by power
heart image Ekemma Baby Girl Sign Girl One who was born on Eke market day
heart image Ekene Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The one who receives a lot of praise
heart image Ekenedilichukwu Baby Boy Sign Boy Thanks be to God
heart image Emeka Baby Boy Sign Boy Great deeds; God has done it
heart image Emenike Baby Boy Sign Boy It's not by might or power
heart image Enyinnaya Baby Boy Sign Boy His father's friend
heart image Epkereamaka Baby Girl Sign Girl One who finds prayer is good and wonderful
heart image Esomchi Baby Boy Sign Boy Walking with the lord; One who follows God
heart image Ewelike Baby Boy Sign Boy It's not by power
heart image Ezesinachi Baby Boy Sign Boy The chief is from God
heart image Ezeudo Baby Boy Sign Boy King of peace
1 2 3

Igbo baby names have profound meanings, often reflecting a child's birth circumstances or ancestors' beliefs. These names connect the child to Igbo history by tying together kinship, cultural, and historical threads. Igbo names, which convey ancestry, shared history, and parents' hopes for their children, are viewed as more than just labels, as they are an essential part of the Igbo cultural identity. So embrace your Igbo heritage or your love for the community by picking a name from the list above.

Infographic: Fascinating Igbo Baby Names

The Igbo people are famous for their enterprising and adventurous spirit. They are also well-known for their exotic food, dance, music, and festivals. Igbos are profoundly religious, and so most names connote god. You will also find many traditional, easy-to-pronounce, and trendy Igbo names. Read this infographic for some great options.

the most special igbo baby names (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Igbo naming culture?

It is interesting to watch in Igbo cultures that all their names contain distinct meanings. Interestingly, names are given to babies to express the parent's appreciation for the almighty or to declare the child's greatness. Furthermore, it could also mean conveying optimism for the future, asserting the family's greatness, or lamenting the preceding misfortune in childbirth.

2. What is the symbolism behind some of the most popular Igbo baby names?

Some popular names in Igbo culture include Emeka meaning ‘God did a greater deed,’ Obinna, meaning ‘heart of the father,’ and Chidimma meaning ‘God is good.’

3. What is the significance of adding titles or honorifics to an Igbo baby's name?

With the inclusion of honorifics, it is intended to display the degree of respect on different occasions of interaction between two people. Furthermore, it could remind others of the relationship between the two and attract others’ attention (2).

References

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  1. Child-naming in The Igbo Culture.
    https://thecircular.org/child-naming-in-the-igbo-culture/
  2. Name and Politeness: Multiple Address Term among the Igbo
    http://www.languageinindia.com/june2019/amakanamepolitenessigbo1.pdf
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