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Let’s talk about Yoruba names—names that are more than just labels; they are living stories echoing history, culture, and sometimes even divine influence. Among the Yoruba people, names are chosen carefully to show family heritage, hopes for the child’s future, and, in many cases, the circumstances surrounding the child’s birth.
If you’re from a Yoruba family or know someone with a Yoruba name, you may have heard the elders discussing the meaning or significance of a name. You might listen to them talk about names as blessings, expressions of faith, or even as a way to keep family memories alive.
This article will take you through different types of Yoruba names, explain the meanings of common Yoruba prefixes and suffixes, and explore their cultural and spiritual importance.
Categories of Yoruba Names
In Yoruba culture, names are divided into different categories based on how they’re chosen and what they represent. Here are the main types:
Oruko Amutorunwa
Destiny names, or “Oruko Amutorunwa,” are names thought to be brought from heaven. These are given based on specific situations or physical traits seen when a baby is born. Here are a few examples:
Idowu: A name given to a child born immediately after twins. If a family has twins, any child born right after them gets this special Yoruba name.
Ige: This name is for a child who enters the world feet-first, a rare and often complicated form of birth called a breech birth.
Ojo (for boys) or Aina (for girls): These are given to children born with the umbilical cord around their neck. This situation is often seen as a unique sign, and the names carry a certain spiritual weight.
Oruko Abiso
Oruko Abiso, or acquired names, are given based on what was happening in the family or to the parents around the time of the child’s birth. Some examples include:
Abidemi: If a father was away when a child was born, this Yoruba name is given, meaning that the child was born “in the father’s absence.”
Tokunbo: This name is for children born outside the country or far from home, meaning “brought over the sea.”
Abiona: Given to a child born while the mother is going to the hospital or anywhere other than the family home.
Oruko Oriki
Oriki is a unique type of name in Yoruba culture, as it’s both a name and a form of praise. Oriki names are used to celebrate a family’s heritage, usually highlighting the accomplishments or qualities of ancestors. Think of Oriki as a verbal biography that praises the child’s family lineage.
For example, Adebayo means “the crown meets with joy,” praising a royal or respected family’s achievements and celebrating a new birth in that line.
Oruko Abiku
Some Yoruba families believe that certain children, known as Abiku, have a spirit that keeps returning to be reborn into the family. These children often pass away shortly after birth and are then believed to be reborn in a cycle. Special Yoruba names are given to these children in hopes of “convincing” them to stay. For instance:
Kokumo: Meaning “this one will not die again,” given with a prayer that the child will stay and grow strong.
Durosinmi: Meaning “stay to bury me,” this name expresses the family’s plea for the child to live and stay with them, so he can bury the parents after they are old and grey.
Common Prefixes and Suffixes in Yoruba Names
Yoruba names are often filled with meaning, thanks to the different prefixes and suffixes that give each name a unique story. Here’s a look at some of the most common ones:
Prefixes
Ade: Meaning “crown.” This prefix often connects to royalty, honor, or respect within the family, especially in families linked to traditional leadership.
Examples: Adebisi (The crown has added more), Adeola (Crown of wealth), Adedayo (The crown brings joy).
Ayo: Meaning “joy.” This prefix shows happiness or celebration, chosen to represent the family’s joy at the child’s birth.
Examples: Ayotunde (Joy has returned), Ayodeji (Joy has doubled), and Ayoola (Joy of wealth).
Olu / Oluwa: Meaning “God.” This prefix shows the family’s faith, gratitude, or hope for God’s blessing on the child.
Examples: Oluwafemi (God loves me), Oluwabunmi (God has blessed me), Oluwatoyin (God is worthy of praise).
Ola: Meaning “wealth.” This prefix expresses a wish for prosperity and success in the child’s life.
Examples: Olanrewaju (Wealth moves forward), Oladapo (Wealth has come), Olawale (Wealth has come home).
Suffixes
-mide: Meaning “has arrived” or “has come.” This suffix shows the arrival of joy, blessings, or good fortune.
Examples: Ayomide (My joy has arrived), Olumide (My God has come).
