Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
Urhobo baby names hold a significant place among the ethnic group of people residing in the Delta State of southern Nigeria. Like most societies and ethnic groups, names are not just labels but invoke religious and spiritual significance. The Urhobos believe that a child’s destiny is tied strongly to their name, and they will live up to the meaning of the name they bear. For instance, if the name means ‘thief’, the parents believe that the child will grow up to be a rogue, and if the name means ‘wealthy,’ then the child will hopefully grow up to be a rich individual. Some parents even give names that connote challenge to themselves or others because they believe that Urhobo people flourish best when challenged.
Urhobo baby names hold profound cultural significance, reflecting the events of birth or the day of the week a child arrives. Rooted in tradition, these names often begin or conclude with 'Oghene,' a nod to the divine. Examples include 'Oghenekevwe,' meaning 'God gave me,' and 'Eseoghene,' signifying 'God's gift.' Beyond personal choice, naming rituals hold communal importance; on the 8th day of a child's life, parents bestow a name, opening the door for contributions from maternal and paternal lineages.
Besides, Urhobo people also pick names that denote special events or dates or emphasize a vital resource or importance to people. Usually, grandparents or older relatives select names for the newborns. Apart from parents and grandparents, the Urhobo parents do not allow anyone else to touch their baby, until three months. And unlike other ethnic groups of Africa, the Urhobos do not organize any special naming ceremony (1). So if you are looking for a beautiful Urhobo baby boy or girl name, we’re happy to help. You’ll find a treasure trove of Urhobo names in our baby names tool. Take a look!
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Onanojah |  |  Boy | A challenge |
| Onogaganmue | | Boy | Intoxicated with power |
| Onoharhese | |  Unisex | Who blames good deeds |
| Onoharhigho | | Boy | Who blames riches |
| Orodena | | Boy | The great one |
| Ovie | | Boy | King |
| Oviereya | |  Girl | Queen |
| Oyibonanarhoro | | Boy | A white-skinned individual |
| Oyiborhoro | | Boy | He who is fair or white-skinned |
| Oyiborode | | Boy | A big and fair person |
| Oyovwikerhi | | Unisex | May my guardian spirit be blessed |
| Sapele | | Boy | A boy who was born in Sapele |
| Udumebraye | | Boy | My presence gives them heartache |
| Uhwokori | | Boy | One who is born in Uhwokori |
| Uloho | | Boy | Iroko tree |
| Umukoko | | Girl | Young woman |
| Umukoro | | Boy | Young man |
| Umuto | | Girl | Woman |
| Urhie | | Boy | River |
| Uvo | | Boy | Dry season; Sunny season |
Urhobo baby names encapsulate rich cultural beliefs, shaping destinies with profound meanings. These names honor tradition and divine connection. Naming is a communal ritual, harmonizing maternal and paternal influences. Beyond individual choices, names mirror special occasions, emphasize resources, or highlight significance. Guided by tradition, names are carefully chosen by grandparents and elders. The above-given list displays a diverse range of Urhobo names to help parents choose the best.
Infographic: Splendid Urhobo Baby Names For Boys And Girls
Urhobo baby names hold profound cultural importance, reflecting the traditions and beliefs of the Urhobo people, who are the primary speakers of the eponymous language. These names are perfect for parents considering a unique name for their baby. Our infographic presents some notable Urhobo names with their meanings. So, go ahead and pick your favorite name for your little one.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Urhobo name for king?
In the Urhobo language, the word 'Ovie' signifies 'king.' This name symbolizes royalty and evokes a sense of regality.
2. What does Ejiro mean in Urhobo?
Ejiro means 'praise God' in Urhobo. It is a short form of Ejiroghene and other names that contain the element 'ejiro,' which signifies 'praise.' It is used as both a masculine and feminine name in the Urhobo culture.
3. What are some of the names used in the Urhobo language to describe God?
In the Urhobo language, various names signify God. Thy include Oghenebrume (God's favor), Oghenechovwe (God's aid), Oghenefejiro (God's praise), Oghenegaren (God's greatness), Oghenekevwe (God's provision), Oghenekohwo (God's supply), Oghenenyore (God's prayer answers), Ogheneruemu (God's possibilities), Oghenerukevwe (God's intervention), Ogheneruno (God's abundance), Oghenetega (God's worship), Oghenevwede (God's ownership), Oghenevwogagan (God's strength), and Oghenochuko (God's support).
4. What is the significance of naming in Urhobo culture?
Naming holds great significance in Urhobo culture. Names are given to children based on events during their birth or the day of the week they were born. Every Urhobo child must have a native name, often starting or ending with 'Oghene,' which means 'God.' On the eighth day, parents give a name to the child, and additional names may be given by the maternal and paternal families. Naming is followed by a celebration where traditional food is served and gifts are given to celebrate the arrival of a new child.
5. What are some traditional Urhobo names for boys and girls?
Traditional Urhobo names carry profound meaning and reflect a strong belief in God and divine blessings. Some traditional Urhobo names for boys include Oghenekevwe, meaning 'God's gift,' Oghenebrume, implying 'God favored me,' Ogheneruno, signifying 'God has done abundantly,' and Oghenefejiro, meaning 'God is praiseworthy.' For girls, common names like Oghenebrume, Oghenechovwe meaning 'God aided me,' Oghenefejiro, and Oghenegaren meaning 'God is great' honor their relationship with God and acknowledge His abundant blessings.
6. What are some modern Urhobo names for boys and girls?
Some modern Urhobo names for boys include Achojah (Rise up to challenge), Anaborhi (The one who is born with good destiny), Emuvoke (Everything has time), and Umukoro (Young man). For girls, names like Akpobome (My precious life), Akporovwovwo (Abundant blessings), Eguono (Pure love), and Umukoko (Radiant maiden) are popular choices.
7. What are some Urhobo names inspired by nature?
Some Urhobo names inspired by nature include Edosio (Rainy day), Egbo (Forest), Ohwahwa (Cold season), Uloho (Iroko tree), Urhie (River), and Uvo (Dry or sunny season).
8. What are some Urhobo names inspired by religion?
Urhobo names inspired by religion include Akpenvwoghene, Ejiroghene, Ejokparoghene, Erhiroghene, Eseoghene, Eserovwe, Oghenefejiro, Oghenegaren, Oghenetega, Oghenekevwe, and Oghenochuko. These names embody meanings like exalting God, relying on God, the divine spirit, God's bestowal, God's grace, God's majesty, God's worshipfulness, and God's sustenance.
9. What are some Urhobo names inspired by events or experiences?
Some Urhobo names inspired by events or experiences are Agbarha (Born in Agbarha), Edewor (Sacred day of worship in traditional religion), Edosio (Rainy day), Ohwahwa (cold season), Uvo (Dry or sunny season), Ometeko (Girl born in Lagos), Omotore (Girl's birth brings festivity), and Omotughele (Girl from Ughelli).
References
- Urhobo Names and Their Meanings, by Aruegodore Oyiborhoro.
http://www.waado.org/UrhoboCulture/Names/UrhoboNames_Oyibo.htm
