277 Nigerian Baby Boy Names With Meanings

Let your son revel in the African spirit with a name that is strong and full of character.

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Praven is an English literature expert. He did his bachelors in English from Delhi University and masters in English from Manipur University. Besides, he holds a certificate in multimedia design and c... more

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Vidya did her post-graduation in Biotechnology from Osmania University, Hyderabad. Her interest in scientific research and writing made her pursue a career in writing, in which she now has over five y... more

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Trisha worked as a schoolteacher for three years before taking up professional writing in 2021. She completed her masters in English from the University of Calcutta and bachelors in Education from the... more

• Sep 11, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

If you are searching for baby names with deep spiritual roots and profound cultural significance, these Nigerian baby boy names with meanings will undoubtedly appeal to you. These names embody strength and charisma, representing Nigeria's fascinating tapestry of linguistic, cultural, and historical diversity.

Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups and languages, each with its unique naming practices (1). Among them, Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa are the three main ethnic groups that use a patrilineal naming system. According to this system, the son inherits the father's name as a mark of continuity and ancestry (2). This practice honors and preserves the family lineage from one generation to another.

Nigerian boys' names are frequently derived from local languages, carrying significant cultural significance. For instance, titles like Adekunle (the crown has filled the home), Oladipo (wealth has become great), or Babatunde (the father has returned) are often used for boys in Yoruba culture, reflecting a child's distinctive characteristics or goals.

Religion is another aspect that plays a prominent role in the Nigerian naming system. Nigeria is home to diverse religious landscapes, with a sizable Muslim and Christian population. As a result, several male names in Nigeria are frequently of Arabic origin and reflect Islamic traditions, such as Muhammad, Ibrahim, and Abdullah. On the other hand, Christian names frequently relate the child to biblical characters or virtues, such as David, Joshua, and Samuel.

A family's social status and aspirations are other aspects that influence the Nigerian baby naming system. Therefore, parents occasionally pick names that reflect a desired social position or convey their expectations for their child's future achievements. Some positively aspirational names that are common in Nigerian culture include Chukwudi (God is alive), Obinna (father's heart), and Chinedu (God leads).

In recent times, Nigerian families have increasingly embraced more modern or Western names, overshadowing personal names of Nigerian origin (3). However, these traditional Nigerian names still hold a prominent place in Nigerian society, and their uniqueness has led people from different countries to embrace them. The exhaustive list of Nigerian baby boy names below brings you several one-of-a-kind options you can consider for your prince.

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Name	Gender	Meaning
Benjamin	Boy	Son of the right hand; Son of the south
Emmanuel	Boy	God is with us
Gabriel	Unisex	God is my strength
Isaac	Boy	He will laugh
Kingsley	Boy	King's meadow
Michael	Boy	Who is like God
Peter	Boy	Rock; Stone
Sam	Boy	The child of the Sun; God has set
Samuel	Boy	Name of God
Abaeze	Boy	Branch of the kings

Abayomrunkoje	Boy	God won't allow humiliation
Abegunde	Boy	One born during the holiday
Abeo	Boy	The bringer of happiness
Abidugun	Boy	One born before the war
Abiodun	Boy	One born at the time of festival
Achojah	Boy	Rise up to challenge
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

Afamefuna	Boy	My name will not be lost
Agbarha	Boy	Born in Agbarha
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
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
Arinzechukwu	Boy	Thanks be to God
Aruegodore	Boy	We have come home
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
Bunkechukwu	Boy	Belongs to God
Chetachi	Boy	One who always remembers God
Chetachukwu	Boy	One who always remembers God
Chibuike	Boy	God is strength
Chibundu	Boy	God is life
Chibunna	Boy	God is my father

Chibuzor	Boy	God first or God leads
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
Chinecherem	Boy	God thinks and worries on my behalf
Chioma	Boy	God is good
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
Chuma	Unisex	Wealth; Fortunate
Chuwudubem	Boy	Lead me God
Dayo	Unisex	Arrival of joy
Debare	Boy	One born during good times
Diarachukwundu	Boy	Live for God
Durojaiye	Boy	One who waits for the joy of life
Ebhaleleme	Boy	You won't follow my lead
Ebubechukwu	Boy	The glory and greatness of God
Echezonanna	Boy	Don't forget your God and your father

