girl First names

Yoruba girl names: 40 names and their meaning

Yoruba girl names speak of the mother who returns, of joy, of wealth, of God. Here are 40 translated names, grouped by theme, to choose one or to understand the name of someone you’ve met.

schedule 7 min
signal_cellular_alt All levels
groups 40 names
1

God

Names in Olu-: God in every sentence

The first element olú means “lord, God”. It begins many girl names, which become sentences of gratitude or trust.
First nameMeaning
OlubunmiGod gives me
OlufunkeGod gives His attention
OlufunmilayoGod gives me joy
OlufunmilolaGod gives me wealth
OluwabunmiGod has given me
OluwakanyinsolaGod has dropped honey into wealth
OluwakemiGod takes care of me
OluwayemisiGod honors me
fact_check

Where these meanings come from

The meanings are those of the list of Yoruba names from Behind the Name. When two references contradict each other about a name, we don’t publish it. A Yoruba name often has several readings: take these meanings as guidelines, not as official records.

2

The mother

Yetunde, Iyabo, Yejide, Yewande: the mother has returned

These four names speak of the mother’s return or awakening. They have male equivalents built around the father (Babatunde, “the father has returned”, Babajide, “the father has awakened”).
First nameMeaning
Iyabothe mother has returned
Yejidethe mother has awakened
Yetundethe mother has returned
Yewandethe mother has found me
Their male counterparts appear in the list of Yoruba boy names.

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3

Wealth and crown

Wealth, the crown, nobility

Wealth names use the same key as for boys: ọlà for wealth, adé for the crown.
First nameMeaning
Bolanlefinding wealth at home
Bukolaadding to wealth
Gbemisolacarry me toward wealth
MojisolaI wake up in wealth
Omobolanlethe child finds wealth at home
Simisolarest in wealth
Adenikethe crown is to be cherished
Aderonkethe crown has found something to cherish
4

Joy

Joy, luck and unisex names

A final series brings together joy, luck and affection.
First nameMeaning
Abeniwe prayed and we received
Abosedecomes with the start of the week
Folasadeto rule with nobility
Funmilayogive me joy
MonifaI am lucky
Omolarathe child belongs to the family
Titilayoeternal happiness
These names are given to girls and boys alike:
First nameMeaning
Abimbolaborn for me with wealth
Ayojoy
Ayomidemy joy has arrived
Bunmiwas given to me
Dayojoy arrives
Ekundayotears become joy
Ifelove
Olamidemy wealth has arrived
OluwaseunGod, thank you
Opeyemigratitude suits me
Temitopewhat is mine deserves gratitude
Tosinworthy of worship
Toyinworthy of praise
short_text

Nicknames

Funke is the short form of Olufunke. Long names are often shortened; see short Yoruba names.

One name, one wish

Each name says what the parents hope for or give thanks for. To go further: the most beautiful Yoruba names and Yoruba names shared with the Fon.

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