
A name is more than simply a word; it may also be a tale, an ode, a wish, a blessing, or a topic of debate. It is frequently the first information provided to someone. So, much like with all names, picking a Yoruba names requires careful thought.

Parents used to base their decisions on their children’s fitness for the workplace while choosing Yoruba names. Parents frequently worried that their children may miss out on job possibilities because an employer couldn’t pronounce their names.
While it is encouraging for the younger generation to realize that some renowned musicians have achieved success despite using their native Yoruba names. Examples are Jide Kosoko and Fela Anikulapo-Kuti (Fela is short for Olufela, which means God increases prosperity) (Jide means to be awoken).
Choosing a name may be a difficult undertaking whether you are expecting a baby yourself or someone in your family is preparing to welcome one.
You may learn everything there is to know about Yoruba names here, from the surrounding traditions to a handy list of Yoruba males’, girls’, and unisex names.
Facts about Yoruba naming customs
One of the most intriguing and challenging naming customs in the world belongs to the Yoruba people. Following the baby’s birth, a private naming ceremony is frequently planned.
The child’s distinct identity is revealed there. Parents of the Yoruba ethnic group in pre-colonial West Africa relied on traditional priests to determine the child’s destiny and to choose a name that reflected their path. The birth of the kid was then celebrated with friends and family at a public ceremony.
But in the twenty-first century, things have altered, particularly with the rise of Christianity and Islam. Beautiful Yoruba names for the newborn are suggested by the parents, grandparents, and, in rare instances, family friends. These names frequently give details about the circumstances of the baby’s conception and birth.
In this majority South Western and North-central Nigerian ethnic group, praise names are some of the most wonderful names that are offered (popularly called Oriki names). Ayinla, Ajoke, Alao, Akano, Asabi, Ajani, Akanmu, Amope, Anike, Abike, Alao, Adio, Akanni, Amoke, Arike, Akano, Agbeke, Ajin-un, Alake, Awero, Abebi, Abeun, Aremu, Alani, Ayinke, and sholá are some examples of Oriki names.
It is also noteworthy that Yorubas have intriguing twin naming customs. In these situations, names are predetermined based on the baby’s arrival sequence. The first twin is called Taiwo, which roughly translates to “pre-tasted the world.” Kehinde, the name of the second twin, means “the one who fell behind.”
There are numerous Yoruba names available. We have created a thorough list of fashionable, trendy, religious, quaint, or modern baby names to make your name search easier. Have fun coming up with a unique name for your child.
ALSO READ: Seven popular musicians who changed stage names
Yoruba baby names from A-Z with meanings for your children
There are numerous Yoruba names available.
Names and meanings in Yoruba for boys, A-Z
NAME | MEANING |
Abayomrunkoje | God won’t allow humiliation |
Abegunde | One born during the holiday |
Abeo | The the bringer of happiness |
Abiade | One who is born to royal parents |
Abidogun | One born before the war |
Abiodun | One born at the time of festival |
Abiola | Born in honour; Born during the first days |
Abioye | The son of royalty; A variant of Abiola |
Adebamgbe | A Nigerian term meaning royalty dwells within me |
Adebiyi | The royal one |
Adebayo | The crown has turned to joy |
Ademola | Crown is added to my wealth |
adeniyi | The value or honour of a crown |
Adepero | The crown has brought peace |
Adesanya | My pains have been compensated with the arrival of this child |
Adeshola | One who is crowned to bring wealth |
Adesola | A child crowned with wealth |
Adetola | The crown can be measured to wealth |
Adetope | The crown is worthy of praise |
adetosoye | The crown is entitled to the throne |
Adisa | Clear spoken person |
Akin | Brave; heroic; Hebrew – Man |
Alake | One to be honoured |
Apara | Matchless; unique; one who is exclusive and has no equivalent |
Ayinde | We gave praise and he came |
Ayodele | Joy has returned; a variant of name Ayotunde |
Ayotomiwa | Wealth has returned |
Babasola | Father’s wealth has arrived |
Babatunji | The father returns again |
Banjoko | Don’t ever leave me |
Bankole | Build a home for me |
Bayode | He who brings joy with himself |
Bayowa | He has come with joy |
Bolade | Honour will come |
Damola | Mixed with Wealth |
Durojaiye | One who waits for the joy of life |
Durosinmi | wait to rest |
Esupofo | The devil has lost |
Farayioluwola | I rely on God |
Fiyinfolu | Give honour to god |
Folarin | Walk with glory |