Edaferierhi	Boy	The rich have good destiny
Edafetanure	Boy	The wealthy have spoken
Edemirukaye	Boy	The day I did them a favor
Edewor	Boy	Sacred day of worship in traditional religion
Edosio	Boy	Rainy day
Efemena	Unisex	Here is my wealth
Efemuaye	Boy	Those intoxicated with riches
Efetobo	Unisex	Wealth is achieved
Efetobore	Boy	Wealth has now been achieved
Egbo	Boy	Forest

Egharevba	Boy	One who is not bothered by enemies
Eghwrudjakpor	Unisex	I have come to stay
Eguono	Unisex	Love
Eja	Unisex	Edge of the sword
Ejaife	Boy	Let them be rich
Ejaita	Unisex	Let them say
Ejikeme	Boy	It's not by power
Ejiro	Unisex	Praise; Testimony
Ejiroghene	Unisex	Praise God
Ejokparoghene	Unisex	Trust in God

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Nigerian boy names represent Nigeria's diverse ethnic groups and the versatility of their naming practices. Despite Western influences, the traditional Nigerian names preserve their cultural legacies, overlapping Islamic and Christian traditions and patrilineal ancestry. The list of names above offers several name options that embody Nigerian values and cultural beliefs. Individuals across cultures and religious faiths who appreciate Nigerian culture and heritage can embrace these names. However, before making a choice, ensure you understand their meanings and cultural contexts so that the names are respected.

Infographic: Classic Nigerian Boy Names With Culturally Significant Meanings

Nigerian baby boy names are rooted in ethnic diversities, historical heritage, local languages, Islamic and Christian traditions, and familial aspirations. With each name carrying a unique charm and profound meaning, these traditional Nigerian names remain prominent in society. The following infographic contains a list of Nigerian names for your beloved son.

classic nigerian boy names with culturally significant meanings (infographic)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do Nigerian names for boys reflect the culture and traditions of Nigeria?

In Yoruba (an ethnic group of Nigeria) culture, personal names often reflect the circumstances under which a child was born. For example, Taiwo (‘pre-tasted the world,’ given to the first of a set of twins), Kehinde (‘the one who lagged behind,’ given to the second of a set of twins) or Idowu (given to the child born after a set of twins). Similarly, in Hausa culture, the names are heavily influenced by Islam, and many personal names are often followed by one of the attributes of Allah. For example, AbdulRahman and Abdulsalam (2).

2. Can I combine Nigerian baby boy names with Western names?

Yes. you may combine Nigerian and Western names to bring uniqueness to the overall naming process. However, it is important to remember to be conscious and respectful of the meaning and culture of the Nigerian name to avoid disrespecting it unintentionally.

3. What Nigerian name means God's gift?

Nkechi (Gift of God), Oghenekevwe (God has provided for me), and Olubunmi (gift from God) are examples of names that are synonymous with the meaning ‘God’s gift).

4. What is the Nigerian name for a miracle?

According to Nigerian culture, Iyanu, Odachi, Onnah, Iyanuoluwa, and Oluebube are names that carry the meaning of ‘miracle.’

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.

CIFORB Country Profile – Nigeria.
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/Documents/college-artslaw/ptr/ciforb/resources/Nigeria.pdf
A Guide To Names And Naming Practices.
https://www.fbiic.gov/public/2008/nov/Naming_practice_guide_UK_2006.pdf
The Englishisation of personal names in Nigeria: What Englishisation of Efik and Ibibio personal names suggests about English in Nigeria.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351459545_The_Englishisation_of_personal_names_in_Nigeria_What_Englishisation_of_Efik_and_Ibibio_personal_names_suggests_about_English_in_Nigeria

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.