boy First names

Beninese boy names: 20 traditional names and their meaning

In Benin, a traditional first name often says why the child is here: born after twins, born on the road, long awaited, or carrying a wish for patience and courage. Here are 20 boy names, with their meaning and circumstance.

schedule 6 min
signal_cellular_alt All levels
groups 20 names
1

Circumstances

Names that tell the story of the birth

These names preserve the memory of a specific circumstance. Among the Fon, Dossou is given to the boy born after twins; among the Kotokoli, Gado plays the same role.
First nameMeaningOrigin · circumstance
Dossoucircumstance nameFon · boy born after twins
Gadocircumstance nameKotokoli · child born after twins
Gbodjacircumstance nameFon · given to fraternal twins, who don’t look alike
AlihonouThe child of the roadGoun · boy born on the road, before his mother reached the maternity ward
Babatoundjicircumstance nameNago · child born just after the death of a family member, especially a grandparent
Gbèdogift of natureFon · a long-awaited birth in the family
Gbèmènouwork of natureFon · a birth seen as a miracle, especially after pregnancy complications
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Where these meanings come from

They are taken from the appendix “Meaning of endogenous Beninese first names” of Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0 license), which we rephrase and group here. When this appendix and another reference contradict each other, we don’t publish the name.

2

Wishes

Names that carry a wish

Other names are a prayer addressed to the child: that he be patient, brave, keep hope. These are often names of wisdom.
First nameMeaningOrigin · circumstance
DotoucourageFon · so that he is strong, valiant and brave
SouroupatienceFon · so that he always stays patient
Sonangnonthe future will be betterFon · so that he keeps hope whatever the difficulties
Bignonall that God does is goodFon · so that he sees everything that happens to him as God’s work
SèmèvoGod has already planned everythingFon · a birth seen as willed by God
Adetolacrown of wealthYoruba · the parents hope he will be rich

Speak the language of these names: Parlons Fongbe Academy — 79 video lessons with a native speaker.Discover

3

Boy or girl

Names given to boys and girls alike

Many Beninese names have no gender: the source lists them as “unisex”. Here are seven names you can give to a boy.
First nameMeaningOrigin · circumstance
Enangnonthings will changeFon · so that he never loses hope in hard times
Akouwègnonmoney is goodFon · a birth made possible by gifts of money despite financial hardship
Gbètognonman is a good beingFon · in tribute to a great gesture by a friend or relative, to honor human kindness
Hinnougnonfamily is importantFon · in tribute to the family’s support, often during pregnancy
AyojoyYoruba · a birth that brings joy to the family
IféloveYoruba · a child to whom the parents bring their love
Adjiléthe prince or the princessMina · a child much cherished in the family
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What about birth-day names?

Among the Fon, the day of birth also sets the name: see the system of names by day and the complete table by day and gender.

A name to understand

Introducing yourself in Fon also means being able to explain your name. Explore the guide to Beninese first names and names that carry a wish.

Nɛ a nɔ nyi ?
“What’s your name?” — lesson 3, chapter 1
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