The Best Baby Names in the World

Contents

A Wonderful World of Names!

Foreword

Introduction

Part I: The Best Baby Names in the World

Out of Africa

Ghana

Boy Names

Girl Names

Kenya

Boy Names

Girl Names

Nigeria

Boy Names

Girl Names

South Africa

Boy Names

Girl Names

Tanzania

Boy Names

Girl Names

Uganda

Boy Names

Girl Names

More Favorite African Names

Boy Names

Girl Names

Eastern Influences—Names from Asia and the Pacific Rim

China

Boy Names

Girl Names

India

Boy Names

Girl Names

Japan

Boy Names

Girl Names

Korea

Boy Names

Girl Names

Thailand

Boy Names

Girl Names

More Favorite Asian Names

Cambodian Boy Names

Cambodian Girl Names

Laotian Boy Names

Laotian Girl Names

Vietnamese Boy Names

Vietnamese Girl Names

Children of the Desert—Names from the Middle East

Arabic

Boy Names

Girl Names

Egypt

Boy Names

Girl Names

Georgia

Boy Names

Girl Names

Hebrew

Boy Names

Girl Names

Iran

Boy Names

Girl Names

Muslim

Boy Names

Girl Names

Turkey

Boy Names

Girl Names

Eastern European Gems—Names from Eastern Europe

Bulgaria

Boy Names

Girl Names

Czech Republic and Republic of Slovakia

Boy Names

Girl Names

Estonia

Boy Names

Girl Names

Hungary

Boy Names

Girl Names

Latvia

Boy Names

Girl Names

Lithuania

Boy Names

Girl Names

Poland

Boy Names

Girl Names

Romania

Boy Names

Girl Names

Russia

Boy Names

Girl Names

Ukraine

Boy Names

Girl Names

Going Continental—Names from Western Europe

England

Boy Names

Girl Names

Shakespearean Names

Boy Names

Girl Names

More Favorite European Names

France

Boy Names

Girl Names

Germany

Boy Names

Girl Names

Greece

Boy Names

Girl Names

Ireland

Boy Names

Girl Names

Italy

Boy Names

Girl Names

Wales

Boy Names

Girl Names

More Favorite European Names

Netherlands and Luxembourg Boy Names

Netherlands and Luxembourg Girl Names

Scandinavian Secrets—Names from Northern Europe

Finland

Boy Names

Girl Names

Norway

Boy Names

Girl Names

Sweden

Boy Names

Girl Names

Latin America—Names from Central and South America

Portuguese-Speaking Regions

Boy Names

Girl Names

Spanish-Speaking Regions

Boy Names

Girl Names

Names of Our Nation

Hawaii

Boy Names

Girl Names

Native American

Boy Names

Girl Names

United States

Boy Names

Girl Names

Creating Your Own Baby Name

All in the Family: Naming Tips to Keep in Mind

Part II: Resources and Worksheets

Family Names: A Genealogical History

Mom’s Favorite Names

Dad’s Favorite Names

Copyright

About the Publisher

A Wonderful World of Names!

France!

Try Florent (blossoming), Cherise (dear one), or Alaire (joyous), ooh la la!

Kenya!

On a safari hunt for the ideal baby name? Maybe Kamau (quiet warrior) or Jata (star).

Brazil!

It’s Carnival time in Rio! Celebrate your precious baby’s uniqueness with a name like Fernando (adventurer) or Odete (patriot).

India!

Add a touch of Bombay spice with Ananda (bliss) or Sarojin (lotus-like).

Plus England, Ireland, Russia, South Africa, Mexico, Germany, Finland, Greece, Estonia . . . and dozens more!

THE BEST BABY NAMES IN THE WORLD

Foreword

What’s in a name? Perhaps fortune? Fate? Personality? Identity? The importance of a name should not be underestimated and, indeed, demands careful consideration. Hence, choosing a suitable name for a child is never a simple task—and the decision is made more complicated in our multinational world, where borders are forever changing and advances in travel and communications are transforming the earth into a global village. When naming children, parents today often want to reach beyond the confines of the traditional names common to their communities. Add to this the complexity of multicultural marriages, in which the interests of varying heritages must be reconciled. The case of naming my half-Russian, half Italian-American son—born in the Czech Republic, but now living in another part of Eastern Europe—offered numerous creative possibilities, as well as headaches.