-dun: Meaning “sweet.” This suffix adds a sense of happiness or something that brings joy to life.
Examples: Oladunni (Wealth is sweet to have), Oluwadunsin (It is sweet to serve God), Ayodun (Joy is sweet).
-tayo: Meaning “worth joy.” This suffix shows that the child is a source of joy for the family.
Examples: Ayotayo (Joy is worth having), Adetayo (The crown brings joy), Omotayo (A child is worth joy).
-yemi: Meaning “befits me” or “suits me.” This suffix emphasizes that something valuable is fitting or a good match for the child.
Examples: Adeyemi (The crown befits me), Ayoyemi (Joy suits me), Oluyemi (God suits me).
-ke: Meaning “to care for” or “to pamper.” This suffix shows affection and often highlights a child who is cherished and loved.
Examples: Adebike (The crown pampers), and Fadekemi (One who uses a crown to bless the parents).
-sola: Meaning “in wealth.” This suffix points to prosperity, suggesting that the child’s presence is linked to wealth and good fortune.
Examples: Adesola (The crown brings wealth), Afolasade (Wealth is her crown).
Yoruba Naming Ceremony
In Yoruba culture, a newborn’s naming ceremony, called Isomoloruko, is a special event held seven days after the child’s birth, where family members, friends, and community elders come together to formally introduce the child to the world. The Yoruba naming ceremony often includes prayers, blessings, and music.
During this ceremony, elders and family members will give names to the child, each with a purpose or message behind it. The Yoruba names reflect the family’s heritage, blessings, and hopes for the child. It’s not uncommon for a Yoruba child to receive several names — each one telling a different story or expressing different wishes for the child’s life.
Yoruba Names for Girls
Yoruba girl names are often filled with beauty, grace, and hopes for joy and strength. Here are some popular unique and meaningful Yoruba names and what they translate to:
Yoruba Names Starting with A:
Adenike: The crown is to be cared for
Adeyemi: The crown befits me
Akinlabi: We gave birth to a warrior
Afolabi: Born into wealth
Anuoluwapo: The mercy of God is abundant
Adunke: Sweet to care for
Abisola: Born into wealth
Yoruba Names Starting with B to F:
Boluwatife: As God wants it.
Bimpe: Beautiful, often used to describe someone with inner and outer beauty.
Bamidele: The child has returned home (a name for children born after an absence).
Durojaiye: Wait and enjoy life.
Damilola: God has blessed me with wealth.
Ewatomi: Beauty is enough.
Fadesewa: Beautified by the crown.
Yoruba Names Starting with G to K:
Gbemisola: Carry me into wealth.
Gbolabo: Wealth meets honor.
Ifedayo: Love has become joy.
Iyabo: The mother has returned, usually given to children born after a grandmother’s passing.
Iretiola: Hope of wealth.
Iyanuloluwa: God’s wonder.
Kikelomo: A child meant to be pampered.
Names Starting with M to N:
Mobolaji: I woke up with riches.
Morenike: I have found someone to care for.
Mojisola: I woke up to wealth.
Morounkeji: I have found a second (like a sister or best friend).
Modupeola: I am thankful for wealth.
Moyosoreoluwa: I rejoice in God’s goodness.
Mofoluwakemi: I am blessed by God.
Names Starting with O:
Oluwadamilola: God has blessed me with wealth.
Oladunni: Wealth is sweet to have.
Oluwabukola: God adds to wealth.
Oluwakemi: God pampers me.
Omowunmi: I cherish children.
Omolara: Children are the family.
Oluwatoyin: God is worthy of praise.
Names Starting with S, T, and Y:
Simisola: To rest in wealth.
Sijuwade: To look in the direction of the crown.
Tiwatope: Our situation is worth giving thanks for.
Toluwalase: Authority belongs to God.
Temidayo: My life has become one of joy.
Yetunde: The mother has returned.
Yewande: The mother looked for me.
Yoruba Names for Boys
Names Starting with A:
Adeyemi: The crown fits me.
Akinlabi: We have given birth to a warrior.
Adebayo: The crown meets with joy.
