238 Nigerian Baby Girl Names With Meanings

A treasure trove of the beauty and values of the Naija people.

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• Sep 5, 2023

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Nigeria, a culturally rich and diverse country in West Africa, boasts an array of fascinating traditions and customs, which is reflected through the collection of these unique Nigerian girl names. These names embody centuries of history, connecting each individual to their ethnic heritage and familial roots. Nigerian girl names are more than just a combination of syllables; they reflect the true essence of the nation’s multifaceted background and deep-seated values. In the Nigerian culture, a child holds a significant position which is reflected in their names. For instance, bestowing names such as the Igbo title Chiagozie, meaning ‘God has blessed me,’ proves that in Nigerian communities, a child is considered a gift of God (1). The country has several ethnic groups, among them Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa are the most prominent ones. Each ethnic group within Nigeria has its own unique naming traditions, resulting in a plethora of captivating options. Among the Yoruba people, the traditional naming ceremony for a newborn occurs seven days after their birth, on the eighth day. The selection process is typically done by elders, and the name often reflects the circumstances under which a child was born. They may be named after the day of the week on which they were born or the order of their birth relative to their siblings. Igbo names are often abbreviated consisting of compound words and carrying a Western nickname of Biblical origin, while Hausa names are particularly influenced by Islam and embody attributes of Allah (2). Moreover, Nigerian names reflect the country’s religious diversity, with many names being inspired by Islamic, Christian, or indigenous spiritual beliefs. So, this post unravels the enchanting world of exotic and spiritual names that encapsulate the essence of Nigeria’s culture and traditions that transcend time and generations. Go ahead and take your pick.

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Name	Gender	Meaning
Ifechukwu	Girl	The light of God
Ifedimma	Girl	Something good
Ifekristi	Unisex	The light of Christ
Ifeoluwapo	Girl	God's love is plenty
Ifeyinwa	Girl	Nothing can be compared to a child
Ifunanya	Girl	Love
Igitioluwotilaiye	Unisex	The tree of God is rooted and strong
Ihuoma	Girl	One who is favored
Ihuomachukwu	Girl	God's favor
Ijeawele	Girl	A smooth journey

Ijemma	Girl	A good journey
Ijeoma	Girl	A good journey in life
Ikponmwosa	Unisex	Thank God; One who is thankful to God for everything
Ileara	Girl	A healthy child
Imbiana	Girl	Title of a unity song in Nigeria
Iretomiwa	Girl	Blessing has come to me; A girl who has brought blessings to her family
Isioma	Girl	One who is fortunate and blessed
Isoken	Girl	One who is contented with her destiny
Iyawa	Girl	Ability or skill; A skillful woman
Jaiyesimi	Unisex	One who believes in enjoying the life

Jasi	Unisex	The Lord is merciful
Jidenna	Girl	God is the father
Jol	Girl	Lover of art and culture
Kairaluchukwu	Girl	Leave it to God
Kaisoluchukwu	Girl	Follow God
Kamfeechukwu	Girl	Worship God or praise the God
Kamharida	Girl	I shall not fall
Kamsiyonna	Girl	God has granted my request
Kamtochukwu	Girl	Praise God
Kanyinulia	Girl	Let's rejoice and have fun

Karaluchukwu	Girl	Let's leave it for God
Kasarachukwu	Girl	Tell it to God; One who always confides in God
Kasiemobi	Girl	Comfort me or console me
Kaydo	Unisex	All-knowing
Keke	Unisex	Child of joy; He who is special
Kene	Unisex	Worship; Thank God
Kesandu	Girl	One who spreads life to all
Kosarachi	Girl	Tell it to God.
Kufreabasi	Unisex	Do not forget God, one who always remembers God.
Kwali	Unisex	Strength; Powerful

Kwento	Unisex	One who protects the family name from destruction
Lebechi	Girl	Look unto God
Machie	Unisex	Replacement of a lost gem
Maduenu	Unisex	The impermanence of life
Makuachukwu	Girl	Embrace God
Mazi	Unisex	Sir; Elder
Miriodere	Unisex	I now have a name
Mitaire	Unisex	I have achieved their match
Mkpulunma	Girl	A thing of beauty
Mmasichukwu	Girl	The will of God

