101 Nigerian Boy Names with Meanings

Every Nigerian boy name below comes with its meaning or origin — and 21 of the 101 names include the native spelling, drawn from Wikipedia. Jump to a letter, or play the duel game: choose between two names at a time until your personal top 10 remains.

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A B C D E F G I J K L M N O R S T Y

Nigerian boy names starting with A

AbayomiỌAjibola is a male-given Yoruba name commonly used as a surname in Nigeria. It means "My enemies tried to mock me, but God didn't allow them".
AbbaAbba is a form of ab, meaning "father" in many Semitic languages. It is used as a given name, but was also used as a title or honorific for religious scholars or leaders.
AdebayoọAdébáyọ̀ or Adebayor in French, is a given name and surname. It is a traditional Yoruba name which could mean any of the following “he came in a joyful time”, or "the king/crown/royalty meets joy" or "greatness/nobility/primacy/power enjoined with joy".
AdedibuAdédibú is a Nigerian surname and a given name of Yoruba origin, typically bestowed upon males. It means "The crown has become an ocean, has become wide and influential".
AdegbenroAdégbénró is a Nigerian surname of Yoruba origin, typically given to males. It means “The crown uplifts me.” This unique and culturally significant name is often associated with royal families, reflecting a heritage of nobility and honor.
AdegboyegaAdegboyega is a Nigerian given name and surname of Yoruba origin primarily used in southwestern Nigeria.
AdeniranAdéníran is a male given name and surname of Yoruba origin. It means "The royal family has a known ancestry; The king (or head) has a vision; or My lineage has royalty.".
AderemiẹAdérẹ̀mí is a Nigerian surname and given name of Yoruba origin, which means "The crown comforts me.". Adérẹ̀mí is a variant form of Adérẹ̀mílẹ́kún which means (the crown stops my cry.).
AdesokanṣọAdéṣọ̀kàn is a Nigerian name of Yoruba origin, serving as a given name and surname. It means "The crown [as a symbol of nobility] is not unified, i.e.
AfolayanọAfọláyan is a Nigerian given name and a surname. It is a male name and of Yoruba origin, which means "One who struts with wealth.".
AinaAina is a given name that is found in multiple cultures. It is typically a female name in Japan, Latvia, Malaysia, Balearic Islands, Catalonia, Valencian Country, Bangladesh, Philippines, Finland, and Scandinavia, also in Madagascar, and a male or female name…
AkinAkín is a popular Nigerian male given name and surname of Yoruba origin. It means "The brave one, warrior, valor, valiant one, the hero.".
AkindeAkíndé is a Nigerian given and surname of Yoruba origin, typically bestowed upon males. It means "The valiant one arrives.".
AkindeleAkíndélé is a Nigerian given and surname of Yoruba origin, typically bestowed upon males. It means "Valor has arrived home.".
AkinfolarinọAkínfọlárìn () is a Nigerian surname. It is a male given name and of Yoruba origin, which means "Valor walks with wealth".
AliyuAliyu is a Nigerian male given name and surname predominantly used among Muslims, particularly within the Yoruba and Hausa communities. Derived from Arabic, "Ali", meaning "to be exalted high." related to the Hebrew name Eli.
AmehAmeh is a masculine Nigerian given name and surname of Igala origin, and it means "Powerful man, one who can defeat anyone" The name is commonly found among the Ígálá and Idoma people in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria, and it is morphologically spelt…
AniekpenoAniekpeno is a Nigerian unisex given name and surname of Ibibio origin which means "Who would have given me?"
AnjorinọAńjọrìn is a male-given Yoruba name commonly used as a surname in Nigeria. It means "We walk together.".
AnuoluwapoAnuoluwapo is a Nigerian given name. It is a unisex name and of Yoruba origin, which means "The mercy of God is plenty."
AtandaAtanda is a Nigerian male given name and surname of Yoruba origin. It means "one born to shine".
AyoyinkaAyòyínká is a given male name of Yoruba origin. It means "Joy surrounds me.".

Nigerian boy names starting with B

BabatundeBabatunde (variant forms: Babatunji, Babajide, Babawande, Babaside, Babatide, Bababode) is a male given name. In the Yoruba language, it means 'father returns', or 'a father has returned'.
BakoBako is a Nigerian name of Hausa origin, serving as both a given name and surname. It means "A male child who was born after arrival of visitors in a household."
BalarabeBalarabe is a Nigerian male given name and surname predominantly used among Muslims, particularly within the Hausa community. It means "Son of the prophet, descendant of the prophet".
BodeBode is a masculine given name and nickname which may refer to: Bode Abiodun (born 1980), Nigerian table tennis player Bode Akindele (1933–2020), Nigerian industrialist and businessman Lu Bode (fl.
BuraimohBuraimoh () is a Nigerian male given name and surname predominantly used among Muslims, particularly within the Yoruba community. Derived from Arabic Ibrahim (i.e.

