Yoruba baby names are rooted in West Africa’s rich cultural heritage. To the Yoruba, a name isn't just a word or an identity. It's an embodiment of lineage, history, and family. As per the Yoruba custom, Yoruba kids are named in a ceremony held seven days after birth. In ancient times, the names were found by divination performed by traditional Ifa priests, called Babalawo, locally. But now, the names are suggested by the ranking members of the family, which include the mother, father, grandparents, or relatives. A private ceremony is held for the parents and close family members where the child is bestowed the name. A public ceremony, with entertainment and feasting, is held by parents to celebrate the baby's arrival a few days after the private ceremony. Yoruba names are classified into five categories – Oruko Amutorunwa or destiny names, Oruko Abiso or acquired names, Oruko Oriki or Panegyrics, Oruko Abiku, and Oruko Inagije or alias. Many Yoruba believe a name can influence a child's behavior and destiny (1). Hence, choosing the right name for the child is considered a crucial responsibility of the parents. Parents seek guidance from elders and family members to fulfill this duty and select names that convey specific meanings or attributes. Yoruba girls are named after the circumstances in which their birth took place or as a reflection of the wealth they bring to their families. Modern or Christian parents use Christian forms of traditional names, while Muslim Yoruba parents give their children Arabic names with Yoruba phonetics. Other factors influencing parents' name choices include cultural values, numerology, aesthetic appeal, and pleasant sound. Moreover, Yoruba names are generally gender-specific, meaning specific names are reserved for boys and girls. Hence, knowing a name's meaning and cultural significance is crucial in Yoruba culture. Understanding this, we have curated a comprehensive list of the best Yoruba baby names with meanings.
Name | Gender | Meaning | |
---|---|---|---|
Mayowa | Boy | One who brings joy to the family | |
Meekah | Unisex | Strength; Courageous; Leader | |
Mobo | Boy | Freedom | |
Mobolaji | Boy | A boy who is born of wealth | |
Modadeola | Boy | A man wearing a crown of wealth or affluence | |
Modupeore | Unisex | Thank you, God, for this gift | |
Modurodoluwa | Boy | I waited on the Lord | |
Modurolorilerioluwa | Boy | One who stands on the promise of God | |
Mofetoluwa | Boy | A man who graciously accepts God’s will | |
Mofihinfoluwa | Boy | To God belongs the glory | |
Mofolorunso | Boy | One who is placed in God’s care | |
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 | |
Naade | Boy | Born in royalty | |
Nigeria | Girl | Nation in West Africa | |
Nija | Unisex | Strong, determined, and courageous | |
Niyilolawa | Unisex | The wealth is here | |
Numilekunoluwa | Boy | Clean my tears lord | |
Oba | Boy | The king | |
Obafemi | Boy | The King loves me | |
Obaloluwa | Boy | God is the king | |
Obasolape | Boy | God has made his wealth complete | |
Obatotosinloluwa | Boy | God is indeed worthy of praise | |
Obe | Unisex | Heart; King | |
Odunayo | Boy | Year of happiness | |
Oga | Unisex | Boss; Leader | |
Ogooluwa | Boy | The glory of God | |
Oje | Unisex | God is my salvation | |
Olabamiji | Boy | Wealth wakes with me | |
Olabisi | Boy | The joy is multiple | |
Olabode | Boy | Wealth has come home | |
Oladayo | Boy | Wealth has become joy | |
Olajuwan | Unisex | The exaltation of the triumph | |
Olamide | Girl | Divinity of triumph; Being supernatural of success | |
Olamilekan | Boy | My wealth is increased | |
Olani | Unisex | Joyous; Heavenly; From Heaven | |
Olaniyi | Girl | The son of victorious people; Son of the success crowd | |
Olayinka | Unisex | Wealth surrounds me | |
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 | |
Oson | Boy | Summer | |
Oyinlola | Girl | Nigerian term, wealth is sweet | |
Pamilekunayo | Boy | One who brings tears of joy | |
Pelumi | Unisex | Someone with me; Be with me | |
Quadri | Unisex | Fourth-born; Fourth child | |
Remilekun | Boy | Stop my grief | |
Rereloluwa | Boy | God is good all the time | |
Ronke | Girl | A person who has someone to pamper | |
Ropo | Boy | Come to save | |
Rotimi | Boy | To stand firm; To remain steadfast | |
Sango | Unisex | Coral-colored; god of thunder and lightning in Yoruba mythology | |
Sangodele | Boy | The God of thunder has come | |
Sareola | Boy | One who is walking towards getting healthy | |
Seriki | Boy | Leader of an Islamic community | |
Seye | Boy | Honor | |
Shakale | Boy | The almighty | |
Shango | Unisex | God of thunder and lightning | |
Shola | Girl | A blessed one | |
Shoyebi | Boy | Wizards; One who wards off the evil | |
Sijuwade | Boy | A man who is destined for greatness | |
Similoluwa | Boy | Rest in the Lord | |
Sunkanmi | Boy | A Yoruba word meaning draw close to me | |
Sunmoluwa | Boy | One who is moving closer to God | |
Tadenikawo | Boy | Person under the protection of the crown | |
Tambara | Girl | A girl who is at ease | |
Tanimola | Boy | Nobody knows what lies tomorrow | |
Tantoluwa | Boy | One who is like God | |
Tayo | Boy | Boy full of happiness | |
Tejumola | Unisex | One who looks forward to better days | |
Teleayo | Boy | The one who lays the ground for joy | |
Teleola | Boy | He has laid ground for wealth | |
Temi | Unisex | Mine is worthy; Worth of mine | |
Temidayo | Boy | Mine has turned into joy | |
Temiloluwa | Boy | God is mine | |
Temitope | Boy | One who is worthy for praise | |
Teniayo | Boy | The foundation of joy | |
Teniola | Unisex | Valiant warrior with wealth | |
Tiaraoluwa | Girl | From the body of god; Lord's wonder | |
Tifeoluwa | Boy | It is the will of God | |
Timilehin | Girl | God is with you | |
Yoruba baby names carry profound meanings and cultural associations. They offer a captivating insight into the vibrant heritage of the Yoruba tribe and its people. If Yoruba culture's values and ethics resonate with you, the above list of Yoruba names with meanings has several options you may consider to name your baby. These names serve as an enduring connection to the past and hold relevance in the present. So pick a name as per preference and embrace the spirit of ancestral legacy.
