185 Yoruba Baby Boy Names With Meanings

yoruba-baby-boy-names-with-meanings

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.

NameGenderMeaning
heart image Niyilolawa Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The wealth is here
heart image Numilekunoluwa Baby Boy Sign Boy Clean my tears lord
heart image Oba Baby Boy Sign Boy The king
heart image Obafemi Baby Boy Sign Boy The King loves me
heart image Obaloluwa Baby Boy Sign Boy God is the king
heart image Obasolape Baby Boy Sign Boy God has made his wealth complete
heart image Obatotosinloluwa Baby Boy Sign Boy God is indeed worthy of praise
heart image Obe Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Heart; King
heart image Odunayo Baby Boy Sign Boy Year of happiness
heart image Oga Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Boss; Leader
heart image Ogooluwa Baby Boy Sign Boy The glory of God
heart image Oje Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God is my salvation
heart image Olabamiji Baby Boy Sign Boy Wealth wakes with me
heart image Olabisi Baby Boy Sign Boy The joy is multiple
heart image Olabode Baby Boy Sign Boy Wealth has come home
heart image Oladayo Baby Boy Sign Boy Wealth has become joy
heart image Olajuwan Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The exaltation of the triumph
heart image Olamilekan Baby Boy Sign Boy My wealth is increased
heart image Olani Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Joyous; Heavenly; From Heaven
heart image Olorunyomi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God has saved
heart image Olumoroti Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Standing with the God
heart image Olusola Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God has blessed
heart image Oluwadamilola Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God has brought me wealth
heart image Oluwagbenga Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God lifts us
heart image Oluwaseun Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Gift of God
heart image Oluwatobi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God is great
heart image Oluwatoke Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God is worthy to be adored
heart image Oluwatosin Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God is sufficient
heart image Omo Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Children
heart image Onaje Unisex Baby Sign Unisex he who wins the struggle
heart image Oshun Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Goddess of love and beauty
heart image Oson Baby Boy Sign Boy Summer
heart image Pamilekunayo Baby Boy Sign Boy One who brings tears of joy
heart image Pelumi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Someone with me; Be with me
heart image Quadri Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Fourth-born; Fourth child
heart image Remilekun Baby Boy Sign Boy Stop my grief
heart image Rereloluwa Baby Boy Sign Boy God is good all the time
heart image Ropo Baby Boy Sign Boy Come to save
heart image Rotimi Baby Boy Sign Boy To stand firm; To remain steadfast
heart image Sango Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Coral-colored; god of thunder and lightning in Yoruba mythology
heart image Sangodele Baby Boy Sign Boy The God of thunder has come
heart image Sareola Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is walking towards getting healthy
heart image Seriki Baby Boy Sign Boy Leader of an Islamic community
heart image Seye Baby Boy Sign Boy Honor
heart image Shakale Baby Boy Sign Boy The almighty
heart image Shango Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God of thunder and lightning
heart image Shoyebi Baby Boy Sign Boy Wizards; One who wards off the evil
heart image Sijuwade Baby Boy Sign Boy A man who is destined for greatness
heart image Similoluwa Baby Boy Sign Boy Rest in the Lord
heart image Sunkanmi Baby Boy Sign Boy A Yoruba word meaning draw close to me
heart image Sunmoluwa Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is moving closer to God
heart image Tadenikawo Baby Boy Sign Boy Person under the protection of the crown
heart image Tanimola Baby Boy Sign Boy Nobody knows what lies tomorrow
heart image Tantoluwa Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is like God
heart image Tayo Baby Boy Sign Boy Boy full of happiness
heart image Tejumola Unisex Baby Sign Unisex One who looks forward to better days
heart image Teleayo Baby Boy Sign Boy The one who lays the ground for joy
heart image Teleola Baby Boy Sign Boy He has laid ground for wealth
heart image Temi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Mine is worthy; Worth of mine
heart image Temidayo Baby Boy Sign Boy Mine has turned into joy
heart image Temiloluwa Baby Boy Sign Boy God is mine
heart image Temitope Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is worthy for praise
heart image Teniayo Baby Boy Sign Boy The foundation of joy
heart image Teniola Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Valiant warrior with wealth
heart image Tifeoluwa Baby Boy Sign Boy It is the will of God
heart image Tiwa Unisex Baby Sign Unisex One who owns the crown or kingship
heart image Tiwalade Baby Boy Sign Boy The crown is ours
heart image Tiwatope Baby Boy Sign Boy Our situation is worthy of thanks
heart image Tokunbo Unisex Baby Sign Unisex One who is from across the seas
heart image Tolani Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Wealthy and successful
heart image Tolu Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God is enough; God is worthy
heart image Tolulola Baby Boy Sign Boy Wealth belongs to God
heart image Tolulope Baby Boy Sign Boy To God be the glory
heart image Toluwalase Baby Boy Sign Boy Authority belongs to God
heart image Toluwalogo Baby Boy Sign Boy The glory belongs to God
heart image Toluwalope Baby Boy Sign Boy God is worthy of praise
heart image Toluwanimi Baby Boy Sign Boy I belong to God
heart image Tomori Baby Boy Sign Boy We have seen a baby again
heart image Tosin Baby Boy Sign Boy Only God is servable
heart image Wale Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Companion; Friend
heart image Yaba Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Mother of joy
heart image Yaw Baby Boy Sign Boy Born on Thursday
heart image Yele Baby Boy Sign Boy One who befits the family
heart image Yemaya Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Goddess of the ocean
heart image Yemi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Joyful and blessed
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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.

yoruba baby names for your adorable little son (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

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

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  1. Concept Of Naming In Yoruba Culture.
    http://www.ekimogundescendant.org/concept-of-naming-in-yoruba-culture/
  2. ‘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
  3. 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
  4. A GUIDE TO NAMES AND NAMING PRACTICES.
    https://www.fbiic.gov/public/2008/nov/Naming_practice_guide_UK_2006.pdf
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