422 Nigerian Baby Names With Meanings

Nigerian baby names are as unique as the culture of this region, which is one of the many reasons behind the popularity of these names. Nigerian parents like to be descriptive regarding naming tradition, but the customs vary by ethnic group. Some families and tribes prefer anglicized names, while others don't. But one thing is common - almost all families and tribes pick names that express their expectations of the child or the circumstances surrounding the baby's birth. That's because Nigerians believe that a name has a determining effect on the child's life. Naming traditions in Nigeria showcase immense diversity due to the many ethnic groups nationwide. Three significant groups – Yoruba, Igbo/Ibo, and Hausa – each possess distinct and characteristic naming practices. Within Yoruba culture, prevalent in the southwestern regions, names carry profound meanings. They generally comprise a first name followed by a family name, often constructed using compound words. Elements like ade, ayo, oba, and oluwa are frequently integrated. Olatunde, for instance, translates to 'return of wealth.' In the Igbo/Ibo tradition dominant in the southeast, compound names are shaped using components like amaka and chi. Abbreviations are widespread, and some names transcend gender confines. Western influences are evident in personal names, frequently derived from the Bible, like Chukwuma Moses Chinedu. Among the Hausa names prevailing in the northern zones, Islamic influences interlace. Ahmad stands as a recognizable first name, and compound names frequently commence with Abdul, symbolizing 'servant of' (1). Some tribes also give their children as many as five names, but only one or two are used. The child's position in the family is also considered while naming. Naming the child after the day they were born is also popular in Nigeria. If Nigerian baby naming traditions attract you and you want to explore Nigerian baby names, explore the list shared below.

Name		Gender	Meaning
Abaeze		Boy	Branch of the kings
Abayomrunkoje		Boy	God won't allow humiliation
Abebi		Girl	We asked for a girl child
Abegunde		Boy	One born during the holiday
Abeo		Boy	The bringer of happiness
Abidugun		Boy	One born before the war
Abigail		Girl	Father's joy
Abiodun		Boy	One born at the time of festival
Achojah		Boy	Rise up to challenge
Adaego		Girl	Daughter of wealth
Adaeze		Girl	Princess; Daughter of a king
Adaku		Girl	A girl born into a wealthy family or the one who brings wealth to the family
Adankwo		Girl	One born on the fourth day
Adaobi		Girl	The first daughter in the family compound
Adaolisa		Girl	God's daughter
Adaoma		Girl	A good and virtuous lady
Adaora		Girl	Daughter of all
Adaugo		Girl	Beautiful daughter or daughter of an eagle
Adaure		Girl	Daughter of Uruala, a town in Imo state
Adebamgbe		Boy	A Nigerian term meaning royalty dwells within me
Adebiyi		Boy	The royal one
Adebowale		Boy	Return of the crown; A child born after many years of waiting
Adedayo		Boy	The crown has turned to joy
Adefolake		Girl	Your wealth supports us
Aderiyike		Girl	The pampered crown
Afamefuna		Boy	My name will not be lost
Agbarha		Boy	Born in Agbarha
Ahunna		Girl	One with the body of her father
Ahwinahwi		Boy	A really black or dark individual
Akachukwu		Boy	The hand of God
Akin		Boy	Brave; Heroic; Man
Akpenvwoghene		Unisex	To praise God
Akpobome		Unisex	My own life
Akpofure		Boy	Life is now peaceful
Akporovwovwo		Unisex	Good life in later years
Akuada		Girl	A girl born into a wealthy family
Akunna		Boy	Father's wealth
Alaye		Unisex	Exalted or noble
Amaechi		Boy	One who knows tomorrow
Amandi		Boy	One who does not trust easily
Amobi		Boy	Who knows the heart of man
Anaborhi		Unisex	One who is born with good destiny
Anozie		Boy	One who is settled or well-positioned
Anwilichukwu		Girl	God's joy
Anwuli		Girl	Joy; A joyous and happy girl
Anwulichukwu		Girl	Joy of the Lord
Anwulika		Girl	My joy is great; Joy is greater
Apunanwu		Girl	A precious and beautiful girl untainted by the sun
Aretta		Girl	A charming and enchanting woman
Arinzechukwu		Boy	Thanks be to God
Aruegodore		Boy	We have come home
Asaroyoma		Girl	Comfort zones
Ataikiru		Boy	Talk or plan before taking action
Avwunudiogba		Unisex	Those who profess strength with mere talk
Azi		Boy	Youth
Azubuike		Boy	Strength gained from experiences of the past
Bako		Boy	A Nigerian term meaning guest
Banjoko		Boy	Don't ever leave me
Benjamin		Boy	Son of the right hand; Son of the south
Binyelum		Girl	Stay with me
Blessing		Girl	Consecration
Bolanile		Girl	The wealth of this house.
Bunkechukwu		Boy	Belongs to God
Chetachi		Boy	One who always remembers God
Chetachukwu		Boy	One who always remembers God
Chiagozie		Girl	God has blessed me
Chiasoka		Girl	God is too sweet
Chiazokam		Girl	God has saved me well
Chibarameze		Girl	God has made me a king
Chibinobim		Girl	God dwells in my heart
Chibuike		Boy	God is strength
Chibundo		Girl	God is my shelter
Chibundu		Boy	God is life
Chibunna		Boy	God is my father
Chibuogu		Girl	God is my strength
Chibuzor		Boy	God first or God leads
Chichima		Girl	A sweet and precious girl
Chidiadi		Boy	There is God
Chidiebere		Boy	God is merciful
Chidiebube		Boy	God is glorious and great
Chidozie		Boy	May God fix it and make it good for me
Chiekezie		Boy	God has made it good for me
Chiemeka		Boy	God has done well
Chiemelie		Boy	God has won
Chiemezie		Boy	God has made it good for me
Chikanma		Boy	God is better than any other thing
Chikezie		Boy	May God appease
Chimankpa		Boy	God know my wants
Chimaobi		Boy	God knows the heart
Chimezie		Boy	Let God do it
Chinaka		Boy	God decides or God schedules
Chinara		Girl	Received by God
Chinecherem		Boy	God thinks and worries on my behalf
Chinechezirim		Girl	God thinks good of me
Chioma		Boy	God is good
Chisimdi		Girl	God says I shall live
Chuk		Boy	The Supreme divine; the one beyond everything
Chukwudumaga		Boy	God leads me
Chukwuemerie		Boy	God has won
Chukwuma		Boy	God knows; God knows better than anyone

Infographic: Time-honored Nigerian Baby Names

Nigeria is a place of rich diversity, with several native groups, each with varying practices of naming their newborns. But what they share is an abundance of unique and inspiring names. Choosing a Nigerian name is a great way to honor your roots. Go through this infographic to discover the best options.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team