Discover and Shortlist Your Perfect Baby Names!
Nigerian names reflect the country’s linguistic and ethnic diversity, with influences from Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, and other cultures. Names like Chidi (God exists) and Ngozi (blessing) often carry spiritual or ancestral meanings. These names celebrate the vibrant traditions and unity within Nigeria’s many communities.
| Name | Meaning | Origins | Gender | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abasiama | Abasiama: Nigerian name meaning "God's love" among Ibibio people. | Nigerian | Girl | |
| Abasiekeme | Abasiekeme: Nigerian name symbolizing strength, courage, and leadership for males. | Nigerian | Boy | |
| Abasifreke | Abasifreke means "God's gift" in Ibibio, Nigerian male name. | Nigerian | Boy | |
| Adesuwa | Adesuwa: Nigerian name meaning "king's arrival is sweet," signifies royalty. | Nigerian | Girl | |
| Akinola | Akinola means "bravery" in Yoruba; originates from Nigeria's Yoruba culture. | Nigerian, Yoruba | Boy | |
| Arikpo | Arikpo: Nigerian name meaning "strong" or "brave," gaining recognition. | Nigerian | Boy | |
| Babatunde | Babatunde means "father has returned," originating from Yoruba culture, Nigeria. | Nigerian, Yoruba | Boy | |
| Binitie | Binitie: Nigerian name meaning "born during a festival," gaining popularity. | Nigerian | Boy | |
| Blessing | Blessing is a unisex name meaning divine favor or gift. | African, Christian, English, Nigerian | Unisex | |
| chizzy | Chizzy: playful nickname, possibly derived from "charming" or "cheerful." | African, American, English, Nigerian, Yoruba | Either | |
| Chukwueze | Chukwueze means "God's will has come to pass" in Igbo. | Igbo, Nigerian | Male | |
| D’banj | D'banj: Nigerian musician, "Kokomaster," influential in global Afrobeat music. | Nigerian | Boy | |
| Danjuma | Danjuma: Nigerian male name meaning "sweetness is good," culturally significant. | Nigerian | Boy | |
| Deji | Deji means "one who brings joy"; originates from Yoruba culture. | Nigerian, Yoruba | Boy | |
| Denike | Denike: Yoruba name meaning "crowned with honor," associated with females. | Nigerian | Girl | |
| Denola | Denola: Yoruba name meaning "wealth has come," gaining popularity among parents. | Nigerian | Boy | |
| Dera | Dera: Yoruba name meaning "gift" or "blessing," often for girls. | African, Latin, Nigerian, Sanskrit, Yoruba | Girl | |
| Ebinabo | Ebinabo: Nigerian name meaning "wealth has come," from Ijaw tribe. | Nigerian | Boy | |
| Eghosase | Eghosase: Nigerian name meaning "wealth has arrived," culturally significant. | Nigerian | Boy | |
| Eifiong | Eifiong: Nigerian name meaning "God's gift," cherished for cultural significance. | Nigerian | Boy | |
| Eku | Eku: Nigerian unisex name meaning "wealth" or "prosperity" in Yoruba. | Nigerian | Unisex | |
| Essiene | Essiene: Nigerian name meaning "God's time," gaining popularity and significance. | Nigerian | Boy | |
| Essyien | Essyien: Nigerian name meaning "God's time is the best." | Nigerian | Boy | |
| Ettah | Ettah: African name meaning "favored by God," unisex, hopeful significance. | Nigerian | Unisex | |
| Ewah | Ewah: Efik name meaning "love," unisex, symbolizes affection and care. | Nigerian | Unisex | |
| Eyon | Eyon: Unique African name symbolizing life, vitality, and cultural significance. | African, Nigerian, West African, Yoruba | Unisex | |
| Ezeji | Ezeji: Igbo name meaning "wealthy king," symbolizing prosperity and ambition. | Nigerian | Unisex | |
| Ezem | Ezem: Igbo name meaning "my king," symbolizing leadership and authority. | Nigerian | Boy | |
| Eziaka | Eziaka means "good wealth" in Igbo, symbolizing prosperity and fortune. | Nigerian | Unisex | |
| Fanen | Fanen: Nigerian name meaning "God has given," gaining popularity. | Nigerian | Boy |
The name 'Nigerian' originates from the River Niger, which is the principal river in West Africa. The term was reportedly coined by Flora Shaw, a journalist, in the late 19th century. She suggested the name for the British colonial territory on the Niger River.
The term 'Nigerian' was first used in the late 19th century. It was used to refer to the area of the Niger River by British colonialists. The name was later adopted officially when the country formed.
The name 'Nigerian' itself does not have indigenous significance. It was derived from the River Niger, which has various local names among the communities along its banks. The term was imposed during the colonial period and does not stem from the native languages.
Yes, 'Nigerian' is indirectly related to the Latin word 'niger' which means black. The River Niger's name is thought to have originated from the Latin term, reflecting the dark color of its waters or the dark skin of the people. However, the country's name is directly tied to the river rather than the Latin word.
The river name 'Niger' is believed to mean 'river of rivers' in Tuareg or a local language. It is the third-longest river in Africa and has been a critical landmark for centuries. The exact etymology is uncertain, but it is often associated with the Latin word for black, 'niger'.
The River Niger significantly influenced the naming of Nigeria as it is the most prominent geographical feature in the region. British colonialists used the river's name to label the territory. The river has historically been a vital trade route and cultural landmark in West Africa.
Before the name 'Nigerian' was adopted, the region was referred to by various indigenous names and by the names of different kingdoms and empires. The British considered other names for their colony, but none were as widely accepted as 'Nigerian'. The name 'Nigerian' was chosen for its simplicity and reference to the river.
The name 'Nigerian' signifies a shared national identity for the diverse ethnic groups within the country. It represents the unification of these groups under one nation-state after the amalgamation of the northern and southern protectorates. The name has become a symbol of independence and national pride since the country's liberation from colonial rule.
The name 'Nigerian' has been contested by some who argue it is a colonial imposition. Various ethnic groups and regions within Nigeria have at times sought greater autonomy or recognition of their own identities. Despite this, the name 'Nigerian' remains the official and widely accepted demonym for citizens of Nigeria.
Colonialism played a decisive role in the naming of Nigeria, as the name was given by British colonizers. The colonial authorities needed a unifying name for the administrative convenience of governing the diverse territories. The impact of colonialism on the country's name is a reflection of the broader influence of European powers on the borders and national identities in Africa.