Infographic: Culturally Significant Yoruba Baby Names
The Yoruba culture of Nigeria consists of philosophy, religion, and fascinating folktales. It's one of the largest ethnic groups in Africa, with names of immense cultural significance. Exploring Yoruba names will give you a glimpse of rich traditions and beliefs. In this infographic, we've listed the most popular names from this culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which Yoruba names mean peace?
A popular Yoruba name that means peace is Alafia. It is a gender-neutral name. Ìdẹ̀raolúwa is another name that means ‘peace of god.’ Ifelayo is another Yoruba name that implies ‘love is peace.’
2. Are Yoruba names unisex?
Most of the names in Yoruba culture are unisex. Names like Bolu, Bola, Dare, Yinka, Tola, Sola, and Tade are unisex and are fully acceptable by the cultural law of this place. The Yoruba language classifies pronouns according to a person and number and not based on gender (2). However, you will also find many gender-specific names.
3. What are twins known as in Yoruba?
The first-born twin in Southwest Nigeria, irrespective of gender, is always called Taiwo. It means 'having the first taste of the world.' The second twin is called Kehinde. It implies 'arriving after the other.' Between both, the firstborn, or Taiwo, is regarded as the younger twin sibling (3 ).
4. Which Yoruba names mean favor?
In the Yoruba culture, Olúwasanmí means 'God favors me' or 'God rewards me.' It is made of olúwa, which means God; san, which means benefit or favor; and mí, which means me.
5. Which Yoruba names mean moon?
Kamari is an African name that means 'moon.’ It has many variations like Kamaria, Kam, and Mari. Mawu, in the Yoruba language, is also associated with the moon. It's the name of a creator goddess linked to the Sun and Moon.
6. What role do religious or cultural traditions play in selecting Yoruba baby names?
Religious and cultural traditions play a significant role in selecting Yoruba baby names. These names tell the story of the socio-economic backgrounds of families and showcase their religions and customs. Children are often named after significant cultural events surrounding their birth so they can recall the memories later. The names are important means of communication and sources of gender differentiation (4). There is also a tradition in the Yoruba culture about naming according to the background of a family, religion, or antecedents. Some examples include Ògúndìran, which means 'Ogun has become a living tradition in the family,’ and Ayanlowo, which means 'Ayan drumming tradition is honorable.'
7. What are the historical and cultural origins of Yoruba baby names?
According to the Yorubas, a given name has a profound effect. They have always believed that the name that a child bears can influence their entire life cycle from their behavior, profession, and success. From the beginning, Yoribas have regarded a name as representing the socio-economic and cultural characteristics, family background, occupation, place of origin, and political and economic class. Some examples of these names include Abiodun, which means 'born during a festival,' and Abosede, which means a child born on the first day of the week (5).
References
- Welcoming a New Life: Yoruba Naming Traditions.
https://locallearningnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/yoruba.pdf - Yoruba names and gender marking.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262637470_Yoruba_names_and_gender_marking - Yoruba customs and beliefs pertaining to twins.
https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/98B7AE1DB8FB7E1BF4AD8BFDDD68C4C7/S136905230000252Xa.pdf/yoruba_customs_and_beliefs_pertaining_to_twins.pdf - Yoruba personal naming system: Traditions patterns and practices.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339405518_Yoruba_personal_naming_system_Traditions_patterns_and_practices - Yoruba names as a reflection of people’s cultural heritage.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341878995_Yoruba_Names_as_a_Reflection_of_People%27s_Cultural_Heritage