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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Favour | Favour: Nigerian unisex name meaning kindness, gaining global popularity. | Nigerian | Unisex | |
| Fela | Fela: Yoruba name meaning wealth, respect; linked to Fela Kuti. | African, Nigerian, Yoruba | Unisex | |
| Fonu | Fonu: Yoruba name meaning "to hear," symbolizing spiritual connection and communication. | African, Nigerian, Yoruba | Girl | |
| Gadwa | Gadwa: Hausa name meaning "strong" or "powerful," unisex origin. | Nigerian | Unisex | |
| Gamela | Gamela: Hausa name meaning "beautiful," popular for girls, unique choice. | Nigerian | Girl | |
| Ganyah | Ganyah: African unisex name meaning "gift of God" or grace. | African, Mandinka, Nigerian, Yoruba | Unisex | |
| Gashah | Gashah: Hausa name meaning "to be happy" or "to rejoice." | Nigerian | Unisex | |
| Gassarat | Gassarat: Hausa name meaning "good news," often given to girls. | Nigerian | Girl | |
| Gbenga | Gbenga means "lifted up" in Yoruba; it signifies elevation. | Nigerian, Yoruba | Boy | |
| Gilala | Gilala: Unique, gender-neutral name symbolizing strength, courage, and resilience. | Nigerian | Unisex | |
| Gimbya | Gimbya: Hausa name meaning "queen" or "princess," symbolizing nobility. | Nigerian | Girl | |
| Gomdah | Gomdah: African name meaning patience and endurance, unisex, Hausa origin. | Nigerian | Unisex | |
| Gumaa | Gumaa: Unique Hausa name meaning "Friday," symbolizing strength and significance. | Nigerian | Boy | |
| Hemen | Hemen: Unique Yoruba name meaning "wealth" or "prosperity," easy pronunciation. | African, Nigerian, Yoruba | Unisex | |
| Hemene | Hemene: African name meaning "peaceful child," from Tiv tribe. | African, Nigerian | Unisex | |
| Hosa | Hosa: African name meaning "new," symbolizing fresh starts and hope. | Nigerian | Unisex | |
| Ibiye | Ibiye: Nigerian name meaning "God is praiseworthy," gaining recognition. | Nigerian | Boy | |
| Ibo | Ibo: Nigerian name meaning "wealth," primarily used for males. | Nigerian | Boy | |
| Ibsan | Ibsan: Hebrew name meaning "clever," biblical, unique, and meaningful. | Nigerian | Boy | |
| Idara | Idara: Nigerian name meaning "joy," gaining popularity for daughters. | Nigerian | Girl | |
| Idi | Idi is a unisex Yoruba name meaning "born into royalty." | African, Nigerian, Yoruba | Unisex | |
| Idogbe | Idogbe means "I have become great" in Edo culture, Nigeria. | Nigerian | Unisex | |
| Ifama | Ifama: Igbo name meaning "goodness," reflecting kindness and positivity. | Nigerian | Girl | |
| Ifeoma | Ifeoma: Igbo name meaning "good thing," symbolizes beauty and positivity. | Nigerian | Unisex | |
| Ige | Ige: Yoruba name meaning "born breech," significant in cultural heritage. | African, Nigerian, Yoruba | Unisex | |
| Ikeasha | Ikeasha: Unique African name meaning "God's will" or "strength of life." | African, Nigerian, Yoruba | Girl | |
| Ilom | Ilom: Igbo name meaning strength, symbolizing resilience and cultural pride. | Nigerian | Boy | |
| Imade | Imade: Nigerian name meaning "deserving care," symbolizing strength and femininity. | Nigerian | Girl | |
| Imi-Ike | Imi-Ike means "I have seen strength" in Yoruba culture. | African, Nigerian, Yoruba | Unisex | |
| Iniko | Iniko: Unisex Yoruba name meaning "born during troubled times" resilient. | African, Nigerian, Yoruba | Unisex |
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.
