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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Okeke | Okeke: Igbo name meaning "born on market day," unisex, culturally significant. | Nigerian | Unisex | |
| Okocha | Okocha: Nigerian name meaning "warrior," symbolizing strength and bravery. | Nigerian | Boy | |
| Okoye | Okoye: Nigerian name meaning "hero," gaining global popularity and significance. | Nigerian | Boy | |
| Okparah | Okparah means "greatness from humble beginnings" in Igbo culture. | Nigerian | Boy | |
| Oladapo | Oladapo means "wealth has come home" in Yoruba, Nigeria. | Nigerian, Yoruba | Boy | |
| Oladipo | Oladipo means "wealth has come home" in Yoruba, Nigeria. | Nigerian, Yoruba | Boy | |
| Olaminah | Olaminah: Unique name meaning "wealth of love," primarily African origin. | African, Cameroonian, Ghanaian, Nigerian | Girl | |
| Olayinka | Olayinka means "wealth surrounds me," originating from Yoruba culture, Nigeria. | Nigerian, Yoruba | Unisex | |
| Olisah | Olisah: Igbo name meaning "God's work," unisex, culturally significant. | Nigerian | Unisex | |
| Onaedo | Onaedo means "one who is loved" in Igbo culture, Nigeria. | Nigerian | Unisex | |
| Onilonile | Onilonile: Unisex African name meaning "one who is always happy." | African, Ghanaian, Nigerian, South African | Unisex | |
| Oniyi | Oniyi: Nigerian unisex name meaning "deserving of honor" or respect. | Nigerian | Unisex | |
| Onyele | Onyele: Igbo name meaning "God has come to save me." | Nigerian | Unisex | |
| Oringo | Oringo: Igbo name meaning "strong" or "powerful," unisex, meaningful. | Nigerian | Unisex | |
| Osaze | Osaze means "God chooses" in Edo, symbolizing favor and destiny. | Nigerian | Boy | |
| Osazee | Osazee: Nigerian name meaning "God's will," gaining popularity globally. | Nigerian | Boy | |
| Osazemen | Osazemen: Nigerian name meaning "God has added to my wealth." | Nigerian | Boy | |
| Osazemwinda | Osazemwinda: Edo unisex name meaning "God's gift" from Nigeria. | Nigerian | Unisex | |
| Osazie | Osazie: Nigerian name meaning "God chooses," gaining global recognition. | Nigerian | Boy | |
| Osikah | Osikah: Nigerian unisex name meaning "God's time is the best." | Nigerian | Unisex | |
| Osykah | Osykah: Unique unisex name of uncertain African origin and meaning. | African, Nigerian | Unisex | |
| Ovia | Ovia: African name meaning "precious," popular for baby girls. | Nigerian | Girl | |
| Ovie | Ovie: Nigerian name meaning "king," gaining global popularity for boys. | Nigerian | Boy | |
| Owamagbe | Owamagbe means "God has come to save me" in Yoruba. | African, Nigerian, Yoruba | Unisex | |
| Panshak | Panshak means "gift" in Hebrew; originates from Hebrew culture. | Nigerian | Boy | |
| Piriye | Piriye: Nigerian unisex name meaning "God has done well" joyfully. | Nigerian | Unisex | |
| Raji | Raji: Unisex Indian name meaning "hope," popular and culturally significant. | Nigerian | Unisex | |
| Rekiya | Rekiya: African name meaning contentment, popular among Hausa Muslim families. | Nigerian | Girl | |
| Ringim | Ringim: Nigerian name symbolizing strength, leadership, resilience; gaining popularity. | Nigerian | Boy | |
| Sade | Sade: Yoruba name meaning honor, associated with strength and royalty. | African, Nigerian, West African, 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.