My wife and I were first tempted by the idea of tossing some novelty into our son’s life, perhaps naming him in honor of one of our Czech friends. However, family interests on both sides of the Atlantic—our relatives were entirely unfamiliar with Czech pronunciations—led us to abandon the idea with great regret. Instead, we decided to search for an international name, one easily recognizable in both Russian and English. Sitting in our apartment in Prague, with no book of names to be found, we stayed up late into the night compiling our own lists of familiar and favorite male names in both languages. She proposed Nikita, a popular boy’s name in Russia, but unfortunately one undone in an American context. Popular song and film have feminized the name, and we made special efforts to avoid cursing our child with a name that might encourage name-calling by his peers. Not many American boys aspire to be a femme fatale, as in the case of Nikita of celluloid fame.

Likewise, my first choice, Luke, met with my wife’s immediate disapproval and laughter. In Russian, Luke sounds like the word luc meaning onion. My son, the little onion-head. Imagine the joy on his face. Hardly a way to earn your child’s eternal love. My family in America pitched in, combing through countless baby name books for suggestions. But none of the books proved able to solve our cross-cultural dilemma. Finally, less than one week before my son’s birth, with no alternative, I thought enough to glance through the Bible, only to behold the Book of Daniel and the glowing description of a young prophet. At last, here was a powerful name to crown the family heir, one easily said and familiar in both languages.

How much easier the process would have been with the help of this unique reference book, with its extensive possibilities, variety, and cultural and anecdotal information. It is the closest thing to Divine Inspiration and an absolute must for every household—both those expecting and those already blessed with children.

—John Varoli,

an American writer for The New York Times

living in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Introduction

Choosing a name for your baby is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child. The name you choose will follow your child for at least eighteen years, if not forever. You want the name to encapsulate all of the hopes you have, the dreams you harbor, and the qualities you hope your child will embody. This is especially important when you remember the fact that, for a while, your child will be that name, as personalities take awhile to develop. Family, friends, and even strangers will assume certain things, think of people they know with the same, or similar, name, every time they call your child.

Keeping this in mind, as you peruse through the thousands of names printed in this book, remember that the name you choose is the child’s introduction to the world. Read the entries carefully and consider each name’s meaning, how it sounds with your last name, and the possible nicknames that can evolve, among the other concerns you may have.

The names chosen for inclusion in this volume are a wonderful cross-section of names from around the world. Know that in many cultures a person’s name is magical and has much significance. Your choice will add to the meaning and possibly even surpass whatever conventional wisdom dictates a name’s meaning is. Try your best to choose a name that you won’t get tired of or that will make you wonder, Why in the world did we choose THAT name? years from now.

Study this book carefully with your partner. Mark the pages with names you find interesting, and utilize the worksheets provided to see what the names look like in your writing, with your last name. The object of this book is to present you with the most thorough sampling of well known and not so well known baby names from around the world, including alternate spellings and some fun facts about the names and the people who have shared them throughout history.

Along with each name’s meaning and associations, here are a few things to consider while determining the perfect name for your baby.

Harmony

The names you choose should blend well with your family name. Try saying the entire name out loud, writing it down, even typing it to see what it sounds and looks like. There may be names that you have always loved and have said I’d love to name my child that. But when you actually put the name together with your surname and perhaps even a middle name, you may find that you really don’t like it all that much. Only by working out the name in all mediums (speaking, writing, etc.) will you really be able to tell if the name flows as well as you would hope.

Name Associations

Often when you hear a particular name, you get an instant image in your head because you associate that name with a famous person, character, television show, movie, song, or time in history. Some names carry a stronger association than others, and you don’t want your child having a name with a derogatory association. Jeremiah is a strong and beautiful name, but upon hearing it will friends and family lightheartedly sing, Jeremiah was a bullfrog? Would it bother you if they did?

It would be unrealistic to name your daughter after your Cousin Lucy and not expect to hear references to Lucille Ball or Lucy from the Peanuts comic strip. Name perceptions and associations are not necessarily a bad thing, but they should be among the issues you consider when choosing your child’s name.

Tradition

Perhaps you’d like to keep a family name going strong. Are all the first-born male children in your family named James, and while you like the tradition you want to give the child a more unique middle name, and maybe even call him by that middle name? There are ways to keep tradition going strong, while also asserting your and your child’s uniqueness. Be sensitive to your needs and the assumptions your family may have in this regard. Above all, make sure that you and your partner are in agreement and present a united front.

The Family Name Exercise

Take the time to delve into your genealogy for naming ideas. Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Is there a particular relative who has passed away who should be remembered?

2. What is the maiden name of your mother? Grandmother? Great grandmother? Surnames are good first name options—original and meaningful, they are becoming increasing popular.

3. Is there a vintage name on your family tree that could be shortened to a pleasing variant? Great Grandma Kitty would be delighted to learn that you were naming your daughter Kit. And Great Aunt Matilda would be equally thrilled if your daughter was named Tillie.

There are many issues, personal and societal, that you and your partner are surely considering. In today’s society of many multicultural homes and parents looking for a unique name that reflects their family’s heritage(s), this book is an ideal guide for the baby-naming endeavor. Let this book be a helpful guide to you as you pick and choose along the way to an ultimate decision. Enjoy this time. And be open to the possibility that the name that seems perfect now may not be perfect once you meet your new addition.

International Brain Names

Names that have intellectual wisdom in their meanings.

International Strength Names

Names that mean strong or brave.

International Nobility Names

Names that mean noble or leader.

PART I

The Best Baby Names in the World

Out of Africa

In Africa, as in Western cultures, choosing the name of a baby is highly important. It is, perhaps, even more important because many Africans believe that the actual choice of name can influence the life of both the child and the family. An overambitious name could have significant repercussions, whereas a simple name will not carry such high expectations. Names reflecting the day of birth and the environment or circumstances surrounding the birth are common.

In many regions of Africa, naming ceremonies are extensive and elaborate, with special prayers recited by an appointed religious teacher. Usually, animals are sacrificed during these proceedings. Africans mostly choose names that denote the time (Abena—born on Thursday), something that represents the times (Iniko—born during troubled times), a physical characteristic (Hassain—handsome), or the child’s position within the family (Delu—the only girl).

Africa is home to hundreds of languages and more than a thousand ethnic groups. African linguistic families are believed to have a history dating back more than 5,000 years. The most widely spoken African languages include Zulu, Yoruba, Swahili, Shona, and Kongo.

In the regions of northern and eastern Africa, Arabic is widely spoken, and the presence of Islam directly influences the choice of names in those countries. The people of Sudan, Somalia, and the Nigerian Hausa are examples of groups with strong Islamic ties. Accordingly, most names bestowed upon children are Muslim or Africanized Muslim names. In central and southern Africa, however, as a result of European colonization, many nations are partially Christian and have French, Dutch, English, or Portuguese as an official language; therefore, those names are of European origin.

Names in Swahili tend to relate to certain natural attributes parents hope the child will possess, or suggest certain conditions under which a child was born. For example, the name Mhina means delightful, Mosi means firstborn, Rashida means righteous.

GHANA

A Ghanaian child is given two names: the Akeradini, the name of the deity associated with the day on which the child is born, and the Agyadini, the name chosen from a member of the father’s family. The Agyadini is not given until the naming ceremony on the seventh day after the child’s birth. These names are Agyadini names.

Most Popular (Agyadini) Names in Ghana

Present-day Ghana is named after a West African empire that prospered along the Niger River from A.D. 400 to 1240. The country was part of Britain’s Gold Coast colony for 113 years, and consequently children’s names in Ghana reflect both African and English origins. While English is the official language, the indigenous tongues of Akan, Moshi-Dagomba, Ewe, and Ga hold sway in many parts of the country. Famous people from Ghana include Jerry Rawlings, Kwame Nkrumah, and United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan.

Pronunciation: Consonants and vowels are pronounced as they appear in English unless otherwise specified.

BOY NAMES

Adika (ah-DEE-ka). Meaning the first child of a second marriage.

Adofo (ah-DO-fo). Meaning a courageous warrior.

Afram (ah-FRAM). Meaning a river in Ghana.

Ata (AH-ta). This name, meaning twin, can be given to multiple children.

Atsu (AH-tsoo). Meaning the younger of twins. Atsu is often shortened to Tse.

Atu (AH-too). Meaning born on Saturday. Also see Kwame.

Badu (BAH-doo). A parent’s perfect child can be given this name meaning the tenth.

Bodua (boh-DOO-ah). Meaning the tail of an animal.

Coffie (KO-fee). Meaning born on Friday, this name is popularly shortened to Fifi. See also Kofi.

Coujoe (KOO-joe). Meaning born on Monday, this name is often shortened to Jojo. Variations include Kodwo, Kojo.

Ebo (A-bo). Means born on Tuesday.

Fenuku (fen-OO-koo). A name which means born after twins.

Fifi (FEE-fee). Meaning born on Friday, short for Coffie.

