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