Folu | A shy or timid man |
Gbadebo | One who brings the crown |
Idogbe | The second third born after twins |
Ifelewa | Th beautiful Love |
Iles | Messenger of God |
Inioluwa | Acquiring God’s treasure |
Iranola | A wealthy family |
Isamotu Olalekan | Without God I’m destitute |
Iseoluwa | The act of God |
Iyanu-Oluwa | The miracle of God |
Jesutosin | Jesus worthy of worship |
Jimoh | One who is born on a Friday |
Kaseko | To mock or ridicule someone |
Mabayoje | Do not destroy joy |
Majekodunmi | Do not let ot be a thing of pain |
Mayowa | One who brings joy to the family |
Mobo | Freedom |
Mobolaji | Born of wealth |
Modadeola | A man wearing a crown of wealth or affluence |
Modurodoluwa | I waited on the Lord |
Modurolorilerioluwa | One who stands on the promise of God |
Mofetoluwa | A man who graciously accepts God’s will |
Mofihinfoluwa | To God be the glory |
Mofolorunso | One who is placed in God’s care |
Naade | A boy who is born in royalty |
Numilekunoluwa | Clean my tears, lord |
Oba | The king |
Obafemi | The king loves me |
Obaloluwa | God is the king |
Obatotosinloluwa | God is indeed worthy of praise |
Odunayo | Year of happiness |
Ogooluwa | The glory of God |
Olabamiji | Wealth Wakes with me |
Olabisi | The joy is multiple The joy is multiple |
Olabode | Wealth has come home |
Oladayo | Wealth has become joy |
Olamilekan | Lord Shiva, one of the three major divinities in the later hindu pantheon |
Oson | Summer |
Remilekun | Console me, lord |
Rereloluwa | God is good all the time |
Ropo | Come to save |
Sangodele | The God of thunder has come |
Sareola | One who is walking towards getting wealthy |
Seriki | Leader of an Islamic group |
Seye | Honour |
Shakale | The almighty |
shoyebi | A word used for wizards who ward off evil |
Shijuade | A man who is destined for greatness |
Sinmiloluwa | Rest in the lord |
Sunkanmi | Draw close to me |
sunmoluwa | One who is moving closer towards God |
Tadenikawo | Person under the protection of the crown |
Tanimola | Nobody knows what lies tomorrow |
Tantoluwa | No one like God |
Tayo | Boy full of happiness |
Teleayo | The one who lays ground for joy |
Teleola | He has laid ground for wealth |
Temidayo | Mine has turned into joy |
Temiloluwa | God is mine |
Temitope | One who is worthy of praise |
Teniayo | The fountain of joy |
Tifeoluwa | It is the will of God |
Tiwalade | The crown is ours |
Tiwatope | Our situation is worthy of thanks |
Tolulola | Wealth belongs to God |
Tolulope | To god be the glory |
Toluwalase | Authority belongs to God |
Toluwalogo | The glory belongs to God |
Toluwalope | God is worthy of praise |
Toluwanimi | I belong to God |
Tomori | We have seen a baby again |
Tosin | Only God is servable |
Yele | One who befits the family |
There are numerous Yoruba names available.
GirlsYoruba Names and Meaning A – Z
NAME | MEANING |
Abebi | We asked for a girl child |
Abidemi | A girl born during Father’s absence |
Abiona | A one who is born during a journey |
Adankwo | One born on the forth day |
Adaoma | A good and Virtuous |
Adaora | Daughter of all |
Adefolake | Your wealth supports us |
Aderiyike | The pampered crown |
Adesina | She opens the way |
Adunni | A daughter of the sweet person |
aega | A palm bird; tiny bird |
Aina | Beautiful eyed woman |
Amoke | Loving stroke or to pet her |
Atinuke | One who has been taken care of right from conception |
Ayobami | Wealth meet me; one asking for wealth |
Ayokunumi | I am overwhelmed with wealth |
Ayomisioluwakonitan | The joy of the Lord will never diminish in my life |
Ayoola | The joy of wealth |
Ayotola | Joy is enough wealth |
Ayotoluwafunmi | The joy that the lord has given me |
Ayotundun | Joy is sweet |
Ayowonuola | Joy enters love |
Ayowunmi | A girl who loves love |
Bandele | Born away from home |
Bere | First daughter of the family |
Bidemi | Born awaiting me |
Bimpe | One who is gorgeous and beautiful |
Bisi | She who is a first-born daughter in the family |
Bomidele | Follow me home |
Bodunde | Came with Christmas or one who was born during Christmas |
Bolanle | One who finds wealth at home |
Bolatito | how joy sanctified me |
Boluwaji | Rise up with the lord |
Boluwatife | As God wishes; one who follows the will of God |
Bosede | A daughter that came to world on a Sunday |
Bunmi | To be my gift |
Busayo | Add to the joy |
Dideoluwakusidede | The coming of the lord is hand |
Diekololaoluwa | God’s blessing isn’t small |
Diekololaoluwalayemi | The wealth of God in my life cannot be measured |
Doyinsola | My wealth is Sweet |
Ebunoluwa | The God’s gift |
Emilohi | Only God is great |
Eniiyi | A person of integrity |
Enitan | Person of the story or person with a history |
Eriifeoluwa | The evidence of God’s love |
Eromidola | My thought has become wealth |
Eyitope | This is worthy for praise |
