200 Most Popular Nigerian Ethnic Names and Their Meanings
Nigeria, with over 250 ethnic groups and more than 500 languages, is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. Each ethnic group has unique naming traditions that reflect its values, beliefs, and historical experiences. Nigerian names often carry deep meanings related to spirituality, circumstances surrounding the birth, aspirations, or societal roles.
Below is a list of 200 popular Nigerian names, categorized by major ethnic groups, along with their meanings.
Yoruba Names
The Yoruba people believe that names shape destiny, so their names are usually carefully chosen.
Male Yoruba Names
1. Adeola – Crown of wealth
2. Adetokunbo – The crown has returned from overseas
3. Ayodele – Joy has come home
4. Babajide – Father has returned
5. Boluwatife – As God wills
6. Damilare – God has justified me
7. Femi – Love me
8. Gbenga – Elevate
9. Kehinde – The second-born of twins
10. Kolapo – Wealth brings together
11. Oluwasegun – God has been victorious
12. Segun – Victory
13. Taiwo – The first twin to taste the world
14. Tunde – Return
15. Yinka – Surround me with wealth
Female Yoruba Names
16. Adebisi – The crown has increased
17. Adenike – The crown is cherished
18. Folashade – Wealth confers a crown
19. Ireti – Hope
20. Modupe – I am thankful
21. Omotola – A child worth wealth
22. Olufunke – God gives me someone to care for
23. Yetunde – Mother has returned
24. Temiloluwa – Mine is the Lord’s
25. Morayo – I see joy
Igbo Names
Igbo names are deeply rooted in spirituality, often reflecting a strong connection to God and life circumstances.
Male Igbo Names
26. Chibuzor – God is the way
27. Chidiebere – God is merciful
28. Chijioke – God has given me a portion
29. Ekene – Praise
30. Ifeanyi – Nothing is impossible with God
31. Obinna – Father’s heart
32. Onyeka – Who is greater?
33. Somtochukwu – Join me in praising God
34. Ugochukwu – God’s glory
35. Eze – King
Female Igbo Names
36. Adaeze – Princess
37. Amaka – Beautiful or good
38. Chiamaka – God is beautiful
39. Chinaza – God answers
40. Ngozi – Blessing
41. Nneka – Mother is supreme
42. Ogechi – God’s time
43. Oluchi – God’s work
44. Uchenna – God’s will
45. Uloma – Good home
Hausa Names
Hausa names often reflect Islamic influences and cultural values like piety, leadership, and wisdom.
Male Hausa Names
46. Abdullahi – Servant of Allah
47. Bello – Help
48. Danladi – Born on a Sunday
49. Gambo – Warrior
50. Haruna – Aaron (biblical reference)
51. Kabiru – Great or mighty
52. Musa – Moses
53. Salihu – Correct or righteous
54. Shehu – Leader or guide
55. Umar – Long-lived
Female Hausa Names
56. Amina – Trustworthy
57. Fatima – Daughter of the Prophet
58. Hadiza – Respected
59. Khadija – First wife of the Prophet
60. Lami – Peace
61. Maryam – Mary
62. Rabi – Spring
63. Salma – Peace
64. Zainab – Beautiful or fragrant flower
65. Zuwaira – Precious
Edo Names
Edo names emphasize spirituality, family, and life experiences.
Male Edo Names
66. Osagie – God is my leader
67. Osahon – God is with me
68. Omoruyi – A child is good
69. Ehigiator – Guardian of the land
70. Omorede – A child brings joy
71. Osamudiamen – God stands for me
72. Ehizogie – A king’s protector
73. Aigbe – To protect
74. Osarenren – God remembers me
75. Ikponmwosa – I am thankful to God
Female Edo Names
76. Ehimwenma – My name brings peace
77. Osariemen – God has blessed me
78. Orobosa – Thanks be to God
79. Isoken – Contentment
80. Esosa – God’s gift
81. Itohan – Mercy
82. Omonigho – A child is greater than wealth
83. Ehi – Guardian angel
84. Osato – God’s will
85. Omosefe – A child has spoken
Fulani Names
Fulani names are often inspired by Islamic teachings and pastoral heritage.
Male Fulani Names
86. Adamu – Adam
87. Amadu – Trustworthy
88. Bukar – Noble
89. Dikko – Protector
90. Fodio – Founder
91. Hadi – Guide
92. Kano – Wealthy
93. Modibo – Scholar
94. Usman – Companion
95. Zubairu – Pure
Female Fulani Names
96. Aisha – Life
97. Bintu – Daughter
98. Falmata – Powerful
99. Hauwa – Eve
100. Zahra – Flower
Ijaw Names
Ijaw names often reflect the importance of water, blessings, and life circumstances.
