A Yoruba name is a sentence, a prayer or a piece of family history. That is why the question “what do Yoruba names mean?” has so many answers: the meaning depends on the type of name and on the parts it is built from. This guide explains the five traditional types of Yoruba names, how long names are formed, how religion changes them, and how they are shortened into everyday nicknames.
The Five Types of Yoruba Names
Scholars usually group traditional Yoruba names into five categories, as summarised in the overview of Yoruba names on Wikipedia:
| Type | Meaning of the type | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Orúkọ àmútọ̀runwá | “Brought from heaven”: names linked to the circumstances of birth | Àìná, Ìgè, Ọ̀jó, Táíwò, Kẹ́hìndé |
| Orúkọ àbísọ | “Names given at birth”: chosen by the family at the naming ceremony | Adéyínká, Ọmọ́táyọ̀, Ìbílọlá |
| Orúkọ oríkì | Praise names that celebrate a lineage or a quality | Àyìnlá, Àlàó, Àjọkẹ́ |
| Orúkọ àbíkú | Names for a child believed to be “born to die”, often pleading with the child to stay | Kòsọ́kọ́, Dúrósinmí |
| Orúkọ ìnagijẹ | Epithet or nickname names earned later in life | Eyínfúnjowó, Ajíláràn-án |
The best-known examples of àmútọ̀runwá names are for twins; read our guide to names for twins and special births.
How Yoruba Names Are Built
Many longer Yoruba names are short sentences made from meaningful parts. If you learn the parts, you can read most names. For example, Ifáṣọlá is explained as “Ifá grants wealth”, and Olúwatiṣé as “the Lord has done it”. Adéwale is a typical royal-family name, built from adé (crown).
| Name part | Common meaning |
|---|---|
| Adé | Crown, royalty |
| Ọlá | Honour, wealth |
| Ayọ̀ | Joy |
| Olú / Olúwa | Lord (used in Christian names) |
| Ifá | The divination deity and system of Ifá |
| Ògún | The orisha associated with iron, hunting and warfare |
Browse examples with meanings in our lists of girls’ names and boys’ names.
Names, Religion and Change
Names change when families change religion. Christian parents often replace the orisha part of a name with Olú or Olúwa, so a name such as Ifátiṣe becomes Olúwatiṣé. Muslim names are adapted to Yoruba sounds: Rofiah may become Rafiat, and Usman may become Sùnmọ́nù. Names can also honour grandparents or other relatives. Read how the family chooses and announces a name in our guide to the Yoruba naming ceremony.
When Is a Yoruba Baby Named?
Traditionally, boys were named on the eighth day and girls on the seventh. Today both are usually named on the seventh or eighth day. A private naming with the parents often comes first, followed some days later by a public ceremony with prayers, food and music.
Short Forms and Nicknames
Long names are usually shortened in daily speech. The short form often keeps the last or the most distinctive part of the name:
| Full name | Short form |
|---|---|
| Oluwafemi | Femi |
| Folasade | Sade |
| Olajide | Jide |
| Toluwani | Tolu |
Tips for Spelling and Pronouncing Yoruba Names
- Keep the tone marks and underdots (ẹ, ọ, ṣ) when you can; they show the correct meaning. See why tone marks matter.
- Ask the family for the meaning they intend, since the same spelling can have different meanings.
- Use the full name in formal settings and the short form among friends.
- Trace the family story through surnames and oríkì.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many types of Yoruba names are there?
Five traditional types: àmútọ̀runwá, àbísọ, oríkì, àbíkú and ìnagijẹ.
Do all Yoruba names have a meaning?
Yes, nearly all do, and the meaning is usually a sentence or a wish.
Can a name be Yoruba and Christian or Muslim?
Yes. Many families blend Yoruba structure with Christian or Muslim terms, as in Olúwatiṣé or Rafiat.
Continue on the Learn Yoruba hub.
