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 Ifedolapo Baby Girl Sign Girl Wealth has been mixed with love
heart image Ifejesukristi Baby Girl Sign Girl The love of Jesus Christ
heart image Ifelayo Baby Girl Sign Girl Love is peace
heart image Ifeoluwadolapo Baby Girl Sign Girl God's love has brought us wealth
heart image Ifesowapo Baby Girl Sign Girl Love has joined us together
heart image Ifetundun Baby Girl Sign Girl Love is sweet
heart image Ifeya Baby Girl Sign Girl Love; A lovable woman
heart image Ikeoluwa Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is under the constant care of God
heart image Ilara Baby Girl Sign Girl Happy; Cheerful
heart image Ileara Baby Girl Sign Girl A healthy child
heart image Ilerioluwa Baby Girl Sign Girl The promise of God
heart image Ilesha Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Omnipresent
heart image Ilora Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Someone who loves to buy and wear gold
heart image Imade Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God has given
heart image Iretomiwa Baby Girl Sign Girl Blessing has come to me; A girl who has brought blessings to her family
heart image Isoken Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is contented with her destiny
heart image Iya Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Violet
heart image Iyaad Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strong, supportive, leader
heart image Iyanla Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God's gift; Blessing
heart image Iyawa Baby Girl Sign Girl Ability or skill; A skillful woman
heart image Jadesola Baby Girl Sign Girl Come out into wealth
heart image Jadesolaoluwa Baby Girl Sign Girl One who has come out to the wealth of God
heart image Jaiye Unisex Baby Sign Unisex To enjoy life; To live life
heart image Jaiyeola Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is enjoying a wealthy life
heart image Jaiyesimi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex One who believes in enjoying the life
heart image Jesulayotimoni Baby Girl Sign Girl Jesus is my joy
heart image Jibola Baby Girl Sign Girl Child born with wealth
heart image Jolasun Baby Girl Sign Girl Let the wealth come forth
heart image Kemi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Pamper me; Take good care of me
heart image Keyshia Baby Girl Sign Girl A girl who is favorite of everyone
heart image Kikelomo Baby Girl Sign Girl A child whom everyone loves pampering
heart image Kinfeosioluwa Baby Girl Sign Girl Yoruba term meaning that I may love you more, my Lord
heart image Kokumo Baby Girl Sign Girl This one will not die
heart image Kolapo Baby Girl Sign Girl Wealth is in abundance
heart image Kolawole Baby Girl Sign Girl Yoruba term meaning wealth has entered
heart image Korede Baby Girl Sign Girl A girl who has brought joy to the family.
heart image Lanre Baby Girl Sign Girl My wealth is the future.
heart image Latorunwa Baby Girl Sign Girl One who has descended from heaven
heart image Lawal Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The first; First born
heart image Lolade Baby Girl Sign Girl God is with you
heart image Meekah Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strength; Courageous; Leader
heart image Modupeore Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Thank you, God, for this gift
heart image Mofoluwakemi Baby Girl Sign Girl Given for the blessing of the Lord
heart image Monife Baby Girl Sign Girl The one who has been loved
heart image Monjolaoluwa Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Enjoying the wealth of God
heart image Moremi Baby Girl Sign Girl Brave and fearless
heart image Morenikeji Unisex Baby Sign Unisex A resembling child
heart image Myisha Baby Girl Sign Girl Woman of importance; Beautiful
heart image Nigeria Baby Girl Sign Girl Nation in West Africa
heart image Nija Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strong, determined, and courageous
heart image Niyilolawa Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The wealth is here
heart image Obe Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Heart; King
heart image Oga Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Boss; Leader
heart image Oje Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God is my salvation
heart image Olajuwan Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The exaltation of the triumph
heart image Olamide Baby Girl Sign Girl Divinity of triumph; Being supernatural of success
heart image Olani Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Joyous; Heavenly; From Heaven
heart image Olaniyi Baby Girl Sign Girl The son of victorious people; Son of the success crowd
heart image Olorunyomi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God has saved
heart image Oluchi Baby Girl Sign Girl Work of God
heart image Olumoroti Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Standing with the God
heart image Olusola Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God has blessed
heart image Oluwabusola Baby Girl Sign Girl God adds to the wealth
heart image Oluwadamilola Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God has brought me wealth
heart image Oluwafunbi Baby Girl Sign Girl God gave this
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 Omolade Baby Girl Sign Girl Child of the crown
heart image Omorinsola Baby Girl Sign Girl The child who walks into wealth
heart image Onaje Unisex Baby Sign Unisex he who wins the struggle
heart image Orisa Baby Girl Sign Girl An angelic manifestation
heart image Oshun Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Goddess of love and beauty
heart image Oyinlola Baby Girl Sign Girl Nigerian term, wealth is sweet
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 Ronke Baby Girl Sign Girl A person who has someone to pamper
heart image Sango Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Coral-colored; god of thunder and lightning in Yoruba mythology
heart image Shango Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God of thunder and lightning
heart image Shola Baby Girl Sign Girl A blessed one
heart image Tambara Baby Girl Sign Girl A girl who is at ease
heart image Tejumola Unisex Baby Sign Unisex One who looks forward to better days
heart image Temi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Mine is worthy; Worth of mine
heart image Teniola Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Valiant warrior with wealth
heart image Tiaraoluwa Baby Girl Sign Girl From the body of god; Lord's wonder
heart image Timilehin Baby Girl Sign Girl God is with you
heart image Titilayo Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is joyful forever; Ever happy
heart image Tiwa Unisex Baby Sign Unisex One who owns the crown or kingship
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 Toluwalashe Baby Girl Sign Girl God's will will be done
heart image Tujuka Baby Girl Sign Girl Cheerful
heart image Wale Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Companion; Friend
heart image Yaba Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Mother of joy
heart image Yejide Baby Girl Sign Girl One who looks like her mother
heart image Yemaya Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Goddess of the ocean
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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

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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