422 Nigerian Baby Names With Meanings

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.

Name		Gender	Meaning
Chuma		Unisex	Wealth; Fortunate
Chuwudubem		Boy	Lead me God
Daberechi		Girl	Lean on God; One who is dependent on God.
Daluchi		Girl	Thank God
Daraja		Girl	One who is valuable and important to everyone
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
Ebunoluwa		Girl	God’s gift
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
Ejomafuvwe		Unisex	Let peace reign in my life
Ejoyovwi		Unisex	Let it be good
Ekemma		Girl	One who was born on Eke market day
Ekenedilichukwu		Boy	Thanks be to God
Ekong		Boy	War or battle
Elochukwu		Boy	God's will
Emarejedje		Unisex	The elderly also run for life
Emenike		Boy	It’s not by might or power
Emerho		Boy	A special type of catfish
Emetemedia		Girl	I will always remain a lady
Emeterhire		Girl	Girls have arrived
Emetitiri		Boy	Mine is famous
Emilohi		Girl	Only God is great
Emmanuel		Boy	God is with us
Emudiaga		Boy	Let's stand firmly
Emuobosa		Unisex	Your own thing is precious
Emuvoke		Unisex	Everything has time
Enajemete		Girl	These are also girls
Enakpodia		Boy	The way life should to be
Enitekiru		Boy	Think before you act
Enivwenaye		Unisex	Compare my success with those of my enemies
Enofe		Boy	One who is rich
Enohor		Girl	Blessing
Enu		Unisex	Unique; Energetic
Enyinnaya		Boy	His father’s friend
Epkereamaka		Girl	One who finds prayer is good and wonderful
Erhiaganoma		Boy	Guardian spirit overpowers the body
Erhimeyoma		Unisex	My guardian spirit (God) is good
Erhinyoja		Unisex	God hears our prayers
Erhinyuse		Unisex	God answers our prayers
Erhiroghene		Unisex	The spirit of God
Erhue		Boy	A special breed of cow used for traditional ceremonies
Erhuvwun		Unisex	Beauty
Erukainure		Unisex	We have helped them
Eseoghene		Unisex	God's gift
Eserovwe		Unisex	God’s grace
Esohe		Girl	God's gift
Esomchi		Boy	Walking with the lord; One who follows God
Esther		Girl	Star; Hidden
Etaidaferua		Boy	Words of the wealthy are more acceptable
Etanomare		Boy	Freed from blame; Despair
Etaredafe		Boy	Words of the wealthy
Ewelike		Boy	It’s not by power
Ezesinachi		Boy	The chief is from God
Ezeudo		Boy	King of peace
Eziamaka		Girl	One who believes that good things are obtained by going out
Ezichi		Girl	Good God!
Ezinne		Girl	The good mother
Folade		Girl	Honor arrives
Folashade		Girl	Honor bestows a crown.
Gabriel		Unisex	God is my strength
Ganiru		Boy	Good luck
Ginika		Girl	What can be greater than God
Ginikanwa		Girl	What is greater than a child
Golibe		Boy	Rejoice; A joyous fellow
Gosifechukwu		Boy	Show the light of God to all
Hanyechukwu		Boy	Leave it to God
Hassana		Girl	Twin girl
Ibironke		Girl	The family will love this child
Idaramfon		Girl	Happiness is free
Idogbe		Boy	The second child born after twins
Ifeanyichukwu		Boy	God is most powerful; No one is greater than god.
Ifechi		Boy	The light of God
Ifechiluru		Girl	What God has done
Ifechukwu		Girl	The light of God
Ifechukwude		Boy	What God has written
Ifedimma		Girl	Something good

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.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

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