Top 100 Nigerian Names You'll Love
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To be honest, choosing the right name for a baby is not an easy task.
If you are looking for some unique Nigerian names for your baby, you will surely find some of the most beautiful options out there. Our selection of the top 100 will help you
Nigerian names are very unique, similar to the culture of this region. In general, Nigerian parents like to be descriptive in choosing the right name for the babies.
The choice of a name is an important process in Nigeria, as it is believed that names can have an important influence on the life of the child. In general, the choice of names also depends on the ethnicity and the religion of the parents.
Many Nigerian names, traditional or not, are extremely beautiful and carry significant meanings.
Names from Naija, another word for Nigeria which denotes the country's strength and patriotic pride, can be powerful and make great baby name options. Since words in the African dialects are not pronounced in the same way as the English ones, these names can sometimes be hard to pronounce.
Some are phonetic, but for others, it might be best to use some guides or websites that can be a great help in getting the baby names right.
The fact is, it is normal to get the pronunciation of a baby name wrong as there are linguistic differences between various cultures. The first step is to ensure that you learn how to get it right as best as possible.
Do keep in mind that these popular Nigerian baby names are also shared in other African countries that come under the influence of Nigerian culture and be sensitive to this.
In this article, we have added a collection of 100 names that are close to the traditions and cultures of Nigeria and Africa. So here is the list of the most attractive Nigerian names to choose for your baby boy or girl. Go ahead and make the perfect choice for your baby boy or girl.
For more baby names you'll love, take a look at these African Boys' Names and these Egyptian Girls' Names.
Beautiful Nigerian Girls Names
Let us start with some of the most popular girl names. While most of the girl names originate from Nigeria or from the African, a few also originate from Arabia. The three major ethnic cultures in Nigeria are the Yorubas, the Igbos, and the Hausas.
There are significant social and cultural variations between these African tribes. To explain this, let's have a look at some numbers - the country has 527 languages, seven of them are extinct.
Nigeria also has over 1150 dialects and ethnic groups. Hence, the popular baby names originating from these cultures have some linguistic differences. Some of the most popular girl names arise from these cultures.
1.Abebi (Nigerian origin), meaning "we asked for a girl child."
2.Adaego (African origin), meaning "the daughter of wealth."
3.Adankwo (African origin), meaning "the baby born on the fourth day".
4.Adaobi (Nigerian origin) translates to the "first girl child in the family".
5.Abayomi (African origin), means "the baby girl that brings joy".
6.Fa'izah (Arabic origin) means "someone who is victorious or successful".
7.Halimah(Arabic origin) means "someone who is gentle and generous".
8.Hwara (Nigerian origin) translates to a "girl with a nice complexion".
9.Ada-afo (Nigerian origin), meaning the "girl born on the third day".
10.Akanni (Nigerian origin), meaning the "first one".
11.Gimbiya ( Hausa origin), meaning "princess."
12.Adaugo (African origin), means a "beautiful daughter".
13.Ereadura (Yoruba origin), meaning the "reward of the prayers from God".
14.Eyitayo (African origin), means the "sufficient cause for great joy".
15.Adaoma (African origin) translates to a "virtuous lady".
16.Aminah ( Arabic origin), meaning "someone who is honest and faithful".
17.Akuziem (African origin), meaning "God has taught me a lesson."
18.Asma'u (Arabic origin) means the "elevated one" or the "supreme one".
19.Habibah (Arabic origin) translates to "the beloved one."
20.Adaeze (Nigerian origin), meaning "princess" or the "king's daughter".
21.Ahunna (Nigerian origin) translates to "the girl with the body of her father."
22.Ewatomi (Yoruba origin), means "beauty is sufficient."
23.Adefolake ( Nigerian origin), meaning " your wealth supports us."
24.Amadia (African origin) meaning "the spirit of lightning".
25.Chinyere (Yoruba origin), meaning "God gave."
Beautiful Nigerian Baby Boy Names
Now that you know some of the sweetest Nigerian girl names let us take a look at the choices for the name of a baby boy. Since African names are short and unique, the west African boys' names have a very strong identity.
Even though the Arabic influence is present in the most popular Nigerian boys names, the African element is also very common.
Like the girl names, many of the popular Nigerian boy names are linked with the local tribes. Naming your little one seems tough, but with the following list, we can make it easier for you.
26.Abaeze (Nigerian origin), meaning " the branch of the kings."
27.Achojah (Yoruba origin), meaning "rise up to meet the challenge."
28.Abegunde (Nigerian origin) translates to "one born during the holiday."
29.Abiola (African origin) means "wealth has been born."
30.Abeo (Yoruba origin) meaning " the bringer of happiness."
31.Amobi (African origin), translates to " who knows the hearts of men."
32.Adebiyi (Nigerian origin), meaning " the royal one."
33.Akpofure (Nigerian origin), meaning "life is now peaceful."
34.Akoni (Yoruba origin), meaning " the brave warrior."
35.Akarachi (African origin), meaning "divine or God-given destiny."
36.Amaechi (Igbo origin), translates to "who knows tomorrow."
37.Ikenna (Igbo origin) translates to" the power of the father."
