The “Isomoloruko,” or Yoruba naming ceremony, is a special event in Yoruba culture where a newborn is officially given a name, surrounded by family, friends, and the community. Traditionally, boys were named on the eighth day after birth, and girls on the seventh day, but now, both are often named on either the seventh or eighth day.

Why the Yoruba Naming Ceremony Is Important

The Yoruba naming ceremony is a big deal! It’s a special event where everyone comes together to celebrate a baby’s birth and wish them a bright future. The ceremony also connects the baby to their family’s history and traditions. In Yoruba culture, names are more than just labels—they’re seen as having deep spiritual and cultural meaning. 

Categories of Yoruba Names

Yoruba names are categorized into five:

1. Orúko Àmútọ̀runwá (Destiny Names)

These names are believed to be brought from heaven or have deep religious significance. Some examples include:

• Àìná: A child who came into the world feet first.
• Ìgè: A child born with the umbilical cord around their neck.
• Òjó: A child born with a special circumstance, such as during difficult labor.
• Yétúndé: Meaning “mother has returned,” often given to a child believed to be a reincarnation of a grandmother.
• Bàbátúndé: Meaning “father has returned,” given to a boy believed to be a reincarnation of a grandfather.

2. Orúkọ Àbísọ (Acquired Names)

These are names given by family members that reflect circumstances or hopes. Examples include:

• Ọmọ́táyọ̀: Meaning “a child worth the joy.”
• Adéyínká: Meaning “the crown surrounds me.”
• Ọláwùnmí: Meaning “wealth is sweet to me.”
• Ajíbọ́lá: Meaning “born into wealth.”
• Ìbíyẹmí: Meaning “birth has given me joy.”

3. Orúkọ Oríkì (Panegyrical Names)

These are praise names that celebrate family heritage and achievements. Some examples include:

• Àyìnlá: Meaning “one who is praised.”
• Àjọkẹ́: Meaning “one who is pampered by all.”
• Àlàbí: Meaning “one who was born wealthy.”
• Àbẹ̀kẹ́: Meaning “one who is begged to care for.”
• Àníkẹ́: Meaning “one to have care lavished upon.”

4. Orúkọ Àbíkú (Names for Repeatedly Dying Children)

These names are given to children believed to cycle between life and death. Some examples include:

• Málọmọ́: Meaning “don’t go again.”
• Dúrósinmí: Meaning “stay with me.”
• Kòkúmọ́: Meaning “won’t die again.”
• Dúrótìmí: Meaning “stay and support me.”
• Bíòbákú: Meaning “if death allows.”

5. Orukọ Ìnagijẹ (Epithetic Names)

These are nickname-like names that often describe traits, experiences, or circumstances. Examples include:

• Eyínfúnjowó: Meaning “teeth as white as money.”
• Ajíláràn-án: Meaning “one who wakes up to wealth.”
• Ọ̀pẹ́lẹ́ńgẹ́: Meaning “slender like the Ọpẹ́lẹ́ divination chain.”
• Aríkúyẹrí: Meaning “one who dodges death.”
• Agbọ́tikúyọ̀: Meaning “the one who hears and turns death away.”

Twins in Yoruba culture often get special destiny names with profound meanings:

Táíwò (or Táyé): Meaning “the first to taste the world,” referring to the firstborn twin.

Kẹ́hìndé: Meaning “the one who comes after,” referring to the second twin.

Religious Influence: Modern Christian parents might replace traditional deity names with “Olú” or “Olúwa” to reflect their faith. For instance:

Olúwatiṣé: Meaning “The Lord has done it,” replacing the traditional name Ifátiṣe.

Muslim parents often give Islamic names adapted to Yoruba pronunciation:

Rafiat: A Yoruba version of the name Rofiah.

Síkírù: A Yoruba adaptation of the name Dhikrullah.

Acquired Names can also indicate a family’s status or profession:

Adéwale: Meaning “the crown has come home,” typically a royal name.

Àgbẹ̀dẹ: Meaning “the blacksmith,” indicating a traditional vocation.

Oríkì are praise recitals that celebrate a person’s heritage and accomplishments:

Àdùnní: Meaning “sweet to have.”

Àjìún: Meaning “one who is skillful.

In Yorubaland, certain names are commonly given to babies during naming ceremonies. Below are some of the most popular Yoruba names for boys and girls:

Boys:

Abiodun

Adewoyin

Abioye

Adebowale

Oluwadamilare

Adetokunbo

Adewale

Adisa

Alabi

Aremu

Ajibola

Afolabi

Ayokunle

Gbenga

Olaoluwa

Olalekan

Ademola

Oluwole

Oladele

Olawale

Olumide

Adedamola

Babatunde

Olanrewaju

Girls:

Abosede

Abimbola

Abisola

Anuoluwapo

Morenikeji

Damilola

Folasade

Eniola

Adesewa

IniOluwa

Bimpe

Adeola

Ayodamola

Olabisi

Lolade

Oluwatosin

Ayomide

Demilade

Olubukola

Oluwaseyi

Olayinka

Ololade

Kikelomo

Yetunde

Olayemi

The Naming Rituals of Yoruba Naming Ceremony

The Yoruba naming ceremony is a beautiful tradition that celebrates a child’s arrival and blesses their future. The ceremony begins with a prayer, introducing the family, the baby, and welcoming the guests.

