202 Yoruba Baby Girl Names With Meanings

yoruba-baby-girl-names-with-meanings

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.

NameGenderMeaning
heart image Abiona Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is born during a journey
heart image Adesina Baby Girl Sign Girl She opens the way
heart image Aina Baby Girl Sign Girl Beautiful eyed woman
heart image Ajayi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Born face-down
heart image Amoke Baby Girl Sign Girl Loving stroke or to pet her
heart image Bandele Baby Girl Sign Girl Born Away From Home
heart image Ige Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Born feet first
heart image Kayin Baby Girl Sign Girl The child that has been long awaited
heart image Kehinde Baby Girl Sign Girl Came second; The second-born child
heart image Olayinka Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Wealth surrounds me
heart image Abebi Baby Girl Sign Girl We asked for a girl child
heart image Abidemi Baby Girl Sign Girl A girl born during father's absence
heart image Abika Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Born to bring joy
heart image Adankwo Baby Girl Sign Girl One born on the fourth day
heart image Adaoma Baby Girl Sign Girl A good and virtuous lady
heart image Adaora Baby Girl Sign Girl Daughter of all
heart image Adefolake Baby Girl Sign Girl Your wealth supports us
heart image Adeleke Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Noble, brave, born into wealth, strong
heart image Aderiyike Baby Girl Sign Girl The pampered crown
heart image Adesuwa Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Royal wealth
heart image Adeya Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God's gift; God's miracles
heart image Adeyemi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Royalty or crown brings honor
heart image Adunni Baby Girl Sign Girl A daughter of a sweet person
heart image Aega Baby Girl Sign Girl A palm bird; A tiny bird
heart image Akala Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Bright; Clear
heart image Atinuke Baby Girl Sign Girl One who has been taken care of right from conception
heart image Ayobami Baby Girl Sign Girl One asking for wealth
heart image Ayokunumi Baby Girl Sign Girl Overwhelmed with wealth
heart image Ayomide Unisex Baby Sign Unisex My joy has arrived
heart image Ayomisioluwakonitan Baby Girl Sign Girl The Joy of the Lord will never diminish in my life
heart image Ayoola Baby Girl Sign Girl The joy of wealth
heart image Ayotola Baby Girl Sign Girl Joy is enough wealth
heart image Ayotoluwafunmi Baby Girl Sign Girl The joy that the Lord has given me
heart image Ayotunde Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Joy has returned; A variant of name Ayomide
heart image Ayotundun Baby Girl Sign Girl Joy is sweet
heart image Ayowonuola Baby Girl Sign Girl Joy enters wealth
heart image Ayowunmi Baby Girl Sign Girl A girl who loves joy
heart image Benin Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Country in West Africa
heart image Bere Baby Girl Sign Girl First daughter of the family
heart image Bidemi Baby Girl Sign Girl Born awaiting me
heart image Bimpe Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is gorgeous and beautiful
heart image Bisi Baby Girl Sign Girl She who is a first-born daughter in the family
heart image Bmidele Baby Girl Sign Girl A Yoruba term meaning follow me home
heart image Bodunde Baby Girl Sign Girl Came with christmas or one who was born during christmas
heart image Bolanle Baby Girl Sign Girl One who finds wealth at home.
heart image Bolatito Baby Girl Sign Girl A Yoruba term meaning how joy sanctifies me.
heart image Boluwaji Baby Girl Sign Girl Rise up with Lord
heart image Boluwatife Baby Girl Sign Girl As God wishes; One who follows the will of God
heart image Bosede Baby Girl Sign Girl A daughter that came to world on a Sunday
heart image Bunmi Baby Girl Sign Girl To be my gift
heart image Busayo Baby Girl Sign Girl Adds to joy
heart image Calisha Baby Girl Sign Girl Unique; Modern; Feminine
heart image Dami Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Give me; Bless me
heart image Dideoluwakusidede Baby Girl Sign Girl The coming of the lord is at hand
heart image Diekololaoluwa Baby Girl Sign Girl God's blessing isn't small
heart image Diekololaoluwalayemi Baby Girl Sign Girl The wealth of god in my life cannot be measured
heart image Doyinsola Baby Girl Sign Girl My wealth is sweet
heart image Duru Baby Girl Sign Girl Strong or firm
heart image Ebunoluwa Baby Girl Sign Girl God's gift
heart image Emilohi Baby Girl Sign Girl Only God is great
heart image Emiola Baby Girl Sign Girl The honorable one; An honorable man
heart image Eniafe Baby Girl Sign Girl A beloved man
heart image Eniiyi Baby Girl Sign Girl A person of integrity
heart image Enitan Baby Girl Sign Girl Person of the story or person with a history
heart image Eriifeoluwa Baby Girl Sign Girl The evidence of God's love
heart image Eromidola Baby Girl Sign Girl My thought has become wealth
heart image Eyitope Baby Girl Sign Girl This is worthy of praise
heart image Fadekunmi Baby Girl Sign Girl Add crown to me or add crown for me
heart image Fefe Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Worship; Faith
heart image Fehintola Baby Girl Sign Girl Rest the back on wealth
heart image Feyisayo Baby Girl Sign Girl Use this as joy
heart image Feyisetan Baby Girl Sign Girl A Yoruba term meaning use this as history
heart image Feyisola Baby Girl Sign Girl A girl who always has the blessing of her parents on her; My blessing
heart image Fiayosemi Baby Girl Sign Girl The one who has molded her parents with joy
heart image Fibikemi Baby Girl Sign Girl Yoruba term meaning bless me with your birth
heart image Fisayo Baby Girl Sign Girl God has added to my joy
heart image Folade Baby Girl Sign Girl Honor arrives
heart image Folake Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is looked after with riches
heart image Folaoluwashade Baby Girl Sign Girl The wealth of God is my crown
heart image Folasade Baby Girl Sign Girl Honor confers a crown
heart image Folusho Baby Girl Sign Girl God cares; One who is always under God's protection
heart image Fowoke Baby Girl Sign Girl A girl who is pampered with money
heart image Foyinsola Baby Girl Sign Girl Add honey to the wealth
heart image Funmilayo Baby Girl Sign Girl Gift of God; God has brought me joy
heart image Fyiynfoluwa Baby Girl Sign Girl One who praises God; One who never forgets to praise God
heart image Gbemisola Baby Girl Sign Girl Carry me into wealth
heart image Gbohunmi Baby Girl Sign Girl God has heard my cry
heart image Gbolahun Baby Girl Sign Girl Show the wealth
heart image Gboyega Baby Girl Sign Girl Carry the glory high
heart image Ibidolapo Baby Girl Sign Girl A child whose birth brought wealth together
heart image Ibidun Baby Girl Sign Girl A sweet birth
heart image Ibilola Baby Girl Sign Girl A girl who is born in riches
heart image Ibironke Baby Girl Sign Girl The family will love this child
heart image Ibukun Baby Girl Sign Girl Blessings
heart image Ibukunade Baby Girl Sign Girl The blessings have come to me
heart image Ibukunoluwa Baby Girl Sign Girl The blessings of God
heart image Idowu Baby Girl Sign Girl A daughter who is born after twins
heart image Ifedayo Baby Girl Sign Girl Love has turned to joy
heart image Ifede Baby Girl Sign Girl Love is here
heart image Ifedolaoluwa Baby Girl Sign Girl God has blessed our love
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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.

yoruba baby girl names with rich meanings (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

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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

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. YORUBA NAMING TRADITIONS.
    https://sites.utexas.edu/theatredance-kimmy/kimmys-world/nigerian-naming-conventions/
  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
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