185 Yoruba Baby Boy Names With Meanings
Enriching names from the fascinating ancient world ethnic African tribes.
In Yoruba culture, one of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa, naming a child is an artful process that reflects the family's values, beliefs, and aspirations. Yoruba baby boy names hold a profound connection to the child's heritage. They often convey meaningful messages about their personality and destiny. Naming ceremonies are of great importance to the Yoruba. Their naming ceremonies follow a similar pattern, but various groups and families have their own distinct customs. Furthermore, over time, some of these traditions have changed, and some have been entirely discarded (1). The Christening Ceremony is a cross-cultural tradition as parents give names to their newborns. A name holds significant importance in all African cultures and religions. Among the Yoruba people in Southwest Nigeria, naming is akin to revealing the social DNA of the individual, uncovering their ancestry, occupation, education, birth circumstances, aura, and religious background. Names reflect the aspirations, expectations, and prospects the name-givers wish for the newborn. Some circumstantial names represent the hopes and fears of the child's biological parents and relatives. The Yoruba even consider the mother's birth condition, her mode of delivery, and the child's position before selecting names (2). A name is not merely a label but a profound connection to one's roots and the circumstances influencing one’s birth. It is a cherished tradition that binds generations together, celebrating the rich tapestry of history and culture that makes the Yoruba people unique and proud. The importance of preserving traditional names and customs cannot be overstated in a world of evolving cultural dynamics. Yoruba baby boy names serve as a testament to the community's enduring legacy, passed down through generations with pride and love. By bestowing a Yoruba name upon their child, parents celebrate their heritage and contribute to the continuation of a cherished tradition. Read our post to learn more about Yoruba baby boy names.
Name | Gender | Meaning | |
---|---|---|---|
Niyilolawa | Unisex | The wealth is here | |
Numilekunoluwa | Boy | Clean my tears lord | |
Oba | Boy | The king | |
Obafemi | Boy | The King loves me | |
Obaloluwa | Boy | God is the king | |
Obasolape | Boy | God has made his wealth complete | |
Obatotosinloluwa | Boy | God is indeed worthy of praise | |
Obe | Unisex | Heart; King | |
Odunayo | Boy | Year of happiness | |
Oga | Unisex | Boss; Leader | |
Ogooluwa | Boy | The glory of God | |
Oje | Unisex | God is my salvation | |
Olabamiji | Boy | Wealth wakes with me | |
Olabisi | Boy | The joy is multiple | |
Olabode | Boy | Wealth has come home | |
Oladayo | Boy | Wealth has become joy | |
Olajuwan | Unisex | The exaltation of the triumph | |
Olamilekan | Boy | My wealth is increased | |
Olani | Unisex | Joyous; Heavenly; From Heaven | |
Olorunyomi | Unisex | God has saved | |
Olumoroti | Unisex | Standing with the God | |
Olusola | Unisex | God has blessed | |
Oluwadamilola | Unisex | God has brought me wealth | |
Oluwagbenga | Unisex | God lifts us | |
Oluwaseun | Unisex | Gift of God | |
Oluwatobi | Unisex | God is great | |
Oluwatoke | Unisex | God is worthy to be adored | |
Oluwatosin | Unisex | God is sufficient | |
Omo | Unisex | Children | |
Onaje | Unisex | he who wins the struggle | |
Oshun | Unisex | Goddess of love and beauty | |
Oson | Boy | Summer | |
Pamilekunayo | Boy | One who brings tears of joy | |
Pelumi | Unisex | Someone with me; Be with me | |
Quadri | Unisex | Fourth-born; Fourth child | |
Remilekun | Boy | Stop my grief | |
Rereloluwa | Boy | God is good all the time | |
Ropo | Boy | Come to save | |
Rotimi | Boy | To stand firm; To remain steadfast | |
Sango | Unisex | Coral-colored; god of thunder and lightning in Yoruba mythology | |
Sangodele | Boy | The God of thunder has come | |
Sareola | Boy | One who is walking towards getting healthy | |
Seriki | Boy | Leader of an Islamic community | |
Seye | Boy | Honor | |
Shakale | Boy | The almighty | |
Shango | Unisex | God of thunder and lightning | |
Shoyebi | Boy | Wizards; One who wards off the evil | |
Sijuwade | Boy | A man who is destined for greatness | |
Similoluwa | Boy | Rest in the Lord | |
Sunkanmi | Boy | A Yoruba word meaning draw close to me | |
Sunmoluwa | Boy | One who is moving closer to God | |
Tadenikawo | Boy | Person under the protection of the crown | |
Tanimola | Boy | Nobody knows what lies tomorrow | |
Tantoluwa | Boy | One who is like God | |
Tayo | Boy | Boy full of happiness | |
Tejumola | Unisex | One who looks forward to better days | |
Teleayo | Boy | The one who lays the ground for joy | |
Teleola | Boy | He has laid ground for wealth | |
