The Most Popular Name in Nigeria, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the name you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 9, 2024 06:45
In a country as culturally rich and diverse as Nigeria, where hundreds of languages mingle and multiple ethnic groups coexist, the popularity of names can reveal fascinating trends over time. By tracking which names ascend to the top of our lists, we gain insights into cultural shifts, significant influences, and societal changes.
This dynamic tally offers more than just a snapshot of current preferences; it serves as a living archive of cultural evolution. Your participation in voting not only reflects your personal choice but also contributes to a broader understanding of what resonates within this vibrant community today. Step in, cast your vote, and see the movement in real time!
What Is the Most Popular Name in Nigeria?
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153votesMeaning "the crown meets joy," this name is popular among the Yoruba people in southwestern Nigeria. It is a unisex name and is often given to children born into royalty or families with high social status.Adebayo is a common Nigerian name that is widely used and holds significance in the Yoruba culture. It is a gender-neutral name with deep meanings.
- Meaning: The name Adebayo means 'crown brings joy' or 'the crown has met with happiness'.
- Usage: Adebayo is commonly given to both males and females in Nigeria.
- Popularity: Adebayo is one of the most popular Yoruba names in Nigeria.
- Cultural Significance: The name symbolizes honor, royalty, and the blessing of joy to the family.
- Variations: Different variations of the name include Adeboye, Adebiyi, Adeyemi, and Adebowale.
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248votesThis name means "God leads" in the Igbo language and is often given to boys. It is a popular name in southeastern Nigeria and is associated with intelligence and leadership.Chinedu is a common Nigerian name, predominantly used among the Igbo people. It is a unisex name that can be given to both boys and girls.
- Meaning: God is leading
- Gender: Unisex
- Origin: Igbo (Nigerian)
- Popularity: High in Nigeria
- Other Forms: Chinelo, Chinyere
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322votesMeaning "God owns" in Igbo, this name is often given to girls and is associated with beauty, grace, and spiritual strength.Chinwe is a traditional Igbo name commonly used in Nigeria. It is often given to girls and has a powerful meaning of 'God owns' or 'God owns us'. The name symbolizes a strong connection to God, faith, and spirituality.
- Gender: Usually given to girls
- Meaning: God owns' or 'God owns us'
- Origin: Nigeria, specifically the Igbo tribe
- Popularity: Highly popular in Nigeria
- Religious Significance: Symbolizes a strong connection to God, faith, and spirituality
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420votesThis Arabic name is popular among Nigerian Muslims and means "one who abstains." It is often given to girls and is associated with purity and piety.Fatima is an Arabic girl name that holds significant cultural and religious importance. It has been prevalent in Arab countries for centuries and is derived from the Arabic word 'femtoh' meaning 'weaned'. Fatima is believed to be the name of one of the Prophet Muhammad's daughters, making it highly revered among Muslims.
- Meaning: Weaned
- Origins: Arabic
- Religious significance: Associated with one of the Prophet Muhammad's daughters
- Popularity: Most popular Arabic girl name
- Cultural significance: Highly revered in Arab communities
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513votesAnother popular Arabic name in Nigeria, Ibrahim means "father of many" and is associated with strength, leadership, and generosity. It is often given to boys and is especially popular among Hausa and Fulani people in northern Nigeria.Ibrahim is a popular male name in Nigeria, commonly given to children of Islamic heritage. It is derived from the Arabic name ʼIbrāhīm, which translates to 'Abraham' in English. The name holds religious significance as Ibrahim is considered a prophet in Islam.
- Meaning: Derived from Arabic name ʼIbrāhīm, meaning 'Abraham'
- Gender: Male
- Origin: Arabic
- Religious Significance: Associated with the Islamic prophet Ibrahim (Abraham)
- Popularity: Commonly used in Nigeria
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617votesThis name means "good thing" in Igbo and is often given to girls. It is associated with kindness, compassion, and positivity.Ifeoma is a popular name in Nigeria, particularly among the Igbo ethnic group. It is primarily given to female children and carries a deep cultural significance.
- Meaning: Ifeoma means 'beautiful thing' or 'goodness' in the Igbo language.
- Usage: The name Ifeoma is widely used among Igbo-speaking communities in Nigeria and reflects the desire for a child to bring beauty, goodness, and blessings to their family.
- Popularity: Ifeoma is consistently ranked as one of the most popular names for Igbo girls in Nigeria.