Gyasi (GYAH-see). Meaning a wonderful baby.

Jojo (JO-jo). Meaning born on Monday, this name is short for Coujoe, Kodwo, or Kojo.

Kesse (KEH-seh). Meaning plump baby. Also Kessie.

Kizza (KEE-zuh). Meaning born after twins. Variations include Kizzy and Twia.

Kodwo (KO-dwo). Meaning born on Monday. See also Coujoe, Kojo, and Jojo.

Kofi (KO-fee). Meaning born on Friday. See also Coffie and Fifi. U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan hails from Ghana, and he has worked in the United States most of his life.

Kojo (KO-jo). Meaning born on Monday. See also Coujoe, Jojo, and Kodwo. Kojo Botsio was a government minister in Ghana’s Nkrumah administration.

Kontar (KON-tahr). Parents who want to have only one child may like this name, meaning the only child.

Kpodo (k-PO-do). Meaning the elder of twins. See also Oko.

Kwakou (KWA-koo). Meaning born on Wednesday. See also Yooku. Kwakou is a name common to several Ashanti kings.

Kwame (KWA-may). Meaning born on Saturday. See also Atu. Author Kwame Anthony Appiah is a professor of African-American Studies at Harvard University and wrote In My Father’s House.

Kwesi (KWAY-zee). Meaning born on Sunday. See also Sisi, Quaashie. Dr. Kwesi Dickson is the president of the Methodist Church of Ghana. A variation is Kwasi.

Lado (LAH-do). The second-born son. See also Manu.

Manu (MAH-noo). Meaning the second-born. See also Lado. One famous Manu is pop musician Manu Dibango from Cameroon.

Mawuli (ma-WOO-lee). Meaning there is a God.

Mensah (MEHN-sah). Meaning the third son.

Minkah (MEEN-kah). A family where one parent is a judge may like this name, meaning just or fair.

Nkrumah (n-KROO-mah). Meaning the ninth-born. Kwame Nkrumah was the founding president of Ghana.

Nsoah (n-SO-ah). Meaning the seventh-born.

Nyamekye (nya-MEH-kyeh). Meaning God’s gift.

Oko (O-ko). Meaning the elder of twins. See also Kpodo.

Osei (o-SAH-ee). Meaning noble. Bafour Osei Akoto was chairman of the Asante Council. A variation includes Osee.

Quaashie (KWAH-shee). Meaning born on Sunday. See also Kwesi, Sisi.

Sisi (SEE-see). Meaning born on Sunday. See also Kwesi, Quaashie.

Sono (SO-no). Meaning elephant.

Tse (TSAY). Meaning the younger of twins. A short form of Atsu.

Twia (TWEE-ah). Meaning born after twins. See also Kizza.

Yafeu (yah-FAY-oo). Meaning intrepid.

Yao (YAH-o). Meaning born on Thursday. See also Yawo, Yorkoo.

Yawo (YAH-wo). Meaning born on Thursday. See also Yao, Yorkoo.

Yoofi (YOO-fee). Meaning born on Friday. See also Coffie, Fifi, and Kofi.

Yooku (YOO-koo). Meaning born on Wednesday. A variation is Kwakou.

Yorkoo (YOR-koo). Meaning born on Thursday. Variations include Yao and Yawo.

GIRL NAMES

Aba (AH-bah). Meaning born on Thursday.

Ababuo (ah-BAH-boo). Meaning the child that keeps coming back.

Abam (a-BAHM). Meaning the second child after twins. Variations include Dofi and Nyankomago.

Abena (a-BAY-nah). Meaning born on Tuesday. See also Adowa.

Adowa (ah-DO-wah). Meaning born on Tuesday. See also Abena.

Afafa (ah-FAH-fah). Meaning the first child of second husband.

Afryea (ahf-RAY-ah). Meaning born into happiness.

Afua (ah-FOO-ah). Meaning born on Friday. See also Efua. Afua Sapon was queen mother of the Asante kingdom in the early 1880s.

Akosua (ah-ko-SOO-ah). Meaning born on Sunday. See also Esi.

Akua (ah-KOO-ah). Meaning born on Wednesday.

Akwete (ah-KWAY-tay). Meaning the elder of twins. See also Panyin and Ye.

Akwokwo (ah-KWO-kwo). Meaning the younger of twins. See also Kakra.

Ama (AH-mah). Meaning born on Saturday. Ama Ata Aidoo is the author of the play Anowa.

Antobam (ahn-TO-bahm). A child with this name will grow up to be a natural leader who is organized, friendly, pleasant, and sociable.

Baba (BAH-bah). Meaning born on Thursday.

Boahinmaa (bo-ah-heen-MAH). Literally means one who has left her community.

Do (DO). Meaning the first child after twins. See also Tawiah.

Dofi (DO-fee). Meaning the second child after twins. See also Abam and Nyankomago.

Efua (eh-FOO-ah). Meaning born on Friday. Efua Sutherland is a Ghanaian playwright, author of Foriwa. Variations include Efia and Afua.

Enyonyam (eh-nyo-YAHM). Meaning it is good for me.

Esi (EH-see). Meaning born on Sunday. See also Akosua and Kenya: Jumapili.

Kakra (KAH-krah). Meaning the younger of twins. See also Akwokwo.

Kunto (KOON-to). A name that means the third child.

Mawusi (mah-WOO-see). Literally means in the hands of God.

Morowa (mor-O-wah). A name that signifies queen. See also Thema.

Nanyamka (nahn-YAHM-kah). Meaning God’s gift.

Nyankomago (nyahn-ko-MAH-go). Meaning second child after twins. See also Abam and Dofi.

Ozigbodi (o-zeeg-BO-dee). Meaning patience.

Panyin (PAHN-yihn). Meaning the elder of twins. See also Akwete and Ye.

Serwa (SIR-wah). Meaning noble one.

Tawiah (tah-WEE-ah). Meaning the first child after twins. See also Do.

Thema (TAY-mah). Meaning queen. See also Morowa.

Ye (YAY). A name signifying the elder of twins. See also Akwete and Panyin.

KENYA

Most Popular Names in Kenya

Many Kenyans have an English or Christian name.

According to the most recent census figures, there are forty-two tribes living in Kenya, as well as various non-African ethnic groups. Affairs of government and education are generally conducted in English—the official language—while the national language of Swahili is used for all other matters. In addition to these two languages, most of the people of Kenya also speak what they call their mother tongue—the language they grew up speaking.

Although an increasing number of city-dwellers use English, most rural people continue to speak their tribal languages. More than thirty distinct languages or dialects exist in Kenya. One of Kenya’s most renowned writers is Ngugi Wa Thiong’o, who abandoned using English as the primary language of his work in favor of Gikuyu, his native tongue.

Pronunciation: Consonants and vowels are pronounced as they appear in English unless otherwise specified.

BOY NAMES

Barasa (bah-RAH-sah). A name that means the meeting site.

Chilemba (chee-LEHM-bah). Meaning turban.

Chiumbo (chee-OOM-bo). Meaning a little creation.

Gacoki (GAH-sho-key). Meaning one who returns.

Gakere (gah-KEH-ree). Meaning a small muscle. Variations include Gakeri.

Gakuru (GAH-koh-row). Meaning elderly one.

Gatete (GAH-teh-the). Meaning a milk gourd.

Gathee (GAH-the-eh). Meaning elderly one.

Gathii (GAH-thee-ee). Meaning a wanderer.

Gatimu (GAH-tee-mo). Meaning a spear.

Gethii (GEH-thee-ee). Meaning wanderer.

Kagai (KAH-gah-ee). Meaning the divider.

Kagunda (KAH-gohn-dah). Meaning of the land.

Kamau (kah-MAH-oo). Meaning a quiet warrior. Daniel Kamau is a member of parliament from the Rift Valley.

Keanjaho (kay-ahn-JAH-o). Meaning a mountain of beans.

Lisimba (lee-SIHM-bah). Meaning a lion.

Makalani (mah-kah-LAH-nee). Publishing parents may choose this name signifying a writer.

Mpenda (m-PEHN-dah). For romantic parents here is a name that means a lover.

Okoth (O-kot). Meaning born when it is raining. See also Okot. Yona Okoth is the Anglican bishop of Bukedi in Uganda.

Otieno (o-tee-EH-no). Meaning born at night. Dalmas Otieno is Minister of Transportation and Communication in the government under President Daniel arap Moi.

Thabiti (ta-BEE-tee). Signifying a true man.

Tumaini (too-mah-EE-nee). A name that means hope.

GIRL NAMES

Aluna (ah-LOO-nah). Literally means come here.

Gakeri (gah-KEH-ree). Meaning a small muscle. Wanguwa Gakeri is a popular Kenyan actor.

Jata (JAH-tah). Meaning star.