Fadekunmi | Add crown to me or add crown for me |
Fehintola | Rest on wealth |
Feyisayo | Use this as joy |
Feyisetan | Use this as history |
Feyisola | A girl who always has the blessing of her parents on her; my blessing |
Fiayosemi | The one who has molded her parents with joy |
Fibikemi | Bless me with your birth |
Fisayo | God has added me to my joy |
Folade | The honour arrive |
Folake | One who is taken care of with wealth |
Folaoluwashade | The wealth of God is my crown |
Folasade | Honour confers a crown |
Folusho | God cares; who is always under God’s protection |
Fowoke | A girl who is pampered with money |
Foyinsola | Add honey to the wealth |
Fumilayo | Gift of God or God has brought me joy |
Fyiynfoluwa | Give praise to God; a person who never forgets to praise God for everything |
Gbemisola | Carry me into wealth |
Gbohunmi | God has heard my cry |
Gbolahun | Show the wealth |
Gboyega | Carry the glory high |
Ibidolapo | A term used for a child whose birth brought the wealth together |
Ibidun | The birth was sweet |
Ibilola | A girl who is born in riches |
Ibironke | The family will love this child |
Ibukun | Blessings |
Ibukunade | The blessings have come to me |
Ibukunoluwa | The blessing of God |
Idowu | A child who is born after twins |
Ifedayo | Love has turned to joy |
Ifede | Love is here |
Ifedolaoluwa | God has blessed our Love |
Ifedolapo | Wealth has been mixed with Love |
Ifejesukristi | The love of Jesus Christ |
Ifelayo | Love is Joy |
Ifeoluwadolapo | God’s wealth has brought us wealth |
Ifesowapo | Love has joined us together |
Ifetundun | Love is sweet |
Ifeya | Love; a lovable woman |
Ikeoluwa | One who is under the constant care of God |
Ireara | A wealthy child |
Ilerioluwa | The promise of God |
Iretomiwa | Blessing has come to me; a girl who has brought blessings to her family |
Isoken | One who is content with her destiny |
Iyawa | Ability or skill; a skillful woman |
Jadesola | Come out into wealth |
Jadesolaoluwa | One who has come out to the wealth of God |
Jaiyeola | One who is enjoying a wealthy life |
Jesulayotimoni | Jesus is the joy I have |
Jibola | A child born with wealth |
Jolasun | Let the wealth come forth |
Kayin | The child that has been long awaited |
Kehinde | Came second or the second born child |
Keyshia | A girl who is the favourite of everyone |
Kikelomo | A child whom everyone loves pampering |
Kinfeosioluwa | I may love you more, my lord |
Kokumo | This one will not die |
Kolapo | Wealth is abundance |
Kolawole | Wealth has entered |
Korede | A girl who has brought joy to the family |
Lanre | My wealth is the future |
Latorunwa | One who descended from heaven |
Lolade | God is with me |
Mofoluwakemi | Given for the Lord’s blessing |
Monife | The one who has been loved |
Olamide | Divinity of triumph; supernatural of success |
Oluchi | The work of God |
Oluwabusola | God adds to my wealth |
Oluwafunbi | God gave this to me |
Omolade | Child of the crown |
Omorinsola | The child who walks into wealth |
Orisa | An angelic manifestation |
Oyinlola | Nigerian term meaning wealth is sweet |
Ronke | A person who has someone to pamper |
Shola | A blessed one |
Tambara | A girl who is at peace |
Tiaraoluwa | From the body of God, God’s wonder |
Timilehin | God is with you |
titilayo | One who is joyful for ever; ever happy |
Toluwalashe | God’s will be done |
Tujuka | Cheerful |
Yejide | One who looks like her mother |
Zoputan | The protector |
There are numerous Yoruba names available.
Unisex Yoruba Names and Meaning A – Z
NAME | MEANING |
Ajayi | Born face-down |
Ayomide | Joy has returned ; a variant of name Ayotunde |
Ayotunde | Joy has returned; a variant of name Ayomide |
Ige | Born feet first |
Jaiyesimi | One who believes in enjoying life |
Modupeore | Thank God for this gift |
Monjolaoluwa | Enjoying the wealth of God |
Morenikeji | This child resembles me |
Niyilolawa | The wealth is here |
Olajuwan | The exaltation of the triumph |
Olayinka | Wealth surround me |
Olorunyomi | God saved me |
Olumoroti | I stand with God |
Oluwasola | God has blessed me |
Oluwagbenga | God has lifted me up |
Owulatoke | God is worthy to be adored |
Tejumola | One who looks forward to better days |
Tiwa | One who owns the crown or kingship |
Tokunbo | One who is from across the seas |
ALSO READ: To aid with character building, here are some cool last names.
If you’re going to give your child a Yoruba name, be sure to pick one that speaks to you personally. Don’t be concerned about the opinions of others. Possibly the most crucial factors to take into account are the name’s significance and meaning.
Furthermore, if somebody asks the age-old Shakespearean rhetorical question, “What’s in a name?” Say “Everything” while shrugging your shoulders.