Naming a Nigerian child requires a lot of research and patience. This is largely because Nigerians have an elaborate naming tradition. Although the child naming customs vary by tribe, there is one constant feature. All Nigerians prefer descriptive names, especially names with clear, profound meanings. These popular Nigerian names for females are the most in-demand.
Child naming customs changed with the advent of Christianity and Islam. Some families began to opt for Christian or Islamic names, and others stuck to traditional names. Parents often chose—and still choose—names that reflect the circumstances surrounding the child’s birth, and others call babies by names that foretell the child’s destiny.
Popular Nigerian Female Names And The Art of Naming A Child
Nigerian female names: A guide
In Nigeria, child naming is prophecy. It is poetry and storytelling. It is complicated.
No parent wants to burden their child with a name that is capable of bringing its bearer to ruin. So names are chosen with a lot of deliberation. Often, grandparents will volunteer their preferred choice of names. It is common to see children bearing up to five names. Sometimes, the first letters of all the names are made to form an acronym, other times, the bearer uses only one or two of the names in legal documents.
The child’s name is not only determined by his or her gender. It is also determined by the child’s position in the family. For instance, in Igbo culture, only the first daughters are named Ada.
In Yoruba tradition, twins are named based on the order of their arrival. The first twin is named Taiwo, (this loosely translates to ‘pre-tasted the world’). Kehinde is often the second twin’s name. Kehinde loosely translates to ‘the one who lagged behind’.
Another criterion for choosing a name is the date of birth.
So a child born on Friday is named Friday. April, May and June are popular names for girls born during those months.
Children are sometimes named after extended family members or close family friends. Child naming in this context, is used to strengthen the bond between families.
In this article, we shall provide you with a comprehensive list of the best baby names for girls in Nigeria. Finding an appropriate name for your little bundle of joy shouldn’t be difficult. Our list will be categorized according to the major ethnic groups in Nigeria.
But before we publish our list, let’s briefly summarize the three major ethnic groups
In Nigeria, there are three major ethnic groups: Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba. Each of these has a distinctive cultural background and heritage. These ethnic groups have languages that are unique to them.
Here’s our list of Popular Nigerian Girly names:
Igbo names and their meanings
Adaora- first daughter
Adaeze- princess
Amaka- beautiful
Adaku- daughter of wealth
Amarachi- God’s grace
Chioma- good God
Chinyere- God’s grace
Ifeoma- good
Nneka- sweet mother
Ngozi- blessing
Nkechi- God’s own
Nkiruka- There is hope
Oluebube- miracle
Obianuju- abundant
Ozioma- the message
Yoruba names and their meanings
Abebi- we asked for a girl child
Adekemi- the crown cares for me
Adesewa- the crown is beautiful
Atinuke- one who has been taken care of right from conception
Ayoola- the joy of wealth
Ayotola- joy is enough wealth
Ayotoluwafunmi- the joy the Lord has given me
Bisi- first born daughter in the family
Bimpe- gorgeous and beautiful
Bosede- a daughter that came to the world on a Sunday
Foluwakemi- God becomes my care
Feyikemi- smiles shall radiate all over me
Morenikeji- I have found another like me
Mololuwa- I have God
Oyinkansola- honey drops in wealth
Omotola- children is worth wealth
Olayiwunmi- I love this weather
Popular Nigerian girl names in Hausa and their meanings
Bakuma- guest
Fara- fair in complexion
Gimbiya- princess
Hakuri- patience
Kuluwa- most loved
Kyauta- gift of God
Kyawo- beautiful lady
Sarauniya- queen
Tanoma- born during farming season
Some Hausas also love to go by some Arabic names, a few of them include:
Aisha- living, prosperous
Aminah- safe, secure, protected
Habibah- beloved
Halimah- gentle, clement
Kubra- great, senior
Latifah- gentle, kind, refined
Lubabah- the innermost essence
Maimuna- fortunate, blessed
Rabi’ah- Fourth
Halimah- safe, sound, health
Zahrah- flower, blossom, splendour
Zaytun- olive
Zubaydah- the cream of the crop, radiant
Use our list of Nigerian girl names to choose a strong, beautiful name for your daughter.
There are arguably almost four hundred (400) ethnic groups in Nigeria. The minority ethnic groups have slightly different languages and child naming customs. Members of minority ethnic groups are often bilingual or polyglots. Members of different ethnic groups communicate effectively.
Below is a list of Nigerian female names from some minority ethnic groups.
The Tiv
Iverem- blessings
Yahimba- nothing like home
Morihinze- child of any gender is good
Hembadoon- winner
Limber- joyfulness
The Ijaw
Abinla- princess
Abiye- my desire
Agake- ere- a woman’s character makes her wife
Alaere- queen
Alayingi- royal mother
The Ibibios
Ekaete- Father’s mother
Uyai- beauty
Obongoawan-queen
Ediye- beautiful
Affiong- moon
The Idomas
Akum- mine
Anyaole- women make a home
Ebo- peace
Ogodo- mother of all mother’s
Onyabahi- luxurious woman
The Urhobo
Isio- stars
Omote- girl
Erhuvwun- beauty
Enajemete- there are also girls
The Igala
Iye-mother
Ejura- time of plenty
Futumi- amazed
Alami- girl born on Thursday
The Itsekiri
Alero- female first born
Besida- as destiny dictates
Dolor- money
Ebeji- twins
Orighomisa- my head is good
The Bini/Edo Popular Nigerian Names For Girls
Adesewa- prosperity, in the midst of wealth
Akugbe- togetherness
Eseosa- God’s gift
Esohe- free gift
Ifueko- gentle
Itohan- mercy
Osasere- God is supreme
In the end, it’s the parents’ decision. They can decide either to follow the tradition or to jettison it altogether. These days, some parents name their children after popular entertainment stars like Beyonce, Kim Kardashian or Rihanna. Some others turn to the sports industry for inspiration. Also, football fans name their children after favourite players.
Let’s not forget that some names are gender-neutral. People see these names as traditionally male or female names.
One thing hasn’t changed though. Nigerian families and tribes firmly believe in the power of a name. It is important to choose wisely. A child’s name can be a prayer, a fervent wish, or an aspiration. You decide what matters most to you.
As much as possible, give your daughter a unique and beautiful name that celebrates your custom and tradition. Your child’s name can be a conversation starter.
Pulse NG
Also Read: What your baby’s time of birth says about their personality
