Nigerian Baby Names

Updated: May 26, 2022 by MomsWhoThink Staff | Leave a comment

Nigerian Baby Names

From Bunmi to Nasha to Enitan and beyond, this list of Nigerian baby names is filled with a variety of beautiful names for both boys and girls. Peruse the list, explore the meanings of the names, and make a selection for your child that has meaning and purpose.

Jaiyesimi - Jaiyesimi is a Nigerian baby name from oriki or praise poetry. It means "one who believes in enjoying life."
Arzika - Arzika is a Nigerian baby name that refers to a child born after a hard labor. Traditionally used for girls, it's also become popular with boys who give their mother a tough time!
Ajayi - Ajayi is a unique Nigerian baby name. It means "born face down," which isn't the most poetic, but the name itself flows off the tongue in a lovely way. The opposite name is Ige or "born feet first."
Ibukun - Ibukun is a Nigerian baby name that means "blessings." Variations include Ibukunade ("the blessings have come to me") and Ibukunoluwa ("the blessings of God").
Sijuade - Sijuade is a cool Nigerian baby name that means "eyes on the crown." Another version is Sijuwola or "eyes on wealth."
Afamefuna - Afamefuna is a Nigerian baby name from the Igbo tribe. It means "my name will not be lost."
Temidire - Temidire is a Nigerian baby name that also doubles as a traditional blessing. It comes from the Igbo region.
Bunmi - Bunmi is a Nigerian baby name that means "to be my gift." Usually meant for girls, its sweet sentiment can also be applied to boys as well.
Niyilolawa - Niyilolawa is a Nigerian baby name that means "the wealth is here." It can be shortened in both feminine and masculine ways; potential nicknames include Ni, Lola and Lolawa.
Jolasun - Jolasun is a fun, gender neutral Nigerian baby name. It means "let the riches come forth."
Maseso - Maseso is an old Nigerian baby name that compels the child to be fruitful and productive. Shorten it to Mase for a more modern nickname.
Sunkanmi - Sunkanmi is a unisex Nigerian baby name. Meaning "draw close to me," it represents the act of a mother gently and lovingly cradling her baby.
Anaruwa - Anaruwa is a Nigerian baby name that means "water bearer." You can also shorten it to Ruwa for a cute and gender neutral Nigerian name.
Tiwa - Tiwa is a gender neutral Nigerian baby name with a lot of meaning. It stands for "one who owns the crown," or in other words, a king or queen.
Machie - Machie is a Nigerian baby name from the Igbo tribe. If you've ever lost a gem, a "machie" is a replacement for a precious and valuable stone.
Kwento - Kwento is a very progressive Nigerian baby name. It means "one who protects the family from destruction," and in recent years, it's being used for girls as well as boys.
Nasha - Nasha is a Nigerian baby name that can weather a lot of storms. It's given to babies born during the rainy season.
Maduenu - Maduenu is a poetic Nigerian baby name that refers to the impermanence of life and the fleeting nature of the world. Though it looks masculine, it's actually unisex.
Ogechi - Ogechi is a Nigerian baby name with a fun meaning. You use the word for victory or to celebrate the successful ending of a long challenge or contest.
Tejumola - Tejumola is another Nigerian baby name that comes from praise poetry. It means "one who looks forward to better days."
Obiajulu - Obiajulu is a beautiful Nigerian baby name. Originating from the Igbo language, it means "my heart is at peace."
Morenikeji - Morenikeji is a Nigerian baby name with a literal meaning: "This child resembles me." It's used with both boys and girls who resemble their parents.
Enitan - Enitan is a Nigerian baby name that can be used for both girls and boys. Translated as "a person with history," it'll give real weight and meaning to your child's birth.
Maduka - Maduka is a Nigerian baby name that translates to "people are worth more than riches." It's a beautiful name for a beautiful spirit, so give it to a child born with grace.
Olumoroti - Olumoroti is a devout Nigerian baby name. It means "I stand with God," so it'll be perfect for boys and girls alike being born into faithful households.