150+ Nigerian Names for Girls: Igbo, Yoruba, Unique, & More

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African mythology and folklore experts Adeche Atelier share common Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa names for girls

Co-authored by Adeche Atelier and Devin McSween

Last Updated: June 29, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Common
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• Cute
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• Beautiful
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• Unique
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• Faith-based
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• Igbo
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• Yoruba

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Are you an expectant parent looking for a Nigerian name for your baby daughter? If so, you’ve come to the right place! We partnered with African mythology and folklore experts to put together the ultimate list of Nigerian girl names with origins from the various ethnic groups across the country, including Igbo and Yoruba names. Plus, we’ll go over cute, beautiful, unique, and faith-based names. Keep on reading to find the perfect name!

Popular Nigerian Girl Names

African mythology and folklore experts Adeche Atelier say Nigerian names carry deep meanings connected to spirituality, family history, gratitude, destiny, religion, and the circumstances surrounding a child’s birth. Common names among the Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa people include:

• Yoruba girl names: Ayomide, Yetunde, Temiloluwa, Simisola
• Igbo girl names: Adaeze, Chioma, Chidinma, Amarachi
• Hausa girl names: Hauwa, Aisha, Zainab

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Section 1 of 7:

Common Nigerian Girl Names

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1. 
   According to Adeche Atelier, Nigeria has hundreds of ethnic groups and languages, so naming traditions vary widely across the country. Many names carry deep meanings related to spirituality, family history, gratitude, destiny, religion, and the circumstances surrounding the child’s birth. The Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa are the biggest ethnic groups, so the most common names tend to come from these communities. Here are the top Nigerian girl names (note: many names are actually gender-neutral!):

   • Ada: “First daughter,” Igbo origin.
   • Adaeze: “Princess” or “king’s daughter,” Igbo origin.
   • Adaku: “Daughter of wealth,” Igbo origin.
   • Adanna: “Father’s first daughter,” Igbo origin.
   • Adekemi: “The crown cherishes me” or “the crown cares for me,” Yoruba origin.
   • Aisha: “Living,” “alive,” “she who lives,” or “prosperous,” Hausa origin.
   • Amarachi: “God’s grace,” Igbo origin.
   • Amina: “Safe” or “secure,” Arabic origin.
   • Ayomide: “My joy has come” or “my joy has arrived,” Yoruba origin.
   • Blessing: “Divine grace,” English origin.
   • Chiamaka: “God is beautiful,” Yoruba origin.
   • Chidinma: “God is good,” Igbo origin.
   • Chioma: “Good God” or “good fortune,” Igbo origin.
   • Dayo: “Become joy,” Yoruba origin.
   • Fadekemi: “The crown cherishes me” or “the crown cares for me,” Yoruba origin.
   • Fatima: “To abstain,” Arabic origin.
   • Favor: “Approval” or “support,” English origin.
   • Hauwa: Hausa form of Hawa or Eve, Hausa origin.
   • Ifetayo: “Love is enough for joy” or “love is a blessing,” Yoruba origin.
   • Kehinde: “Comes last,” Yoruba origin.
   • Ngozi: “Blessing,” Igbo origin.
   • Nnenna: “Father’s mother,” Igbo origin.
   • Precious: “Of great worth,” English origin.
   • Sade: “Honor earns a crown” or “rule with nobility,” Yoruba origin.
   • Simisola: “Rest in wealth,” Yoruba origin.
   • Temiloluwa: “God is mine” or “I belong to God,” Yoruba origin.
   • Yetunde: “Mother has returned,” Yoruba origin.
   • Zainab: “Fragrant flower” or “beautiful plant,” Hausa origin.

   Meet the wikiHow Expert

   Adeche Atelier (aka Adwoa Botchey and Solomon Adebiyi) are African mythology experts, content creators, storytellers, and fine artists. They host the Afro Mythos Podcast, which explores the world of African mythology and folklore.
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Section 2 of 7:

Cute Nigerian Girl Names

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1. 
   These girl names have an undeniably sweet sound to them, and have equally sweet meanings. Plus, they’re on the shorter side, which makes them even cuter. Here are some of our favorites:

