154 Yoruba Girl Names To Shape Your Daughter's Identity
From Aina to Tiwa, striking choices that mirror the beliefs of the rich African tribe.
Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
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.
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| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  Girl | Rain; Rule with nobility; Honor confers a crown | |
| | Girl | From the body of God | |
| | Girl | Always; The only one; Grace; Favor; Scene; Sight; Mirror; Difficult birth; Elegant love; Chaste | |
| |  Unisex | Mother of fish; Goddess of the Ogun river | |
| | Girl | She who struggles | |
| | Girl | Come out into wealth | |
| | Girl | A beautiful rose; One who succeeds; Challenging | |
| | Unisex | Great mother | |
| | Girl | Crown of wealth | |
| | Girl | Ancestor's descendant; People's victory; Wealth; Honor; Respect; Dignity; Glory | |
| | Girl | My joy | |
| | Unisex | Mat of wealth | |
| | Girl | The child attracts my attention; A legendary Yoruba queen | |
| | Unisex | Amid wealth and prosperity | |
| | Girl | God is with you | |
| | Girl | Rest in wealth | |
| | Girl | We prayed for her; Now she is ours; Someone who is prayed for | |
| | Girl | Lucky one | |
| | Unisex | Cherish me; Caring for me | |
| | Girl | God wishes; One who follows the will of God | |
| | Girl | A lucky woman; God expands wealth | |
| | Girl | The promise of God | |
| | Girl | Lace; Youruban Goddess of storms and winds; She tore | |
| | Girl | The first twin to taste the world or life | |
| | Girl | The crown is to be cared for | |
| | Unisex | Honor confers a crown; Rule with nobility | |
| | Girl | Honor confers a crown; Rule with nobility | |
| | Unisex | Challenging | |
| | Girl | The blessings of God | |
| | Girl | Blessing has come to me; A girl who has brought blessings to her family | |
| | Girl | Loving child of the family | |
| | Girl | Silky; To celebrate | |
| | Girl | Celebrated; Acquired | |
| | Girl | One who is joyful forever; Ever happy; Eternal happiness | |
| | Girl | Gift of God; God has brought me joy | |
| | Unisex | Flow; Goddess of the river Osun | |
| | Girl | Honor bestows a crown. | |
| | Girl | One selected for birth; Linen; Hemp; Flax; Biwa fruit; Stringed instruments | |
| | Girl | A daughter of a sweet person | |
| | Girl | A palm bird; A tiny bird | |
| | Girl | Beloved; One (people) struggle(d) to care for | |
| | Girl | Mystery; Ancestor; Stepchild; Cotton or peanut market | |
| | Girl | Born Away From Home | |
| | Girl | She who is a first-born daughter in the family | |
| | Girl | A daughter that came to world on a Sunday | |
| | Girl | To be my gift | |
| | Girl | Person of wealth | |
| | Girl | The one who has been loved | |
| | Girl | The son of victorious people; Son of the success crowd | |
| | Girl | A person who has someone to pamper | |
| | Girl | We asked for a girl child | |
| | Girl | A girl born during father's absence | |
| | Girl | One born on the fourth day | |
| | Girl | A good and virtuous lady | |
| | Girl | Your wealth supports us | |
| | Girl | The pampered crown | |
| | Girl | Only God is great | |
| | Girl | The family will love this child | |
| | Girl | A healthy child | |
| | Girl | One who is contented with her destiny | |
| | Girl | Ability or skill; A skillful woman | |
| | Girl | Given for the blessing of the Lord | |
| | Girl | God adds to the wealth | |
| | Girl | God gave this | |
| | Girl | Child of the crown | |
| | Girl | The child who walks into wealth | |
| | Girl | Deity; Spirit | |
| | Girl | Nigerian term, wealth is sweet | |
| | Girl | A girl who is at ease | |
| | Girl | God is with you | |
| | Girl | Cheerful | |
| | Girl | One who looks like her mother | |
| | Girl | The protector | |
| | Girl | Honor arrives | |
| | Girl | Love; A lovable woman | |
| | Girl | This one will not die | |
| | Girl | One who has been taken care of right from conception | |
| | Girl | One asking for wealth | |
| | Girl | Overwhelmed with wealth | |
| | 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 | |
| | Girl | Joy is sweet | |
| | Girl | Joy enters wealth | |
| | Girl | A girl who loves joy | |
| | Girl | First daughter of the family | |
| | Girl | Born awaiting me | |
| | Girl | One who is gorgeous and beautiful | |
| | 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 | Adds to joy | |
| | 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 | The honorable one; An honorable man | |
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.
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.
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.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Odesanya, A, et al.; (2017); Names as Message Vectors in Communication: Oduological Analysis of Traditional Yoruba Personal Names from Ifa.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321944666_Names_as_Message_Vectors_in_Communication_Oduological_Analysis_of_Traditional_Yoruba_Personal_Names_from_Ifa - ‘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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