A name is not just the declaration of one’s identity, but also an expression of what and who constitutes the unique self. So you should look for a name that reflects culture and heritage, especially if you happen to be from southern Nigeria.
Igbo is an ethnic group from Southeast Nigeria. 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 appraising the strength and power of God while naming their children. Deceased ancestor and place of birth are other considerations. To differentiate individuals with the same names in the same generation, the elders join the father’s first name to the given name. 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 an evidence of your root and a mark of the identity. Surnames are also used for sustaining the family heritage. Unlike western custom, women do not change their last names after marriage. Even if it was necessary, she could change it to her husband’s first name.
Below is MomJunction's compilation of Igbo baby names with meanings. We’ve included popular, traditional, latest, everything for you below.
NAMES | MEANING | GENDER | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Achike | Give praise to God | Boy | |||
Akumjeli | I will enjoy that wealth | Girl | |||
Akwaugo | My precious daughter | Girl | |||
Amaogechukwu | Lord's time is the best | Girl | |||
Chibuikem | God is my power | Boy | |||
Chidindu | Show the world that God is alive | Boy | |||
Chimamanda | My God Will Not Fall or Fail Me | Boy | |||
Chizutere | God's envoy | Boy | |||
Chukwudaalu | thank you, Lord or thank God | Girl | |||
Chukwuebuka | God is great | Boy | |||
Ekene | The one who recieves a lot of praise | Unisex | |||
Fumnanya | Love me | Girl | |||
Ginikachukwu | There's nothing greater than a child and "there's nothing greater than the Lord | Girl | |||
Ifeanyichukwu | God is most powerful or no one is greater than God. | Boy | |||
Isioma | One who is fortunate and blessed. | Girl | |||
Kamsiyochukwu | God gave me exactly as I asked | Boy | |||
Obimnaetochukwu | My heart praises God | Boy | |||
Onochie | The one who can replace the status of father. | Boy | |||
Ozioma | The message, God's good news | Girl | |||
Uzoamaka | A good path | Girl | |||
Abaeze | Branch of the kings | Boy | |||
Achebe | One who is protected by the Goddess | Unisex | |||
Adaego | Daughter of wealth | Girl | |||
Adaeze | Princess, daughter of the king. | Girl | |||
Adaku | A girl born into wealthy family or the one who brings wealth to the family. | Girl | |||
Adanna | Father's daughter, given to the elder sister of a girl | Girl | |||
Adaobi | The first daughter in the family compound. | Girl | |||
Adaolisa | God's daughter. | Girl | |||
Adaugo | Beautiful daughter or daughter of an eagle. | Girl | |||
Adaure | Daughter of Uruala, a town in Imo State. | Girl | |||
Addana | The younger sister of a girl | Girl | |||
Afamefuna | My name will not be lost. | Boy | |||
Ahunna | One with the body of her father. | Girl | |||
Akachukwu | The hand of God. | Boy | |||
Akuada | A girl born into a wealthy family. | Girl | |||
Akunna | Father's wealth. | Boy | |||
Amaechi | Who knows tomorrow? | Boy | |||
Amaka | Queen of ravishing beauty who is spontaneous and versatile by nature | Unisex | |||
Amandi | Trust no one, one who doesn't trust anyone easily. | Boy | |||
Amara | Immortal Being; one who is blessed without end or death; blessed with eternal life; Grace or Bitter | Boy | |||
Amobi | Who knows the heart of man? | Boy | |||
Anozie | We are now settled or well positioned. | Boy | |||
Anwuli | Joy, a joyous and happy girl. | Girl | |||
Anwulichukwu | Joy of the lord. | Girl | |||
Anwulika | My joy is great or joy is greater. | Girl | |||
Apunanwu | A precious and beautiful girl untainted by the sun. | Girl | |||
Arinzechukwu | Thanks be to God. | Boy | |||
Azubuike | Strength gained from experiences of the past. | Boy | |||
Binyelum | Stay with me. | Girl | |||
Bunkechukwu | The one who belongs to God. | Boy | |||