   • Abebi: “Begged to be born” or “prayed for birth,” Yoruba origin.
   • Abeni: “We prayed and we received,” Yoruba origin.
   • Adeola: “The crown of wealth,” Yoruba origin.
   • Amara: “Grace” or “mercy,” Igbo origin.
   • Anuli: “Bringer of happiness,” Igbo origin.
   • Ayo: “Joy,” Yoruba origin.
   • Bunmi: “Gift of God,” Yoruba origin.
   • Chika: “God is superior,” Igbo origin.
   • Chima: “God knows,” Igbo origin.
   • Ebele: “Mercy,” Igbo origin.
   • Esosa: “Gift of God,” Edo origin.
   • Funmi: “Give me” or “for me,” Yoruba origin.
   • Hadiza: “Premature,” Hausa and Arabic origin.
   • Ife: “Love,” Yoruba origin.
   • Ladi: “Born on Sunday,” Hausa origin.
   • Monifa: “I am lucky,” Yoruba origin.
   • Ndidi: “Patience,” Igbo origin.
   • Nkechi: “What God has given,” Igbo origin.
   • Nneka: “Mother is great,” Igbo origin.
   • Ogechi: “God’s time,” Igbo origin.
   • Onyeka: “Who is greater,” Igbo origin.
   • Safiya: “Pure,” Hausa and Arabic origin.
   • Talatu: “Tuesday,” Hausa, Kanuri, and Arabic origin.
   • Uche: “Intention,” “will,” or “mind,” Igbo origin.
   • Uju: “Fullness” or “abundance,” Igbo origin.
   • Yalwa: “Abundance,” Hausa origin.

Section 3 of 7:

Beautiful Nigerian Girl Names

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1. 
   If you’re looking for a name that’s charming, elegant, and eye-catching, we’ve got you covered. These Nigerian names have lovely, melodic sounds and deep meanings related to abundance, joy, and faith. Check out these beautiful options:

   • Abidemi: “Born awaiting my return,” Yoruba origin.
   • Abiola: “Born into wealth,” Yoruba origin.
   • Adedayo: “The crown became joyful,” Yoruba origin.
   • Adenike: “The crown is to be cared for,” Yoruba origin.
   • Bolanle: “Meets wealth at home,” Yoruba origin.
   • Chimamanda: “My God will never fail,” Igbo origin.
   • Efemena: “This is my wealth,” Isoko and Urhobo origin.
   • Ekundayo: “Tears have become joy,” Yoruba origin.
   • Folasade: “Rule with nobility,” Yoruba origin.
   • Fumnanya: “Love me,” Igbo origin.
   • Habiba: “Beloved” or “darling,” Arabic origin.
   • Hafsat: “Young lioness,” Hausa and Arabic origin.
   • Ifeoma: “Good thing,” Igbo origin.
   • Ifunanya: “Love,” Igbo origin.
   • Jummai: “Friday,” Fulani, Hausa, Kanuri, and Arabic origin.
   • Mojisola: “I wake up to wealth,” Yoruba origin.
   • Nkiruka: “The best is yet to come,” Igbo origin.
   • Nwanneka: “Sisterhood/brotherhood is superior,” Igbo origin.
   • Omolara: “The child is family,” Yoruba origin.
   • Titilayo: “Joy lasts forever,” Yoruba origin.
   • Uchenna: “The will of the father” or “God’s will,” Igbo origin.
   • Yewande: “Mother sought me out to this place,” Yoruba origin.
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Section 4 of 7:

Unique Nigerian Girl Names

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1. 
   There are plenty of Nigerian names that are rarer than others. So, one of these unique and uncommon choices is a great option if you want your little one to stick out from the crowd and embrace her individuality. Here are our faves:

   • Abimbola: “Born with wealth,” Yoruba origin.
   • Alheri: “Good” or “charitable,” Hausa and Arabic origin.
   • Ayotunde: “Joy has returned,” Yoruba origin.
   • Chidiebere: “God is merciful,” Igbo origin.
   • Chinenye: “God gives,” Igbo origin.
   • Dada: “Curly-haired,” Yoruba origin.
   • Ejiroghene: “God has done it,” Urhobo origin.
   • Emem: “Peace,” Ibibio origin.
   • Funmilayo: “Give me joy,” Yoruba origin.
   • Gbemisola: “Carry me into wealth,” Yoruba origin.
   • Idowu: “Born after twins,” Yoruba origin.
   • Ijemma: “Beautiful journey,” Igbo origin.
   • Kayin: “Celebrate,” Yoruba origin.
   • Kyauta: “Gift,” Hausa origin.
   • Nkemdilim: “That which is mine belongs to me,” Igbo origin.
   • Ogechukwu: “God’s time,” Igbo origin.
   • Olufunke: “God gave me to care for,” Yoruba origin.
   • Olufunmilola: “God has given me wealth,” Yoruba origin.
   • Rakiya: “To rise” or “she who rises high,” Hausa and Arabic origin.
   • Taiwo: “The first twin to taste the world,” Yoruba origin.
   • Tosin: “Worthy to be served,” Yoruba origin.
   • Toyin: “Worthy of praise,” Yoruba origin.
   • Ugochi: “Eagle of God,” Igbo origin.

