Choosing a name is one of the most meaningful moments in Yoruba life. Yoruba names for girls are full sentences that carry a prayer, a family story or a hope for the child’s future. This guide lists 18 traditional names with their meanings, followed by tips on spelling and choosing a name. Meanings can vary slightly by family and region.
18 Yoruba Names for Girls
- Àjọkẹ́: people come together to care for and pamper the child.
- Àríkẹ́: one who is cherished and pampered.
- Ìfẹ́mi: love me; my love.
- Yéwándé: mother has come back, often given to a girl born soon after a grandmother’s passing.
- Ìyábọ̀: mother has returned.
- Títílayọ̀: eternal joy.
- Fọláṣadé: honour confers the crown.
- Fọláké: to be cared for with honour.
- Ọmọ́lọlá: a child brings honour.
- Tèmítọ́pẹ́: mine is gratitude.
- Mọ́rẹ́nikẹ́: I have someone to pamper.
- Ayọ̀mídé: my joy has arrived.
- Ìbùkún: blessing.
- Ifeoluwa: God’s love.
- Anuoluwapo: God’s mercy is abundant.
- Oluwatosin: God is worthy of worship and praise.
- Mọ́yìnọ́lúwa: I praise God.
- Símísọ́lá: rest with me in prosperity.
Why Yoruba Names Carry So Much Meaning
Yoruba names fall into groups such as destiny names, family-circumstance names and praise names. Traditionally, a child’s name is announced at the naming ceremony (Isomoloruko) on the eighth day, with family members offering prayers. Learn more about naming in Yoruba culture.
Tips for Choosing and Spelling a Yoruba Name
- Learn the meaning in full. Most names combine several words, so break the name down before you choose it.
- Check the tone marks. The same letters can mean different things; see why tone marks matter and the Yoruba alphabet.
- Ask elders. Family names often carry history that a list cannot show.
- Search a database. The YorubaName dictionary lists thousands of names with pronunciation.
Keep Exploring
See our shorter list of Yoruba baby names for boys and girls, the boys’ list in Yoruba names for boys, and the special names given to twins in Yoruba twins (Ìbejì). For wider reading, see Wikipedia’s page on Yoruba names.
Yoruba Girl Names FAQs
What is a popular Yoruba name for a girl?
Names such as Àjọkẹ́, Àríkẹ́, Ìfẹ́mi and Oluwatosin are widely used.
What does Yewande mean?
It means “mother has come back”.
Do Yoruba names have tone marks?
Yes. Tone marks show how the name is pronounced and what it means, although many people write names without them.
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