An elder or religious leader leads prayers, asking for blessings like good health, prosperity, wisdom, and long life. Everyone joins in, making it a powerful moment for the child’s future.

After explaining the ceremony’s purpose, the elder introduces the newborn, often carried by a grandmother or another elder. The chosen names are announced, along with their meanings, and the parents may be asked to repeat them as confirmation.

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Next, six common symbolic items are presented, although there can be more than six. Sometimes, one item can have the same meaning as another; for example, ‘oyin’, ‘aadun’, and ‘ireke’ all signify sweetness in a child’s life. Therefore, having one of the items is perfectly fine.

Each item presented below has a unique meaning to wish the child a successful life. Traditionally, these items are touched to the child’s lips, though sometimes the mother tastes them on the child’s behalf:

Water (Omi): Represents purity and the hope for a life free from harm. It also symbolizes clarity in the child’s character.

Honey (Oyin): Stands for sweetness and joy, with the wish that the child’s life will be filled with happiness.

Kola Nut (Obi): Symbolizes longevity and good health, offering a wish for a long and healthy life.

Palm Oil (Epo): Represents smoothness, suggesting the child will navigate life’s challenges with ease.

Orogbo (Bitter Kola): Orogbo stands for endurance, strength, and a long life. It represents the hope that the child will have the strength to overcome challenges and live a long and healthy life.

Atare (Alligator Pepper): Atare symbolizes vitality and energy. It is also used to wish the child wisdom and boldness in facing life’s difficulties.

The ceremony wraps up with a lively celebration of music, dancing, and feasting, where everyone congratulates the family.

In Yorubaland, a baby’s birth is a joyous occasion filled with love, tradition, and thoughtful gifts like clothes, toys, and money. However, symbolic gifts hold the most meaning. For instance, certain foods like beans, symbolizing prosperity and abundance, are often prepared. If the family is blessed with twins, triplets, or even quadruplets, the celebration is even more significant.

In Yoruba culture, multiples are highly respected, with special reverence given to twins, known as “òrìṣà ìbejì.” The naming ceremony for multiples is grand, with each child receiving a name that reflects their birth order and connection to the òrìṣà ìbejì. 

The first twin is usually named Táíwò, meaning “the first to taste the world,” while the second is named Kẹ́hìndé, meaning “the one who comes after.” This tradition extends to triplets and quadruplets, with names carefully chosen to honor their shared journey into the world.

Interestingly, Igbo-Ora, a town in Oyo State, Nigeria, is known as the “Twin Capital of the World” due to its high rate of twin births. This has become a source of pride for the Yoruba people, linking their cultural practices to a globally recognized phenomenon. 

You can catch a glimpse of this unique aspect of Yoruba culture in this fascinating TikTok video from Igbo-Ora, where the vibrant traditions and deep-rooted beliefs surrounding twins are showcased.

Modern Practices of the Yoruba Naming Ceremony

While the Yoruba naming ceremony is rooted in tradition, many families today add modern touches. Some might hold the ceremony in a church or mosque, blending religious practices with cultural traditions. Others include modern music or personalized gifts.

Even with these changes, the ceremony’s core values—family, community, and the importance of a name—remain central.

For families living far from their cultural homeland, adjustments are often made. Yoruba families in the diaspora might stream the ceremony online so relatives in Nigeria can join. They may also blend local customs with their Yoruba traditions, creating a unique celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What role does music and dance play in the Yoruba naming ceremony?

Music and dance are central to the Yoruba naming ceremony. Traditional drummers use talking drums to play lively rhythms, and everyone joins in with singing and dancing. This creates a joyful atmosphere and celebrates the newborn’s arrival. It also connects the baby to their cultural heritage, as traditional Yoruba music reflects the community’s history and values.

What should I wear to a Yoruba naming ceremony?

Guests are encouraged to wear traditional Yoruba attire, such as Aso Ebi, which are coordinated outfits. The family might choose specific colors or themes for the event, and guests usually dress accordingly to show their support and respect. Wearing these outfits reflects the cultural pride and unity of the occasion.

How should I show respect during the ceremony?

Respect for elders is very important in Yoruba culture. At the ceremony, greet elders properly—women might kneel, and men might prostrate. Use the correct titles, like “Baba” (Father) or “Mama” (Mother). Guests should participate respectfully, joining in prayers and celebrations as appropriate.

References

https://www.yorubaname.com

https://www.ileoduduwa.com/naming-ceremony-yoruba-culture

Naming Ceremonies

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoruba_name

https://web.facebook.com/watch/?v=882619776806932

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZGeTtRRVp