202 Yoruba Baby Girl Names With Meanings
From Aina to Tiwa, striking choices that mirror the beliefs of the rich African tribe.
Specialty: Kids Fun and Developmental ActivitiesExperience: 6 yearsNisha Bharatan is a writer with six years of experience. After completing her engineering from Savitribai Phule Pune University, she did content marketing courses to complement her interest in writing. Nisha discovered her passion for writing in 2016 when she started documenting her journey into motherhood.
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In this post, we rejoice in the diverse and meaningful Yoruba girl names, reflecting their cultural importance and historical connections. In Yoruba culture, the significance of a name runs deep, representing not only an identity but also the essence of one’s values and soul. With a Yoruba proverb stating, ‘A child’s name determines what he becomes or does,’ it is evident that names are believed to shape a person’s destiny in this culture. Yorùbá names embody stories, hopes, and aspirations and are carefully chosen to avoid any hint of negativity (1). Each Yoruba name carries a rich history, intricately woven with the past bearers’ influences, believed to impact a child’s life. Traditional Yorùbá names are thoughtfully categorized into Orúko Àmútọ̀runwá (Destiny Names), Orúkọ Àbísọ (Acquired Names), Oríkì (Panegyrical Names), and Inagije (Nicknames) (2). Historically, male Yoruba children were believed to be named on the ninth day, while females were named on the seventh day after their birth. However, modern practices have unified this tradition, naming both genders on the seventh day. The naming process involves divination, performed by esteemed Babalawo, traditional Ifá priests. Yet, naming in Yoruba culture goes beyond the purview of priests. Family plays an integral role, with grandparents, parents, and elders contributing their favorite names to the child. Generations come together, reflecting the collective wisdom and heritage of the family. Yoruba families often maintain a long list of names passed down from grandparents and great-grandparents, exemplifying the ancestral bonds that shape a child’s identity. Celebrate the beauty and depth of Yoruba naming traditions by exploring a collection of Yoruba baby girl names with their meanings. Each name is a reflection of the Yoruba culture’s richness and carries its unique story. As you embark on this exciting journey of naming your precious daughter, this guide can serve as your companion, honoring the cultural heritage and spiritual essence woven into each Yoruba name.
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  Girl | One who is born during a journey | |
| | Girl | She opens the way | |
| | Girl | Beautiful eyed woman | |
| |  Unisex | Born face-down | |
| | Girl | Loving stroke or to pet her | |
| | Girl | Born Away From Home | |
| | Unisex | Born feet first | |
| | Girl | The child that has been long awaited | |
| | Girl | Came second; The second-born child | |
| | Unisex | Wealth surrounds me | |
| | Girl | We asked for a girl child | |
| | Girl | A girl born during father's absence | |
| | Unisex | Born to bring joy | |
| | Girl | One born on the fourth day | |
| | Girl | A good and virtuous lady | |
| | Girl | Daughter of all | |
| | Girl | Your wealth supports us | |
| | Unisex | Noble, brave, born into wealth, strong | |
| | Girl | The pampered crown | |
| | Unisex | Royal wealth | |
| | Unisex | God's gift; God's miracles | |
| | Unisex | Royalty or crown brings honor | |
| | Girl | A daughter of a sweet person | |
| | Girl | A palm bird; A tiny bird | |
| | Unisex | Bright; Clear | |
| | Girl | One who has been taken care of right from conception | |
| | Girl | One asking for wealth | |
| | Girl | Overwhelmed with wealth | |
| | Unisex | My joy has arrived | |
| | Girl | The Joy of the Lord will never diminish in my life | |
| | Girl | The joy of wealth | |
| | Girl | Joy is enough wealth | |
| | Girl | The joy that the Lord has given me | |
| | Unisex | Joy has returned; A variant of name Ayomide | |
| | Girl | Joy is sweet | |
| | Girl | Joy enters wealth | |
| | Girl | A girl who loves joy | |
| | Unisex | Country in West Africa | |
| | Girl | First daughter of the family | |
| | Girl | Born awaiting me | |
| | Girl | One who is gorgeous and beautiful | |
| | Girl | She who is a first-born daughter in the family | |
| | Girl | A Yoruba term meaning follow me home | |
| | Girl | Came with christmas or one who was born during christmas | |
| | Girl | One who finds wealth at home. | |
| | Girl | A Yoruba term meaning how joy sanctifies me. | |
| | Girl | Rise up with Lord | |