38.Obinna (Igbo origin) means "father," which can be both heavenly or earthly.
39.Azi (Nigerian origin), translates to "youth."
40.Akin(Yoruba origin) translates to the strong or the valiant one.
41.Taye (African origin), meaning "he has been seen."
42.Chibuike (Igbo origin) means "God is strength."
43.Chibuzhor (Igbo origin) translates to "God comes first."
44.Chibunna (Igbo origin) means "God is my father."
45.Chetachi (African origin), translates to "One who always remembers God."
46.Ayomide (Yoruba origin), means "my joy has arrived."
47.Afamefuna (African origin), translates to" my name will not be lost."
48.Ajaka (Igbo origin) means "God is praised."
49.Imeka (African origin) is an abbreviation of "God has done so much."
50.Oshay ( Hausa origin), means the strong-willed one.
Most Common Nigerian Names
Next, we have listed down some of the common names in for a Nigerian baby. While many of these baby names come from African origins, some popular ones are beyond the shores of Africa. We start this list with the most popular Nigerian baby boy and girl names.
51.Ibrahim (Arabic origin), meaning "father of the nation."
52.Aisha (Arabic origin), means "she who lives prosperously."
53.Musa (Arabic or Egyptian origin) is another name for Moses.
54.Fatima (Arabic origin) translates to " she who abstains from forbidden things."
55.Sunday (European origin) represents the day of the week.
56.Ola (Arabic and European origin), means "wealth" or " high."
57.Sani (Arabic origin) translates to a "brilliant" child.
58.Abubakar (Arabic origin), means "Father of a young camel."
59.Mohammed (Arabic origin) is the name of the prophet.
60.Amina (Arabic origin) translates to "peace."
61.Emmanuel (Hebrew origin) means "God is with us."
62.Maryam (Arabic and Hebrew origin) means “drop of the sea” or the “star of the sea.”
63.Mary (Aramaic and Hebrew) is derived from Maryam.
64.Zainab (Asian origin), means "fragrant flower."
65.Esther (Persian origin), means the girl who is a "star."
66.Umar (Arabic origin) means the "flourishing one" or the " long-lived one."
67.Adamu (African origin), is related to Adam, the first man.
68.Grace (European origin) is connected to divine grace.
69.Hadiza (Asian origin), means "always first."
70.Usman (Asian origin), translates to the "wise and most powerful."
71.Amara ( European origin), means "everlasting."
72.Hauwa ( African origin), means "happy girl" or the "unique baby."
73.John (Hebrew origin) roughly translates to "God is gracious."
74.Nneka(Igbo origin) means "mother is great."
75.Aliyu (Arabic origin) translates to the "high" or "exalted."
76.Joy (European origin) translates to happiness or being joyful.
77.Victoria (European origin) is derived from the Latin word meaning 'victory.'
78.Samuel (European origin) originates from the Hebrew term meaning "the name of God" or "God heard."
79.Yusuf (Hebrew origin) translates to "God increases."
80.Joseph (Hebrew origin) is derived from the Hebrew term "Yosef."
81.Olajuwon(African origin) means "wealth is the greatest."
82.Aminu (Arabic and African origin) translates to "trustworthy."
83.Tonna (African origin) translates to "praise God " or "praise the father."
84.Ngozi (African origin), means the "blessed one."
85.Hassan (Arabic origin) can be translated to "handsome," "good," or the "benefactor."
86.Ovie (African origin) means "the king is here."
87.Juwon (African origin), means “God is gracious.”
88.Chiamaka (African origin), means "God is beautiful" or "God is great."
89.Uchenna (African origin), translates to "thought of God."
90.Garba (Asian origin) is a type of dance in India.
91.Kehinde (African origin), means "the second-born of the twins."
92.Kabiru (African origin) translates to "the gift of God."
93.Chisom (African origin), translates to "God goes with me."
94.James (Hebrew origin), in English, means "supplanter."
95.Yahaya (Arabic origin) translates to "God Is gracious."
96.Ahmed (Arabic origin) translates to " the praised one."
97.Hajara (Arabic origin) originates from sunlight, but also refers to the pilgrimage to Mecca.
98.Chioma (African origin), means "good God" or someone who is lucky.
99.Chinyere (African origin), means "God gave."
100.Emeka (African origin), means "God has done so much."
Kidadl has lots of great baby names articles to inspire you. If you liked our suggestions for Nigerian Names then why not take a look at Brazilian Names, or for something different take a look at Names Meaning Chaos.
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Bachelor of Arts specializing in French with Film Studies, Bachelor of Arts (Year Abroad) specializing in Literature, History, Language, Media, and Art
Georgia StoneBachelor of Arts specializing in French with Film Studies, Bachelor of Arts (Year Abroad) specializing in Literature, History, Language, Media, and Art
Georgia is an experienced Content Manager with a degree in French and Film Studies from King's College London and Bachelors degree from Université Paris-Sorbonne. Her passion for exploring the world and experiencing different cultures was sparked during her childhood in Switzerland and her year abroad in Paris. In her spare time, Georgia enjoys using London's excellent travel connections to explore further afield.
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