Temi | Unisex | Mine is worthy; Worth of mine | |
Temidayo | Boy | Mine has turned into joy | |
Temiloluwa | Boy | God is mine | |
Temitope | Boy | One who is worthy for praise | |
Teniayo | Boy | The foundation of joy | |
Teniola | Unisex | Valiant warrior with wealth | |
Tifeoluwa | Boy | It is the will of God | |
Tiwa | Unisex | One who owns the crown or kingship | |
Tiwalade | Boy | The crown is ours | |
Tiwatope | Boy | Our situation is worthy of thanks | |
Tokunbo | Unisex | One who is from across the seas | |
Tolani | Unisex | Wealthy and successful | |
Tolu | Unisex | God is enough; God is worthy | |
Tolulola | Boy | Wealth belongs to God | |
Tolulope | Boy | To God be the glory | |
Toluwalase | Boy | Authority belongs to God | |
Toluwalogo | Boy | The glory belongs to God | |
Toluwalope | Boy | God is worthy of praise | |
Toluwanimi | Boy | I belong to God | |
Tomori | Boy | We have seen a baby again | |
Tosin | Boy | Only God is servable | |
Wale | Unisex | Companion; Friend | |
Yaba | Unisex | Mother of joy | |
Yaw | Boy | Born on Thursday | |
Yele | Boy | One who befits the family | |
Yemaya | Unisex | Goddess of the ocean | |
Yemi | Unisex | Joyful and blessed |
Yoruba baby boy names embody the essence of Yoruba heritage, values, and aspirations. The thoughtful naming process in Yoruba culture celebrates new life and links the child to their roots and cultural identity. These names hold deep significance, carrying the dreams and hopes of both the family and the community for the newborn. Preserving this cherished tradition ensures the continued vitality of Yoruba history and culture. It fosters pride and love across generations and enriches the lives of those who carry these meaningful monikers.
Infographic: Trendy Yoruba Baby Boy Names
Yoruba baby boy names are a treasure trove of rich meanings and cultural heritage. Rooted in the Yoruba language and traditions, these names carry deep significance, reflecting the child's ancestry, aspirations, and spiritual beliefs. Discover the beauty and power of Yoruba baby boy names in the infographic below and choose a meaningful and distinctive title for your charming little prince.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What are some Yoruba names for twin boys?
In Yoruba society, twins are revered, and their birth is a cause of celebration. Despite the gender of the baby, the firstborn will be named Taiwo, which means ‘having a first taste of the world,’ and the second child will be named Kehinde, which means ‘arriving after the other.’ (3)
2.What are some names that mean blessing in Yoruba?
Although not many names specifically mean ‘blessings,’ a few names can be related. For instance, Olusula is a unisex name that means ‘God makes wealth,’ while Ayobami, also a unisex name, means ‘joy has met me.’ Oluwaremilekun is another unisex name meaning ‘God has dried my tears.’
3.How are Yoruba baby boy names chosen?
Baby names in Yoruba are usually chosen based on their meaning, specifically to describe more about the person holding the name. They tend to elaborate more on the birth circumstances in which the baby was born, for example, the day, the location, or the order they were born (4).
4.What is the significance of Yoruba names?
Yoruba names have a distinct quality of reflecting the significance of their culture and linguistic heritage. Yoruba names are compound words combined with elements like ‘ade, ayo, fe, omo, ola, Olu, ife, ire, and oluwa’ in between or in some part of the name (4).
5.How have colonialism and Western culture influenced Yoruba baby boy names?
Long Yoruba baby names have been shortened; for example, Oluwole can be shortened to ‘Wole’ and Taiwo to ‘Tai.’ The influence of Christianity and other Western names can also be seen in Yoruba names, with many having a Western nickname. Such names are usually taken from the Bible, like Joseph. Moses, etc. (4).
6. What are some common nicknames or diminutives used for Yoruba baby boy names?
Many Yoruba names are shortened from their original spellings (4). Some examples are Olufemi which can be shortened to Olu or Femi, Adegoke can be shortened to Ade, and Olamilekan to Lekan.
References
- Concept Of Naming In Yoruba Culture.
http://www.ekimogundescendant.org/concept-of-naming-in-yoruba-culture/ - ‘Home Before Naming’: Naming Practices and Yoruba Characterization in Femi Osofisan’s Selected Dramatic Texts.
https://www.bu.edu/africa/files/2021/02/Home-Before-Naming-Naming-Practices-and-Yoruba-Characterization-in-Femi-Osofisans-Selected-Dramatic-Texts.pdf - Yoruba Customs and Beliefs Pertaining to Twins.
https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/98B7AE1DB8FB7E1BF4AD8BFDDD68C4C7/S136905230000252Xa.pdf/yoruba_customs_and_beliefs_pertaining_to_twins.pdf - 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.