406 Nigerian Baby Names From The Giant Of Africa
Names that reflect the pride and traditions of the people from Giant of Africa.
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.
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Name | Gender | Meaning | |
---|---|---|---|
| Girl | Rain; Rule with nobility; Honor confers a crown | |
| Boy | Beautifier; Beautiful; Handsome | |
| Girl | Embrace the father | |
| Unisex | A gift from God has come | |
| Boy | Yahweh is gracious | |
| Boy | God's gift; From Lydia; Yahweh is gracious; Fragrant flower | |
| Boy | King | |
| Boy | Brave; Heroic; Valor | |
| Boy | Glorify God | |
| Unisex | Collateral; Guarantor; Responsibility-bearer | |
| Boy | Remember the father or the God | |
| Girl | Princess; Eldest daughter of a king | |
| Boy | The crown has turned to joy | |
| Girl | Defender or helper of the people; Most beautiful | |
| Boy | God knows; God knows better than anyone | |
| Boy | God is merciful | |
| Boy | One who always agrees with God | |
| Boy | The power of God | |
| Unisex | God is worth worshiping | |
| Boy | One born during a journey | |
| Girl | Received by God | |
| Boy | God knows the heart | |
| Boy | God is strength | |
| Boy | May God appease | |
| Girl | A charming and enchanting woman | |
| Unisex | Strength; Powerful | |
| Boy | The hand of God | |
| Boy | Return of the crown; A child born after many years of waiting | |
| Boy | Thanks be to God | |
| Boy | God is glorious and great | |
| Boy | God has done well | |
| Boy | May God fix mend | |
| Boy | The glory and greatness of God | |
| Boy | God is the most powerful; We can do anything with God | |
| Boy | Sixth born child; Favorite one; Beloved | |
| Boy | First son; Blond prince; Rosary | |
| Boy | As God has written it or the will of God | |
| Girl | Victory; Cherished | |
| Girl | Beautiful daughter or daughter of an eagle | |
| Boy | The king; Ruler | |
| Girl | One who is proud | |
| Girl | God's gift | |
| Girl | The good mother | |
| Girl | A lucky woman; God expands wealth | |
| Girl | Love | |
| Girl | The first daughter in the family compound | |
| Girl | Twin girl; Beautiful | |
| Unisex | Untimely; Not black; Pink | |
| Girl | God says I shall live | |
| Girl | Honor confers a crown; Rule with nobility | |
| Girl | Good luck | |
| Girl | God's gift | |
| Girl | God's gift | |
| Girl | Blessing has come to me; A girl who has brought blessings to her family | |
| Girl | Honor bestows a crown. | |
| Girl | Beauty marks; Heart; Tree; True poetry | |
| Boy | Man | |
| Boy | Big, Older; Wine | |
| Girl | Stone; Rain | |
| Boy | The Supreme divine; the one beyond everything | |
| Girl | Lover of art and culture | |
| Unisex | Born during the rainy season; Judge | |
| Girl | Resembles mother's mother | |
| Boy | God; In honor of the supreme God | |
| Girl | The Charm of a King that wins over the hearts of others; One who can win with his charm | |
| Boy | Hindu name of deity Lord Krishna | |
| Unisex | Persons of success; Pupil of triumph | |
| Boy | The one who can replace the status of father | |
| Girl | A woman who has redeemed herself | |
| Unisex | A settlement; A town near the hedge; All praises to God | |
| Boy | Branch of the kings | |
| Boy | God won't allow humiliation | |
| Girl | We asked for a girl child | |
| Boy | One born during the holiday | |
| Boy | The bringer of happiness | |
| Boy | One born before the war | |
| Boy | One born at the time of festival | |
| Girl | One born on the fourth day | |
| Girl | A good and virtuous lady | |
| Boy | A Nigerian term meaning royalty dwells within me | |
| Boy | The royal one | |
| Girl | Your wealth supports us | |
| Girl | The pampered crown | |
| Girl | God's joy | |
| Boy | A Nigerian term meaning guest | |
| Boy | Don't ever leave me | |
| Girl | The wealth of this house. | |
| Boy | One who always remembers God | |
| Girl | A sweet and precious girl | |
| Boy | Let God do it | |
| Girl | God thinks good of me | |
| Girl | One who is valuable and important to everyone | |
| Boy | One born during good times | |
| Boy | One who waits for the joy of life | |
| Boy | You won't follow my lead | |
| Boy | One who is not bothered by enemies | |
| Girl | One who was born on Eke market day | |
| Boy | War or battle | |
| Boy | God's will | |
| Girl | Only God is great | |
Consider Nigerian baby names as intricate fragments within the rich tapestry of the nation's cultures. Amid diverse ethnic influences, Nigerian names span from Anglicized forms to profoundly evocative ones. They frequently harbor intricate layers of significance, underscoring the conviction in a name's potential to mold a child's fate. Whether rooted in birth timing, weekly cycles, or religious tenets, each name embodies a portal to Nigeria's historical continuum and the cherished ethics embraced by families and communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Nigerian name means God's gift?
Names like Ebunoluwa, Eserovwe, Izibekien, and Onyinyechi are examples of Nigerian names that mean ‘God’s gift.’
2. What is the Nigerian name for Angel?
Angels are messengers of God and symbolize love and protection. Chi is a short Nigerian name that means ‘angel’ or ‘personal guardian angel.’
3. What Nigerian name means love?
Ife and Funanya are Nigerian names that mean ‘love.’ Blessing your children with such love-filled names will surely leave them feeling special.
4. What Nigerian name means joy?
Complex Nigerian names such as Titilayo, Dayo, and Ayo emulate the true spirit and feeling of ‘joy.’
5. What baby name means miracle?
Bless the little miracle in your life with Nigerian names like Oluebube, Odachi, and Iyanuoluwa, which mean ‘miracle.’
6. What is the Nigerian name for God loves Me?
A parent who desires their child to grow up with a sense of deep divine love can opt for the Nigerian name Olufemi which means ‘God loves me.’
7. What Nigerian name means hope?
Ndulue is the Nigerian name for ‘hope’, which instills in the child the belief in a brighter future.
8. What Nigerian name means strong?
Ekon is an example of a Nigerian name that means ‘strong.’ Baby names that mean ‘strong’ often symbolize attributes like power, resilience, courage, and fortitude.
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.
References
- A Guide To Names And Naming Practices.
https://www.fbiic.gov/public/2008/nov/Naming_practice_guide_UK_2006.pdf
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