Modupeore	Unisex	Thank you, God, for this gift
Mofoluwakemi	Girl	Given for the blessing of the Lord
Monjolaoluwa	Unisex	Enjoying the wealth of God
Morenikeji	Unisex	A resembling child
Nagodeallah	Unisex	I thank God
Naija	Girl	One from the Niger river
Nasha	Unisex	Born during the rainy season; Judge
Nchekwube	Girl	Trust in God
Ndidi	Girl	One who is patient
Ngozichukwuka	Girl	God's blessings are best

Niyilolawa	Unisex	The wealth is here
Nneka	Girl	My mother is the best in the world
Nnenne	Girl	Resembles mother's mother
Norioghene	Unisex	Look at God's judgment
Nyiah	Unisex	God is gracious
Obiageli	Girl	One who is born into wealth
Obioma	Girl	The Charm of a King that wins over the hearts of others; One who can win with his charm
Odavwaro	Unisex	I am contented
Ogechukwukana	Unisex	The time spent worshiping God is the best
Oghenebrume	Unisex	God decided in my favor

Oghenechovwe	Unisex	God aided me
Oghenefejiro	Unisex	God is praiseworthy
Oghenegaren	Unisex	God is great
Oghenekevwe	Unisex	God gave me
Ogheneme	Unisex	My God
Oghenemine	Unisex	I look up to God
Oghenerukevwe	Unisex	God did this for me
Ogheneruno	Unisex	God has done so much
Oghenetega	Unisex	God is worthy of worship
Oghenochuko	Unisex	God provides me support

Oghomena	Unisex	Here is my respect
Oghonoro	Unisex	Respect is greater than money
Ojanomare	Unisex	I have met the challenge
Oladele	Unisex	Persons of success; Pupil of triumph
Olanna	Unisex	Graceful, captivating, radiant
Olayemi	Unisex	One who is worthy of wealth
Olorunyomi	Unisex	God has saved
Oluchi	Girl	Work of God
Oluebube	Girl	Miracle
Olumoroti	Unisex	Standing with the God

Olusola	Unisex	God has blessed
Oluwabusola	Girl	God adds to the wealth
Oluwadunmininu	Unisex	God gladdens the heart
Oluwafunbi	Girl	God gave this
Oluwagbenga	Unisex	God lifts us
Oluwatoke	Unisex	God is worthy to be adored
Ometeko	Girl	Girl born in Lagos
Omolade	Girl	Child of the crown
Omonigho	Unisex	A child is greater than money
Omonoro	Unisex	A child is greater than gold

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Nigerian girl names reflect a perfect blend of the country’s cultural history and traditions. These names carry divine meanings, often symbolizing blessings, virtues, and aspirations for a prosperous future. Each name represents a story of its own and serves as a testament to the beauty of this vibrant nation. The melodic Nigerian girl identities celebrate life on the one hand and showcase deep philosophical significance on the other, which may bring a sense of pride and unity to the bearer.

Infographic: Authentic Nigerian Baby Girl Names With Powerful Meanings

Nigerian girl names bear rich significance, reflecting the country's diverse ethnic groups and traditions. These names often carry deep meanings, symbolizing attributes like beauty, strength, or prosperity, which make them popular worldwide. Go through this infographic to explore some Nigerian names with their meanings.

elegant nigerian girl names for your little angel (infographic)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do Nigerians have many names?

The presence of multiple names among Nigerians may result from diverse cultural and religious influences. These encompass names originating from their ethnic background, Christian or Muslim names, and those associated with the specific day or time relative to the baby’s birth. In the Yoruba tradition, it is believed to be customary for both parents and grandparents to contribute at least one name, leading to a wide variety of names within the Nigerian naming tradition.

2. What is the importance of a naming ceremony in Nigeria?

The naming ceremony is vital in Nigerian culture as it is a significant event to formally introduce and name a newborn child. Since in most Nigerian cultures, the names of individuals are believed to shape their identity and life, a great deal of research, family traditions and beliefs, and history is considered in the ceremony with the help of the family members and the community.

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.

R. C. Chhangani and Maxwell Gidado; (2002); The Child’s Right To Name and Nationality under Nigerian Law.
https://www.jstor.org/stable/43951739
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.