What are the most popular baby names in Nigeria?

Based on our 2026 data, top choices include favorites like Liam, Noah, and Oliver. These reflect the current preference in Nigeria for names that honor tradition while sounding modern.

What are traditional Nigerian boy names?

Traditional Nigerian boy names often carry deep meaning. Popular choices include names that reflect the nation's history, whether that be royal lineage, religious significance, or indigenous roots specific to Nigeria.

What are popular Nigerian girl names?

Nigerian girl names are often chosen for their beauty and virtue. Many parents in Nigeria select names inspired by nature, local flowers, or historical queens and figures of grace.

Curated Collection 2026

Top NigerianBaby Names

Q: How do I choose a Nigerian name?

Consider the meaning and how it flows with your surname. In Nigeria, it is also common to look at family history or meaningful locations. Short, punchy 'Virtue' names (Grace, Peace, Goodluck) remain popular, but the traditional names are being modernized into stylish short forms like 'Zik' (Zikora) or 'Ify' (Ifunanya) for the diaspora generation.

Nigeria is a powerhouse of naming culture. With over 250 ethnic groups, diversity is key, but a common thread is 'Theophory'—embedding God in the name. Igbo names often start with 'Chi' (God/Spirit) like 'Chilla', and Yoruba names with 'Olu' (Lord) like 'Oluwaseyi'. A Nigerian name is never random; it tells the story of the family's situation at the time of birth—a prayer answered, a joy arrived, or a twin born. It is a time capsule of the family's spiritual journey.

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Deep Meanings

2026 Trends

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The Naming Ceremony (Sununa)

In many Nigerian cultures, a baby is not named until the 7th or 8th day. The ceremony is a major event where elders speak blessings over the child. The name given is believed to direct the path of the child's life. 'Amara' (Grace) is expected to live a graceful life. Honey, salt, and water are often touched to the baby's lips to symbolize a sweet and preserved life.

Naming Laws & RegulationsNigeria has no restrictive naming laws, allowing for immense creativity. However, creating 'sentence names' is a deeply held cultural standard rather than a legal one. New parents abroad often shorten these to fit Western forms (e.g., 'Olu' instead of 'Oluwatudimu').

100+ Popular Nigerian Names (2026)

Explore the top choices preferred by parents in Nigeria, ranging from the traditional to the modern.

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Filter by Origin

Select a cultural origin to refine the lists below

English Boy Names

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matthew

Gift of God

james

Supplanter, one who follows

English Girl Names

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mary

Beloved, of the sea, star of the sea

elizabeth

God is my oath, devoted to God

Boy Names from Nigeria

Strong, meaningful names for your son

Girl Names from Nigeria

Beautiful, graceful names for your daughter

Notable Figures

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Wole Soyinka
Burna Boy (Damini)
Chinua Achebe

Short, punchy 'Virtue' names (Grace, Peace, Goodluck) remain popular, but the traditional names are being modernized into stylish short forms like 'Zik' (Zikora) or 'Ify' (Ifunanya) for the diaspora generation.