Culture
Names and identity
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Yoruba names: structure and meaning
Yoruba personal names carry meaning tied to birth circumstances, lineage or hopes. Common prefixes include Olu-, Ade-, Oluwa-. Naming ceremonies take place on the seventh day.
Country:Nigeria; Benin; Togo
Language:English; Yoruba
Published:2025-12-18
Audience:Parents, students, name researchers
Yoruba names are personal names of the Yoruba people, found mainly in Nigeria, Benin and Togo. A typical Yoruba name has a meaning that may reflect circumstances of the babys birth, family lineage, religion or hopes for the future. Names often include the prefixes Olu- (for God / lord), Ade- (crown / royalty), Oluwa- (the Lord), or Babatunde / Iyabode (father / mother has returned). Common Yoruba names include Adebayo (the crown meets joy), Olufemi (God loves me), Folake (look after with honour), Tunde (returned), and Ifeoluwa (the love of God). Naming ceremonies (iso oruko) usually take place on the seventh day after birth and involve elders giving multiple names to the child.
Keywords
Yoruba names
Adebayo
Olufemi
iso oruko
naming ceremony
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