Section 5 of 7:

Faith-Based Nigerian Girl Names

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1. 
   Nigeria is a very religious country, with about half of the country practicing Islam and the other half practicing Christianity. For example, Adeche Atelier say Hausa names often reflect Islamic and Arabic linguistic influences. Many girl names have profound meanings related to God, making them a great option to honor your faith and reflect what a blessing your little one is. Here are some lovely name ideas:

   • Adaolisa: “Daughter of God,” Igbo origin.
   • Akachi: “The hand of God,” Igbo origin.
   • Chidubem: “God leads me,” Igbo origin.
   • Chiemeka: “God did a greater deed,” Igbo origin.
   • Chinonso: “God is near,” Igbo origin.
   • Chinwe: “God owns,” Igbo origin.
   • Eseoghene: “God’s gift,” Urhobo origin.
   • Iniobong: “God’s time,” Ibibio origin.
   • Kelechi: “Thank God,” Igbo origin.
   • Nkechinyere: “This which God gave,” Igbo origin.
   • Nkwachi: “God’s promise,” Igbo origin.
   • Oghenekaro: “God first,” Isoko and Urhobo origin.
   • Oghenero: “God exists” or “I belong to God,” Urhobo origin.
   • Olubunmi: “Gift of God,” Yoruba origin.
   • Oluchi: “The work of God,” Igbo origin.
   • Olusola: “God makes wealth,” Yoruba origin.
   • Oluwabusola: “God adds to wealth,” Yoruba origin.
   • Oluwafeyisayo: “God has turned this gift into joy,” Yoruba origin.
   • Oluwatofunmi: “God is enough for me,” Yoruba origin.
   • Oluwayemisi: “God honors me,” Yoruba origin.
   • Onyekachi: “Who is greater than God,” Igbo origin.
   • Uzochi: “God’s path” or “the way of God,” Igbo origin.
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Section 6 of 7:

Igbo Names for Girls

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1. 
   According to Adeche Atelier, Igbo names often reflect faith and philosophy. If you have Igbo ancestry, you may be specifically looking for an Igbo name for your daughter. While we’ve sprinkled many Igbo names throughout the other sections, here are some additional, beautiful options to consider:

   • Adannaya: “Her father’s first daughter.”
   • Adaora: “Daughter of the people.”
   • Azuka: “Learning from the past is valuable.”
   • Chetachi: “Remember God.”
   • Ebube: “Glory.”
   • Ezinne: “Exemplary mother.”
   • Ifeatu: “Exemplary.”
   • Ihuaku: “The face of wealth.”
   • Ijeoma: “Good journey.”
   • Kachimra: “The size of my God.”
   • Mgbeke: “Born on Eke day.”
   • Munachimso: “I am walking with God.”
   • Nkemjika: “Mine is greater.”
   • Obiageli: “One who is born to eat wealth.”
   • Obioma: “Good-hearted.”
   • Ozioma: “Good news.”
   • Uzoamaka: “The road is beautiful.”
   • Uzoma: “Good road.”

Section 7 of 7:

Yoruba Names for Girls

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1. 
   If you have Yoruba ancestry, you may want a Yoruba name for your little one. Adeche Atelier notes that Yoruba names can have layered meanings depending on tone, spelling, and full form, so translations can vary slightly. We’ve included Yoruba names throughout the other sections of the article, but here are a few more beautiful options for you to check out:

   • Abiona: “Born during a journey.”
   • Aderera: “The crown comforts me.”
   • Adeshewa: “The crown makes beauty.”
   • Aramide: “My relative has arrived.”
   • Atinuke: “Cherished from the womb.”
   • Ayoka: “One who causes joy.”
   • Bisola: “Born into affluence.”
   • Ebun/Ebunoluwa: “God’s Gift.”
   • Eniola: “Wealthy” or “influential.”
   • Folakemi: “Use wealth to pamper me.”
   • Folayemi: “Make me worthy of success.”
   • Modupe: “I give thanks.”
   • Moji: “I wake.”
   • Mosunmola: “I am close to wealth.”
   • Olajumoke: “The wealth that everyone cherishes.”
   • Olukemi: “God cares for me.”
   • Omotolani: “The child is important enough to have wealth.”
   • Temitope: “Mine is worthy of thanks.”

   1. And if the steps above have been helpful, be sure to download this article as a PDF so you can print, read, or reference it any time.

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