Nigerian boy names starting with C

ChibuikeụChibụike is a Nigerian male given name and surname of Igbo origin which means "God is strength". Similarly, there is the name Chibụikem: "God is my strength".
ChibuzoChibuzo is a masculine given name. Notable people with the name include: Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim (born 1962), Nigerian Anglician bishop Oluwaferanmi Joshua Chibuzo Oluwayemi (born 2001), English footballer
ChibuzorChibuzor is a masculine given name the Igbo tribe in Nigeria. The name means God leads the way or God is the way.
ChidiChidi may refer to: Chidi (god), an ancient Chinese deity
ChimaobiChimaobi is a male given name and occasional surname of Igbo origin that means "God knows the heart”.
ChubaChuba is a masculine given name and a surname. It may refer to: Chuba Akpom (born 1995), English footballer H.
ChukwuChukwu is a Nigerian male given name and surname of Igbo origin. It means "the great god", derived from Igbo chi "god, spiritual being" and úkwú "great".
ChukwukaChukwuka is a male given name and surname of Igbo origin. It means "God is great" or "God is mighty”.

Nigerian boy names starting with D

DemolaDemola is a Yoruba masculine given name. Notable people with the given name include: Demola Aladekomo (born 1957), a Nigerian computer engineer Demola Seriki (1959 – 2022), a Nigerian politician
DicksonDickson is a male given name mainly found in countries of the former British Empire.
DozieDozie is a Nigerian male given name and surname of Igbo origin. It means "God is my strength.".

Nigerian boy names starting with E

EffiongEffiong is both a surname and a masculine given name, commonly used in Nigeria. Notable people with the name include:
EnyinnayaEnyinnaya is a Nigerian male given name and surname of Igbo origin. It means "his father's friend".
EseosaEseosa or Esosa is an Edo-language given name, meaning 'gift of God'.

Nigerian boy names starting with F

FakeyeẹFákẹ́yẹ is a Nigerian surname. It is a male name and of Yoruba origin, which means "Ifá gathered honour.".
FataiFatai is a Nigerian masculine given name and surname, predominantly used among Muslims, particularly within the Hausa and Yoruba communities.
FayemiFayemi is a Nigerian male given name and surname of Yoruba origin. It means "Ifá suits me" that is Oracle suit me.
FolayanọFọláyan is a Nigerian given name and a surname. It is a male name and of Yoruba origin, which means "(One who) struts with nobility/dignity.".

Nigerian boy names starting with G

GamboGambo is a male-given Hausa name commonly used as a surname in Nigeria. It means "A boy born after twins".
GarubaGaruba is a Nigerian male given name and surname predominantly used among Muslims, particularly within the Hausa community.

Nigerian boy names starting with I

ImohImoh is a Nigerian given name and a surname of Ibibio and Annang origin which means "wealth" or "riches". Notable people with the name include:

Nigerian boy names starting with J

JatauJatau is a Nigerian male given name and surname of Hausa origin. The name "Jatau" means "fair-coloured, light".

Nigerian boy names starting with K

KawuKawu () is a Nigerian surname of Hausa origin which means "brother of one's mother". The word name "Kawu" is borrowed from Fula kaawu meaning a maternal uncle.
KoladeọKọ́ládé is a male-given Yoruba name commonly used as a surname in Nigeria. It means "Bring lots of honors".
KomolafeọKọ́mọláfẹ́ is a male-given Yoruba name commonly used as a surname in Nigeria. It means "Teach the child the art of fancy/fashion." Its full form is Akọ́mọláfẹ́ which means (We teach the child the art of fancy/fashion.) Kọ́mọláfẹ́ is common among the Ibadan…

Nigerian boy names starting with L

LaoyeỌLaoye is both a Nigerian masculine given name and surname of Yoruba origin, it means "The wealth of honor". The diminutive form is Ọláoyè with the same meaning.
LawalLawal is a given name. Notable people with the name include: Lawal Bilbis (born 1961), Nigerian biochemist and educator Lawal Musa Daura (born 1953), Nigerian security official Lawal Yahaya Gumau (1968–2025), Nigerian politician Lawal Haruna (born 1957),…

