A-Z of Yoruba names for your kids (with meanings)

While for the current generation it is comforting to know that many successful artists have made waves, even with their native Yoruba names. A couple of examples are Fela Anikulapo-Kuti (Fela is short for Olufela, which means God enlarges wealth) and Jide Kosoko (Jide means to be awoken).

Whether you’re expecting a new arrival, or someone in your family is due to welcome a child, choosing a name can be a daunting task.rom the surrounding Yoruba traditions to a helpful list of Yoruba boys, girls and unisex names, you’ll find everything you need to know about Yoruba names right here.

The Yorubas have one of the most interesting and the most complicated naming traditions in the world. A private child naming ceremony is often organized seven days after the birth of the child.

There, the child’s unique identity is unveiled. In pre-colonial West Africa, parents from the Yoruba ethnic group relied on traditional priests to decide the child’s destiny and to choose a name that reflects their pathway. Then a public ceremony was held, to celebrate the arrival of the child with friends and family.

However, things have changed in the twenty-first century, especially with the advent of Christianity and Islam. Parents, grandparents and, in rare cases, family friends suggest beautiful Yoruba names for the baby. Often these names describe the circumstance surrounding the baby’s conception and birth.

Some of the most delightful names available in this majority South Western and North-central Nigerian ethnic group are referred to as praise names (popularly called Oriki names). Such names are often bestowed upon children who have brought exceptional joy and pride to the family. Examples of Oriki names include Ayinla, Ajoke, Alao, Akano, Asabi, Ajani, Akanmu, Amope, Anike, Abike, Abake, Alao, Adio, Akanni, Amoke, Arike, Akano, Agbeke, Ajin-un, Alake, Awero, Abebi, Abeun, Aremu, Alani, Ayinke and Ìshọ̀lá.

Also notable is that Yorubas have interesting naming traditions for twins. In such cases, names are predetermined by the order of the baby’s arrival. Taiwo (a name that loosely translates to ‘pre-tasted the world’) is the name given to the first twin. The second twin is named Kehinde, a name meaning ‘the one who lagged behind’.

There are lots of Yoruba names to choose from. To simplify your name search, we have compiled a comprehensive litany of trendy, religious, quaint or modern baby names. Enjoy choosing a creative name for your baby.

There are lots of Yoruba names to choose from

Yoruba boys names and meanings A-Z

There are lots of Yoruba names to choose from