406 Nigerian Baby Names From The 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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NameGenderMeaning
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Sade
Baby Girl Sign Girl Rain; Rule with nobility; Honor confers a crown
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Zayaan
Baby Boy Sign Boy Beautifier; Beautiful; Handsome
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Jidenna
Baby Girl Sign Girl Embrace the father
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Adeya
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex A gift from God has come
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Yohanna
Baby Boy Sign Boy Yahweh is gracious
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Jaja
Baby Boy Sign Boy God's gift; From Lydia; Yahweh is gracious; Fragrant flower
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Ovie
Baby Boy Sign Boy King
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Akin
Baby Boy Sign Boy Brave; Heroic; Valor
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Kelechi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Glorify God
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Jamani
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Collateral; Guarantor; Responsibility-bearer
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Lotanna
Baby Boy Sign Boy Remember the father or the God
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Adaeze
Baby Girl Sign Girl Princess; Eldest daughter of a king
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Adedayo
Baby Boy Sign Boy The crown has turned to joy
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Alika
Baby Girl Sign Girl Defender or helper of the people; Most beautiful
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Chukwuma
Baby Boy Sign Boy God knows; God knows better than anyone
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Chidiebere
Baby Boy Sign Boy God is merciful
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Munachimso
Baby Boy Sign Boy One who always agrees with God
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Ikechukwu
Baby Boy Sign Boy The power of God
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Oluwatosin
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God is worth worshiping
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Uzoma
Baby Boy Sign Boy One born during a journey
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Chinara
Baby Girl Sign Girl Received by God
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Chimaobi
Baby Boy Sign Boy God knows the heart
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Chibuike
Baby Boy Sign Boy God is strength
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Chikezie
Baby Boy Sign Boy May God appease
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Aretta
Baby Girl Sign Girl A charming and enchanting woman
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Kwali
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strength; Powerful
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Akachukwu
Baby Boy Sign Boy The hand of God
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Adebowale
Baby Boy Sign Boy Return of the crown; A child born after many years of waiting
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Arinzechukwu
Baby Boy Sign Boy Thanks be to God
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Chidiebube
Baby Boy Sign Boy God is glorious and great
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Chiemeka
Baby Boy Sign Boy God has done well
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Chidozie
Baby Boy Sign Boy May God fix mend
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Ebubechukwu
Baby Boy Sign Boy The glory and greatness of God
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Ifeanyichukwu
Baby Boy Sign Boy God is the most powerful; We can do anything with God
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Essien
Baby Boy Sign Boy Sixth born child; Favorite one; Beloved
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Saro
Baby Boy Sign Boy First son; Blond prince; Rosary
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Kachiside
Baby Boy Sign Boy As God has written it or the will of God
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Nike
Baby Girl Sign Girl Victory; Cherished
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Adaugo
Baby Girl Sign Girl Beautiful daughter or daughter of an eagle
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Oba
Baby Boy Sign Boy The king; Ruler
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Asian
Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is proud
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Ebunoluwa
Baby Girl Sign Girl God's gift
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Ezinne
Baby Girl Sign Girl The good mother
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Fela
Baby Girl Sign Girl A lucky woman; God expands wealth
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Ifunanya
Baby Girl Sign Girl Love
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Adaobi
Baby Girl Sign Girl The first daughter in the family compound
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Hassana
Baby Girl Sign Girl Twin girl; Beautiful
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Akala
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Untimely; Not black; Pink
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Chisimdi
Baby Girl Sign Girl God says I shall live
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Folasade
Baby Girl Sign Girl Honor confers a crown; Rule with nobility
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Isioma
Baby Girl Sign Girl Good luck
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Esohe
Baby Girl Sign Girl God's gift
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Taneisha
Baby Girl Sign Girl God's gift
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Iretomiwa
Baby Girl Sign Girl Blessing has come to me; A girl who has brought blessings to her family
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Folashade
Baby Girl Sign Girl Honor bestows a crown.
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Shima
Baby Girl Sign Girl Beauty marks; Heart; Tree; True poetry
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Adim
Baby Boy Sign Boy Man
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Bade
Baby Boy Sign Boy Big, Older; Wine
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Bi
Baby Girl Sign Girl Stone; Rain
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Chuk
Baby Boy Sign Boy The Supreme divine; the one beyond everything
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Jol
Baby Girl Sign Girl Lover of art and culture
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Nasha
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Born during the rainy season; Judge
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Nnenne
Baby Girl Sign Girl Resembles mother's mother
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Obasi
Baby Boy Sign Boy God; In honor of the supreme God
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Obioma
Baby Girl Sign Girl The Charm of a King that wins over the hearts of others; One who can win with his charm
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Ochuko
Baby Boy Sign Boy Hindu name of deity Lord Krishna
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Oladele
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Persons of success; Pupil of triumph
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Onochie
Baby Boy Sign Boy The one who can replace the status of father
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Redeem
Baby Girl Sign Girl A woman who has redeemed herself
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Tonna
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex A settlement; A town near the hedge; All praises to God
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Abaeze
Baby Boy Sign Boy Branch of the kings
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Abayomrunkoje
Baby Boy Sign Boy God won't allow humiliation
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Abebi
Baby Girl Sign Girl We asked for a girl child
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Abegunde
Baby Boy Sign Boy One born during the holiday
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Abeo
Baby Boy Sign Boy The bringer of happiness
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Abidugun
Baby Boy Sign Boy One born before the war
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Abiodun
Baby Boy Sign Boy One born at the time of festival
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Adankwo
Baby Girl Sign Girl One born on the fourth day
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Adaoma
Baby Girl Sign Girl A good and virtuous lady
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Adebamgbe
Baby Boy Sign Boy A Nigerian term meaning royalty dwells within me
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Adebiyi
Baby Boy Sign Boy The royal one
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Adefolake
Baby Girl Sign Girl Your wealth supports us
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Aderiyike
Baby Girl Sign Girl The pampered crown
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Anwilichukwu
Baby Girl Sign Girl God's joy
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Bako
Baby Boy Sign Boy A Nigerian term meaning guest
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Banjoko
Baby Boy Sign Boy Don't ever leave me
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Bolanile
Baby Girl Sign Girl The wealth of this house.
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Chetachukwu
Baby Boy Sign Boy One who always remembers God
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Chichima
Baby Girl Sign Girl A sweet and precious girl
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Chimezie
Baby Boy Sign Boy Let God do it
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Chinechezirim
Baby Girl Sign Girl God thinks good of me
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Daraja
Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is valuable and important to everyone
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Debare
Baby Boy Sign Boy One born during good times
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Durojaiye
Baby Boy Sign Boy One who waits for the joy of life
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Ebhaleleme
Baby Boy Sign Boy You won't follow my lead
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Egharevba
Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is not bothered by enemies
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Ekemma
Baby Girl Sign Girl One who was born on Eke market day
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Ekong
Baby Boy Sign Boy War or battle
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Elochukwu
Baby Boy Sign Boy God's will
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Emilohi
Baby Girl Sign Girl Only God is great
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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.

strong and authentic nigerian baby names (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. A Guide To Names And Naming Practices.
    https://www.fbiic.gov/public/2008/nov/Naming_practice_guide_UK_2006.pdf
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