Nigerian boy names starting with M

MaikoriMaikori is a Nigerian surname of Hausa origin. The name "Maikori" means "master of the quiver".
MakindeMákindé is a Yoruba male given name and surname, which means "He brought valor.". Mákindé is distinctive, carrying a strong and meaningful undertone.
MobolajiMobolaji is a masculine given name.of Yoruba origin which means (I woke up with wealth).
MonyeMonye is a Nigerian surname and a male name of Igbo origin. It means "The spirit gave, or Someone believed to have been given by the ancestors." The name Monye is distinctive, carrying a traditional and spiritual undertone.
MuddathirمدثرMuddathir (Arabic: مدّثّر; transliterations vary) is an Arabic given name from Al-Muddaththir, a name of Muhammad mentioned in the Qur'an.
MuhammaduMuhammadu is a given name. Notable people with the name include: Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa (born 1956), 13th Emir of the Fika Emirate Muhammadu Abdullahi Wase (1948–1996), Nigerian military administrator Muhammadu Aminu (died 1975), 17th Emir of…
MuideenMuideen is a Nigerian masculine given name. The name Muideen is of Arabic origin and means 'Someone who is a guide of the religion of Islam'.Notable people with the name include: Muideen Akanji (born 1992), Nigerian boxer Muideen Ganiyu (born 1987), Nigerian…

Nigerian boy names starting with N

NegeduNegedu is a Nigerian male given name and surname of the Igala tribe of the North-Central, Nigeria. It means "lion".
NiyiNiyi is a masculine given name. Niyi means "honour, prestige, fame"Notable people with the name include: Niyi Adebayo (born 1958), Nigerian politician and lawyer Niyi Adeolokun (born 1990), Irish rugby union player Niyi Akinmolayan (born 1982), Nigerian…
NnamdiNnamdi is an Igbo male given name. It means "my father lives".
NwachukwuNwachukwu is a very common Igbo surname. It means “child of God”.
NwakaemeNwakaeme is a Nigerian male given name and surname of Igbo origin. It means "A child does the most (good)." The name Nwakaeme is distinctive, carrying a strong and meaningful undertone.
NwodoNwodo is a Nigerian surname and it is a male name of Igbo origin. The name Nwodo is common among the Enugu (city) people of the Southeast, Nigeria.
NwokoloNwokolo is a Nigerian a surname. It is a male name, and it is of Igbo origin, which means "A male child".

