422 Nigerian Baby Names With Meanings

Names that reflect the pride and traditions of the people from Giant of Africa.

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• Sep 8, 2023

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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
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

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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)

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

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.

A Guide To Names And Naming Practices.
https://www.fbiic.gov/public/2008/nov/Naming_practice_guide_UK_2006.pdf

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.