| | Girl | As God wishes; One who follows the will of God | |
| | Girl | A daughter that came to world on a Sunday | |
| | Girl | To be my gift | |
| | Girl | Adds to joy | |
| | Girl | Unique; Modern; Feminine | |
| | Unisex | Give me; Bless me | |
| | Girl | The coming of the lord is at hand | |
| | Girl | God's blessing isn't small | |
| | Girl | The wealth of god in my life cannot be measured | |
| | Girl | My wealth is sweet | |
| | Girl | Strong or firm | |
| | Girl | God's gift | |
| | Girl | Only God is great | |
| | Girl | The honorable one; An honorable man | |
| | Girl | A beloved man | |
| | Girl | A person of integrity | |
| | Girl | Person of the story or person with a history | |
| | Girl | The evidence of God's love | |
| | Girl | My thought has become wealth | |
| | Girl | This is worthy of praise | |
| | Girl | Add crown to me or add crown for me | |
| | Unisex | Worship; Faith | |
| | Girl | Rest the back on wealth | |
| | Girl | Use this as joy | |
| | Girl | A Yoruba term meaning use this as history | |
| | Girl | A girl who always has the blessing of her parents on her; My blessing | |
| | Girl | The one who has molded her parents with joy | |
| | Girl | Yoruba term meaning bless me with your birth | |
| | Girl | God has added to my joy | |
| | Girl | Honor arrives | |
| | Girl | One who is looked after with riches | |
| | Girl | The wealth of God is my crown | |
| | Girl | Honor confers a crown | |
| | Girl | God cares; One who is always under God's protection | |
| | Girl | A girl who is pampered with money | |
| | Girl | Add honey to the wealth | |
| | Girl | Gift of God; God has brought me joy | |
| | Girl | One who praises God; One who never forgets to praise God | |
| | Girl | Carry me into wealth | |
| | Girl | God has heard my cry | |
| | Girl | Show the wealth | |
| | Girl | Carry the glory high | |
| | Girl | A child whose birth brought wealth together | |
| | Girl | A sweet birth | |
| | Girl | A girl who is born in riches | |
| | Girl | The family will love this child | |
| | Girl | Blessings | |
| | Girl | The blessings have come to me | |
| | Girl | The blessings of God | |
| | Girl | A daughter who is born after twins | |
| | Girl | Love has turned to joy | |
| | Girl | Love is here | |
| | Girl | God has blessed our love | |
This collection of Yoruba girl names with their meanings celebrates the rich cultural significance and historical connections deeply ingrained in Yoruba naming traditions. Each name reflects identity and the essence of values and soul, echoing the profound belief that a child’s name shapes their destiny. From traditional choices to modern ones, each name preserves ancestral wisdom and heritage. With this selection of diverse names from one of the largest Nigerian ethnic groups, you can grace your little girl with positivity and optimism.
Infographic: Captivating Yoruba Baby Girl Names
Uncover the beauty of Yoruba culture with our collection of Yoruba baby girl names and meanings. Each name holds deep cultural significance and historical connections, reflecting the essence of identity and values. Choose a name that honors your heritage and resonates with your heart, gracing your daughter's life with pride and grace.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do Yoruba parents choose their baby girl's name?
Yoruba parents frequently choose a name for their baby girl based on family traditions, circumstances surrounding the birth, and as a reflection of the child's personality traits. Sometimes, the grandparents, spiritual leaders, and relatives may also choose the name.
2. How important is a name in Yoruba culture?
Names play a profound role in Yoruba culture, intricately weaving one's destiny and identity. They bear deep meanings, embracing cultural values, ancestral heritage, and envisioning a bright future for the child, evoking a tapestry of significance and pride. Names in Yoruba culture often act as windows to the time of the baby's birth.
3. What is the significance of naming ceremonies in Yoruba culture?
A naming ceremony is a cherished and inclusive event that transcends religious boundaries, celebrating the chosen name of a child and embracing them into the loving embrace of their family. It symbolizes parental duty and recognizes the invaluable role of grandparents, relatives, and friends in shaping the child's journey.
References
- YORUBA NAMING TRADITIONS.
https://sites.utexas.edu/theatredance-kimmy/kimmys-world/nigerian-naming-conventions/ - ‘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
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.
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