Ayotunde: Joy has returned.
Afolabi: Born into wealth.
Anjolaoluwa: We are enjoying God’s blessings.
Names Starting with B to K:
Babajide: The father has returned.
Babatunde: The father has come again, often given to boys born after the passing of a grandfather.
Bankole: Build a home for me.
Bolaji: Woke up with wealth.
Durojaiye: Wait to enjoy life.
Fiyinfoluwa: Praise to God.
Ifedayo: Love has turned to joy.
Names Starting with M to N:
Mobolaji: Born into wealth.
Modupeore: Thank you, God, for this gift.
Mofoluwake: God has protected me.
Moyinoluwa: I rejoice in the Lord.
Morenikeji: I have found a second (like a brother).
Mojoyin: I rejoice in honey (sweetness).
Monilola: I have a portion in wealth.
Names Starting with O:
Oluwaseun: Thanks be to God.
Olayiwola: Wealth belongs to God.
Oluwadunsin: It is sweet to worship God.
Oluwajomiloju: God has surprised me.
Oluwapamilerinayo: God has caused me to laugh in joy.
Olusegun: God is victorious.
Omotayo: A child is the worth of joy.
Names Starting with S, T, and Y:
Similoluwa: Rest in the Lord.
Sunkanmi: Draw close to me.
Sijuwade: To look in the direction of the crown.
Tiwalade: The crown is ours.
Temidayo: My life has turned to joy.
Toluwa: Belonging to God.
Yele: Fitting of the family.
The Most Popular Yoruba Names and Their Meaning
Some Yoruba names have become widely recognized, both within Nigeria and even internationally. Names like Femi (meaning “God loves me”), Bola (meaning “wealth”), and Tunde (meaning “return again”) express values like love, prosperity, and family heritage. Twins hold a special place in Yoruba culture and history, and they’re often named Taiwo (meaning “the one who tastes life first”) and Kehinde (meaning “the one who follows”), showing the unique and cherished nature of twins in the community.
Special Names for Twins
In Yoruba culture, twins, known as “Ibeji,” are celebrated and believed to bring good fortune. The Yoruba have a strong belief that twins hold spiritual powers and blessings. Here’s how twins are traditionally named:
Taiwo: This is the name given to the first twin, which means “to taste the world.” Taiwo is believed to “test” the world for their sibling.
Kehinde: The second twin, who follows Taiwo, is thought of as the “elder” since they allowed Taiwo to go first.
Twins are seen as a special gift, and their presence is often celebrated with festivals and community gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Oriki of a girl in Yoruba culture?
Oriki is a praise or endearment name in Yoruba culture, expressing hopes, qualities, or characteristics associated with a person. For girls, Oriki often highlights qualities like beauty, grace, or cherished traits. It celebrates what she is or is hoped to become, in terms of endearment rather than heroic qualities.
How do you praise a beautiful girl in Yoruba?
To praise a girl for her beauty in Yoruba, you might say, “Ọmọ Dara bi Egbin,” meaning “beautiful like a gazelle.” The Yoruba consider the gazelle to be a graceful and beautiful animal, and this phrase symbolizes elegance and attractiveness in a woman.
What does the name Arike mean in Yoruba?
Arike is a Yoruba name meaning “one that is cared for on sight.” It represents a cherished person, often chosen to convey affection and the protective, caring nature of the family.
What does the name Ajike mean?
The name Ajike means “one who wakes up to petting and pampering.” This name is given to express the idea that the child is special and loved, deserving of attention and care.
What is the meaning of Ashake in Yoruba?
Ashake means “one to cherish.” It is a term reflecting the cherished nature of a child, indicating that she is someone the family treasures and enjoys caring for.
What does Amope mean in Yoruba?
Amope means “a child born into joy.” This name signifies that the child brings happiness and is a source of delight to the family, highlighting her as a symbol of joy and celebration.
References
180 Beautiful Yoruba Girl Names for Your Baby – Mothers Always Right
YORUBA NAMES AND THEIR MEANING | ROVING THOUGHTS
352 Yoruba Baby Names From West Africa