Nigerian boy names starting with O

ObasiObasi is a Nigerian surname. It is a male name and of Igbo origin.
ObasogieObasogie is a Nigerian surname. It is a male name and of Benin origin.
ObuhObuh is a Nigerian surname. It is a male name and of Igbo origin.
OgunṣÒgún () is a Nigerian name referring to Ògún Lákáayé, the deity of iron, war, hunting and metallurgy in the Yoruba religion. It is a male name of one of the Yoruba Oriṣa(s).
OgunlanaÒgúnlànà is a Nigerian given name and a surname. It is a male name and of Yoruba origin, which means "Ògún cleared the path/paved the way".
OgunoyeÒgúnoyè is a Nigerian surname. It is a male name and of Yoruba origin, which means "Ògún of honour.".Ògún is the Yorùbá god of iron.
OgunsolaOgunsola () is a Nigerian surname and unisex (though primarily masculine) given name. It is of Yoruban origin and means "Ogun makes wealth", Ogun being the Yoruban god of iron.
OkonOkon is a Nigerian masculine given name. It may refer to the following notable people: Okon Abang (born 1961), Nigerian lawyer Okon Flo Essien (born 1981), Nigerian football player Okon Ime Bassey, Nigerian politician and lawyer Okon Uya (1947–2014), Nigerian…
OkonkwoOkonkwo is a Nigerian surname. It is a male name and of Igbo origin, which means "A boy born on Nkwo day".
OkoriOkori is a surname of Ijaw origin and can be traced to multiple ethnolinguistic areas found across West, Central, and East Africa, as well as in parts of Oceania.
OkoronkwoOkoronkwo is a Nigerian surname. It is a male name and of Igbo origin, which means "A boy born on Nkwo day.".Nkwo day is "the last of the four Igbo market days".
Olaoluwais a Yoruba name given to a male child in the southwestern region of Nigeria. 'Ola', 'Olaolu' and 'Laolu' are the diminutive forms of the name.
OlaoyeỌỌláoyè is a Nigerian given name and a surname. It is a typically a male name and of Yoruba origin, which can mean "the benefit of honour/chieftaincy" or "the success that came from a title".
OlatejuOlateju is a unisex Nigerian given name. Notable people with the name include: O-T Fagbenle (Olatunde Olateju Olaolorun Fagbenle; born 1981), English actor, writer and director Olateju Oyeleye (1924–2013), Nigerian businessman
OlujimiOlújìmí is a Nigerian given name and a surname. It is a male name and of Yoruba origin, which means "The Lord entrusts me".
OlukayodeOlukayode is a Yoruba masculine given name, commonly used in Nigeria. Its meaning is "God brings happiness" in Yoruba.
OlunloyoọOlúnlọ́yọ́ is a Nigerian surname. It is a male name and of Yoruba origin, which means "He is a lord at Ọ̀yọ́.".
OluremiẹOlúrẹ̀mí is a Nigerian female given name and of Yoruba origin, which means "The Lord consoles me.". Olúrẹ̀mí once exclusively feminine, is now being adopted by males, reflecting shifting societal norms and the growing trend of unisex names.
OluwaferanmiOluwaferanmi is a unisex given name. Notable people with the name include: Elijah Anuoluwapo Oluwaferanmi Oluwatomi Oluwalana Ayomikulehin Adebayo (born 1998), English footballer Josh Oluwayemi (born 2001), English footballer
OluwatomiOluwatomi is a masculine given name. Notable people with the name include: Elijah Anuoluwapo Oluwaferanmi Oluwatomi Oluwalana Ayomikulehin Adebayo (born 1998), English footballer Oluwatomi Somefun, Nigerian banker Oluwatomi Jack, Musical Artist
OmodiagbeOmodiagbe is a Nigerian surname. It is a male name and of Esan origin, which means "A child straightens the clan, or a child is the backbone of a clan".
OnayemiỌỌnàyẹmí is a Nigerian surname. It is a male name and of Yoruba origin, which means "Artistry befits me.".
OnyekachukwuOnyekachukwu is a masculine given name. Notable people with the name include: Gilbert Onyekachukwu Ibezim (born 1978), Nigerian politician
OsagieOsagie (also spelled Osaghae, Osaghie, Osaghee and Osaje) is both a family name and masculine given name of Nigerian origin. It is used by the Edo and means godsent.
OsaretinOsaretin is a masculine name of Edo origin from Nigeria and is a compound of the words descending from Osa,- "God," Re,- "my" and Etin- "power", and it therefore means 'God is my power', 'God is powerful' or'God is my strength'.
OyeleyeẹOyèlẹ́yẹ is a Nigerian given name and a surname. It is a male name and of Yoruba origin, which means "Chieftaincy has value." The diminutive form can be Lẹ́yẹ in a shorter form.

Nigerian boy names starting with R

RemiThe Remi were an ancient Belgic tribe. Remi or Rémi may also refer to:

Nigerian boy names starting with S

SafiyanuSafiyanu is a Nigerian male given name and surname predominantly used among Muslims, particularly within the Hausa community. Derived from Arabic, "Safiyan" which signifies "Pure Gold; Diamond".
SikiruSikiru is a common masculine Nigerian given name. Notable people with the name include: Sikiru Adepoju (born 1950), Nigerian percussionist and recording artist Sikiru Adesina (1971–2016), Nigerian film actor, director and producer Sikiru Kayode Adetona (born…

Nigerian boy names starting with T

TamunotonyeTamunotonye is a Nigerian unisex given name, which originates from Ijaw. The name is most commonly used among the Kalabari, Okrika, and Nembe people of Rivers State, Bayelsa State, and the Egbema and Gbaramatu Ijaws of Delta State.
TerseerTerseer is a Nigerian masculine given name. Notable people with the surname include: Kiddwaya (Terseer Kidd Waya; born 1993), Nigerian entrepreneur and television personality Terseer Ugbor (born 1981), Nigerian politician Terseer Sam Baki, (Samuel Terseer…

Nigerian boy names starting with Y

YakubuYakubu is a male-given Hausa, Yoruba and some parts of Edo. The name is commonly used as a surname in Nigeria and other African countries.
YinkaọYínká is a unisex name in the Yoruba language. It is a contraction of "Yímiká", meaning "surround(s) me".

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Frequently asked questions

How many Nigerian boy names are in this list?

This list has 101 Nigerian boy names, from Abayomi to Yinka, and 21 of them include the native spelling. Every entry comes with its meaning or origin, sourced from Wikipedia.

What are some well-known Nigerian boy names?

Well-documented Nigerian boy names include Niyi, Komolafe, Lawal, Muhammadu and Terseer. Scroll the list above for the meaning and origin of each one.

How do I choose the best Nigerian boy name?

Reading a list only gets you so far — comparing names head to head is faster. Play Name Duel with this set: it shows you two Nigerian boy names at a time, and your choices eliminate names round by round until your personal top 10 remains.