101. Amakiri – Blessed home
102. Ebiere – Kindness
103. Ibinabo – Family wealth
104. Tamuno – God
105. Jola – Joy or happiness
106. Owei – The one who is blessed
107. Tomiwa – God is with me
108. Oboro – Born during the rainy season
109. Beni – A child of joy
110. Yemisi – Worthy of praise
111. Sekere – Blessed child
112. Mabiri – Strength or resilience
113. Tari – A child of the sea
Tiv Names
Tiv names reflect the values of community, family, and spirituality.
Male Tiv Names
114. Aondo – God’s power
115. Udo – Peace
116. Tseji – Light
117. Terhemba – A child of good fortune
118. Torkwase – God is with us
119. Iorhen – Creator or maker
120. Ityo – Happiness or joy
121. Mbakaa – Prosperous or rich
122. Ameh – Strength or power
123. Orhime – God’s helper
Female Tiv Names
124. Mnena – God’s gift
125. Ukaan – Happy child
126. Hemba – Wealthy
127. Aondoan – God is good
128. Tsefe – Beauty or elegance
129. Mtokwo – Light-bringer
130. Iorfa – Peaceful child
131. Ityer – Hopeful
132. Shaibu – Blessed with wealth
133. Ibiwange – God’s protection
Kanuri Names
Kanuri names often carry strong Islamic influences, as well as meanings related to leadership and strength.
Male Kanuri Names
134. Aliyu – High, exalted
135. Ibrahim – Abraham
136. Abdul – Servant of
137. Yusuf – Joseph
138. Musa – Moses
139. Bashir – Good news
140. Mahmud – Praiseworthy
141. Khalid – Eternal
142. Sa’id – Happy, fortunate
143. Suleiman – Solomon
Female Kanuri Names
144. Fatimah – One who abstains
145. Aminat – Faithful
146. Zaynab – A fragrant flower
147. Sadiya – Lucky
148. Ruqayyah – Gentle
149. Khadijah – The first wife of the Prophet
150. Zainab – Beauty
151. Aisha – Alive, life
152. Hafsa – Gathering or meeting
153. Rama – White or pure
Nupe Names
Nupe names are often linked to spiritual or societal significance, with an emphasis on leadership, wisdom, and protection.
Male Nupe Names
154. Aminu – Faithful
155. Nuhu – The one who guides
156. Musa – Moses
157. Sulaiman – Solomon
158. Abdullah – Servant of God
159. Jibril – Archangel Gabriel
160. Umar – Long-lived
161. Bello – Help
162. Tijani – A protector
163. Sani – Safe
Female Nupe Names
164. Fatimah – Daughter of the Prophet
165. Maryam – Mary
166. Aisha – Life
167. Hajara – Refuge
168. Ummu – Mother
169. Zainab – Beautiful
170. Sumaiya – High or exalted
171. Khadija – Early or pioneering
172. Ruqayya – Gentle
173. Hafsa – Lioness
Ibibio Names
Ibibio names often reflect the family’s values, religious faith, and community relations.
Male Ibibio Names
174. Etim – The firstborn son
175. Udofia – Peace and tranquility
176. Okon – A child is precious
177. Udo – Peace
178. Abasi – God
179. Ekong – The king’s child
180. Ikpah – First son
181. Ita – Strong or powerful
182. Itaobong – Great warrior
183. Akan – Brave
Female Ibibio Names
184. Ekong – Queen
185. Abasiet – Daughter of royalty
186. Eme – Beauty or grace
187. Etohan – Thankful heart
188. Idorenyin – Goodness
189. Ebakpe – Blessed
190. Asuquo – Joyous child
191. Uduak – Gift or blessing
192. Ofonime – My heart
193. Obong – Royalty
Shona Names
The Shona people of Zimbabwe have rich traditions of naming, often reflecting nature, ancestry, or a connection to God.
Male Shona Names
194. Tendai – Thankful
195. Kudzai – Praise
196. Takudzwa – We have been praised
197. Tatenda – Thank you
198. Makanaka – Wonderful
199. Kudzai – Thankful
200. Chiedza – Light or brightness
Conclusion
The names from Nigerian ethnic groups are a rich representation of culture, history, and spirituality. Each ethnic community offers a diverse array of names that have specific meanings, often related to birth circumstances, spiritual beliefs, aspirations, and the social roles within the community. This extensive list of 200 Nigerian names provides insight into the importance of names in shaping identity and connecting individuals to their roots, culture, and God. Whether you are looking to learn more about Nigerian names or find inspiration for naming, this list offers a meaningful guide.