- Cultural Significance: The name reflects the traditional Igbo values of beauty, kindness, and positive attributes.
- Variations: Variations of the name Ifeoma include Ifoma, Ify, Ifybaby, and Ifymm.
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78votesMeaning "second-born" in Yoruba, this name is often given to boys and girls who are born after their twin siblings. It is associated with strength, creativity, and resilience.Kehinde is a popular name in Nigeria, commonly used by the Yoruba people. It is a unisex name that bears a significant cultural meaning.
- Meaning: Kehinde means 'the one who comes after another' in Yoruba culture. It is traditionally given to the second-born twin.
- Usage: Kehinde can be used as both a first name and a last name.
- Popularity: Kehinde is one of the most popular names in Nigeria, particularly within the Yoruba community.
- Gender: Kehinde is a unisex name, commonly given to both males and females.
- Cultural Significance: The name Kehinde carries cultural significance in Yoruba tradition as it represents the belief that the second-born twin has a spirit companion that guides them through life.
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85votesThis name means "blessing" in Igbo and is often given to girls. It is associated with good fortune, happiness, and prosperity.Ngozi is a city located in the northern part of Burundi. It is the capital of the Ngozi Province and is known for its beautiful natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
- Population: Approximately 100,000
- Location: Northern Burundi
- Province: Ngozi Province
- Elevation: 1,577 meters (5,174 feet)
- Climate: Subtropical highland climate
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911votesMeaning "God pampers me" in Yoruba, this name is often given to girls. It is associated with love, care, and protection.Oluwakemi is a popular name in Nigeria, particularly among the Yoruba people. It is a unisex name that carries significant meaning related to faith and spirituality.
- Gender: Unisex
- Meaning: Oluwa (God) + Kemi (I cherish/love me) - translated as 'God cherishes/loves me'
- Language: Yoruba
- Origin: Nigeria
- Religious Significance: Associated with the Christian faith and the acknowledgment of God's love
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108votesThis Arabic name is popular among Nigerian Muslims and means "God will increase." It is often given to boys and is associated with wisdom, righteousness, and prosperity.Yusuf is an Arabic name that holds significant popularity worldwide. It is derived from the Arabic word meaning 'God increases in goodness, power, and influence.'
- Meaning: God increases in goodness, power, and influence
- Origin: Arabic and Islamic
- Gender: Masculine
- Popularity: One of the most popular Arabic names globally
- Religious Significance: Associated with the prophet Yusuf (Joseph) in the Quran
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular name
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DemographicsConsider the ethnic and religious diversity in Nigeria, as there are more than 250 ethnic groups and various religions represented in the country. Different groups have their distinct naming traditions and preferences.
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Ethnicity-based namesUnderstanding the popularity of names in Nigeria requires considering the names that are unique and common to the major ethnic groups, such as the Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and Fulani, among others.
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Historical and political factorsNames of popular historical, political, and cultural figures may also influence the popularity of certain names in Nigeria, as parents may choose to name their children after these admired individuals.
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Recent trendsPay attention to recent trends and shifts in naming conventions in Nigeria, as changing social, cultural, and political dynamics may impact name preferences.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular name in Nigeria. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or name is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 6469 views
- 196 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each name once every 24 hours. The rank of each name is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular name in nigeria
Nigeria is a country with a rich and diverse cultural heritage, and this extends to the naming conventions of its people. Nigerian names often have deep meanings and significance, reflecting the values and beliefs of the country's various ethnic groups. With over 250 ethnic groups, Nigeria has a wide range of names to choose from.
While there is no official data on the most popular names in Nigeria, some names are more common than others. In the Hausa language, for example, popular names include Muhammad, Fatima, Aisha, and Aliyu. Yoruba names often feature the prefix "Olu" which means "God" or "Chief". Names like Olumide, Olufemi, and Olumuyiwa are common in Yoruba culture. In the Igbo language, names like Chinedu, Ngozi, and Oluoma are popular.
It's important to note that Nigerian names often have different meanings depending on the context and the language in which they are spoken. Some names are chosen based on the circumstances surrounding the birth of the child, while others are passed down from ancestors as a way of honoring their legacy.
Overall, Nigerian names are an important aspect of the country's culture and heritage. They reflect the diversity and richness of its people, and are a source of pride for many Nigerians both at home and abroad.
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