Yoruba names represent a person’s identity, values, and soul. Yoruba culture is known for its rich traditions and deep heritage, which shine through in the significance of its names. In this culture, the significance of names runs deep.
A Yoruba proverb says, "A child's name determines what they become or do," highlighting the belief that names influence a person’s destiny.
Yoruba names are carefully chosen to reflect positive meanings, stories, hopes, and aspirations, with no room for negativity. Each name holds a connection to the past, carrying the legacy of previous bearers and believed to shape a child’s future.
Yoruba names are traditionally divided into categories: Orúko Àmútọ̀runwá (Destiny Names), Orúkọ Àbís (Acquired Names), Oríkì (Panegyrical Names), and Inagije (Nicknames).
In the past, Yoruba boys were named on the ninth day after birth, while girls were named on the seventh day. Today, this tradition has evolved, and both boys and girls are named on the seventh day.
The naming ceremony often involves divination by a Babalawo (Ifá priest). However, it’s not just about the priests; family members play a vital role. Parents, grandparents, and elders contribute names, drawing from their preferences and family traditions.
Naming is a collective effort that brings generations together, showcasing the family’s shared wisdom and heritage. Many Yoruba families preserve a list of names passed down from ancestors, strengthening the bonds between past and present while shaping the child’s identity.
Yoruba names are truly inspiring, as they often carry deep meanings. Each name reflects the richness of Yoruba culture and tells its own unique story.
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Yoruba Names For Girls And Their Meaning
Ayomide
Meaning: My Joy has come
Ayoola
Meaning: The joy of wealth
Anuoluwabamise
Meaning: The mercy of the Lord has done it for me
Ayotunde
Meaning: My joy has returned
Ewatomi
Meaning: Beauty is enough
Bisi
Meaning: First born daughter in the Family
Bolanle
Meaning: A child who finds wealth at home
Bimpe
Meaning: A beautiful child
Enitan
Meaning: A child with a history
Erimipe
Meaning: My testimony is complete
Ewaoluwa
Meaning: The beauty of God
Eyitope
Meaning: Worthy of praise
Adebisi
Meaning: Added to the crown
Abeni
Meaning: We asked for her, behold, we got her
Adedamola
Meaning: The crown is mixed with riches
Adelola
Meaning: The crown brings honour
Abifoluwa
Meaning: Born for the Lord
Adepeju
Meaning: The crown is full of honour
Araoluwa
Meaning: The wonder of God
Anuoluwapo
Meaning: God mercies are abundant
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Abioye
Meaning: A child born into royalty
Adenike
Meaning: The crown needs to be taken care of
Ayotola
Meaning: Joy is enough wealth
Bolatito
Meaning: The sanctification that joy brings
Abidemi
Meaning: A female child that was born in the absence of her father
Ebunoluwa
Meaning: The Lord’s gift
Ereadura
Meaning: Reward of prayer
Eniyii
Meaning: A person of integrity
Eriifeoluwa
Meaning: Evidence of God’s love
Eniola
Meaning: A child of wealth
Fehintola
Meaning: Resting on wealth
Fisayo
Meaning: God has added to my joy
Folade
Meaning: Honour has arrived
Folake
Meaning: A child taken care with wealth
Feyisayo
Meaning: Used has joy
Fadekemi
Meaning: Take care of me with wealth
Folashade
Meaning: Honour confers a crown
Fowoke
Meaning: A child taken care of with money
Fiyinfoluwa
Meaning: Praise the Lord
Oluwafunmilayo
Meaning: God has brought me joy
Gbohunmi
Meaning: Hear my cry
Gbemisola
Meaning: Carry me into wealth
Ife
Meaning: Love
Aderiyike
Meaning: The pampered crown
Abosede
Meaning: A child born on the first day of the week
Atinuke
Meaning: A child who has been looked after since conception
Itunuoluwa
Meaning: Comfort of God
Ibukun
Meaning: Blessings
Ifesowapo
Meaning: Love has connected us
Ibilola
Meaning: A girl born into wealth
Ibukunoluwa
Meaning: The blessings of God
Idunnuola
Meaning: Happiness
Ibironke
Meaning: The family will care for this child
Iretomiwa
Meaning: A child who has brought blessings
Iretioluwa
Meaning: God’s hope
Ibidolapo
Meaning: A child’s birth that consolidate wealth
Ifedayo
Meaning: Love has become joy
Ifedolaoluwa
Meaning: The Lord has blessed our love
Ifetundun
Meaning: Love is sweet
Ifelayo
Meaning: Love is peace
Ifede
Meaning: Love is here
Ilerioluwa
Meaning: The promise of God
Olamide
Meaning: My wealth has arrived
Omorinsola
Meaning: The child who walks into riches
Jolasun
Meaning: Let the riches come forth
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Yoruba Tribal Markings And Cultural Significance
Jibola
Meaning: A child born into wealth
Jaiyeola
Meaning: one who is enjoying wealth
Kikelomo
Meaning: A child who is pampered
Monife
Meaning: The loved one
Morenikeji
Meaning: This girl resembles me
Oluwafunbi
Meaning: God has given this child to me
Omolade
Meaning:Child of the crown
Oluwajomiloju
Meaning: The Lord has surprised me
Oyinlola
Meaning: Wealth is sweet
Oluwabusayo
Meaning: God adds to my wealth
Oluwamakinwa
Meaning: The Lord’s goodness
Tiwalade
Meaning: One who owns the crown
Tejumola
Meaning: A child who looks forward to better days
Titilayo
Meaning: A child who is ever happy
Toluwalase
Meaning: God’s will be done
Do you have any other Yoruba names for females and their meaning you'd like to share? You can share them in the comment section below.