Jumapili (joo-mah-PEE-lee). Meaning Sunday. A name given to girl born on Sunday.

Kainda (kah-EEN-dah). Meaning the hunter’s daughter.

Kanika (kah-NEE-kah). A child with this name will be naturally seen as the advice giver. She will possess an easy going spirit that makes her approachable and sympathetic.

Kaweria (kah-weh-REE-ah). Signifying the loving one.

Makena (mah-KAY-nah). A name that means the happy one.

Moraa (MOH-rah). Meaning fun loving.

Mugure (MOH-goh-reh). Meaning already purchased.

Mukami (MOH-kah-mee). Meaning a milk maid.

Mukondi (moh-KOH-dee). Meaning a dance.

Mumbi (MOH-bee). Meaning creator, mother of the people.

Murigo (MOH-ree-goh). Meaning this is a load.

Murugi (MOH-roo-gee). Meaning she cooks.

Nafula (nah-FOO-lah). Meaning rainy season, it’s a name given to a baby born during the rainy season.

Ngina (n-GEE-nah). Meaning one who serves.

Njeri (n-JEH-ree). Meaning daughter of a warrior.

Nyakio (NYAH-kay-oh). Meaning hard working.

Nyambura (NYAH-boo-rah). Meaning born of the rain.

Nyanjera (NYAHN-jeh-rah). Meaning born on the way.

Nyather (NYAH-the-rah). Meaning she survived.

Wambui (wam-BOO-ee). Meaning the singer of songs. Wambui Otieno is a women’s activist and opposition politician in Kenya.

NIGERIA

Most Popular Names in Nigeria

Some Nigerian names which have been stripped down by their owners in an effort to blend into Western society:

Babatunde————Barry

Adebayo—————Baylor

Chukwuemeka————Micky

Tamunoami———Amy

Adenike———Nikki

Nwankwu———Wanny

Kayode———Karl

Garba—————Gary

Oladele———Dale

Oladapo——Daps

Rotimi———Tim

With more than 100 million inhabitants, Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation. Early cultures in Nigeria, including the civilizations of the Ibo, Benin, Hausa, and Yoruba date back to at least 700 B.C., with great cities at Ife, in the Yoruba area, and in the country’s northern region. Its size and location make Nigeria one of the continent’s most diverse countries in terms of ethnic, religious, and cultural composition. At times this diversity has produced serious difficulties among the various factions. It is a nation that has spawned many great artists, including Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, musician Fela Kuti, and playwright Ken Saro Wiwa Ogoni. In Nigeria, a child’s naming ceremony occurs eight days after birth. Several names are bestowed at this ceremony. The name chosen to be the child’s primary name is the one that expresses the parents’ aspirations for the child’s future or one that refers to the circumstances surrounding the child’s birth. This primary name does not have to be first in the child’s sequence of names.

Pronunciation: Consonants and vowels are pronounced as they appear in English unless otherwise specified.

BOY NAMES

Abayomi (ah-bah-YO-mee). A name meaning born to bring me joy.

Abiade (ah-bee-AH-day). Meaning born of royal parents.

Abiola (ah-bee-O-lah). Meaning born in honor.

Ade (AH-day). Meaning royal or king. One notable Ade is Sunny Ade, a popular Nigerian singer.

Agu (AH-goo). Meaning leopard.

Ajala (ah-JAH-lah). A name that means potter.

Akins (AH-kins). Brave. Similar to the Japanese Akira, meaning bright.

Ayinde (ah-YIHN-day). Literally translated as we praised him and he came. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister is a Nigerian singer.

Ayo (AH-yo). Meaning happiness.

Azi (AH-zee). Meaning youth.

Azikiwe (ah-ZEE-kee-way). Meaning full of vigor. Nnamdi Azikiwe, nationalist leader and president of Nigeria from 1963 to 1966.

Balogun (bahl-o-GOON). Translated as a general. Balogun Kuku, early Yoruba convert to Islam and leader of Ijebu.

Bandele (bahn-DEH-leh). A name that signifies born away from home.

Banjoko (bahn-JO-ko). Meaning stay with me and wander no more.

Bankole (bahn-KO-lay). Meaning help build our house.

Bem (BEHM). A name suggesting peace.

Boseda (bo-SAY-dah). Meaning born on Sunday. See also Danladi.

Chijioke (chee-jee-O-kay). Translated literally, this name means God gives talent.

Chike (CHEE-kay). Meaning the power of God. Chike Obi is a journalist known as the Thomas Paine of Nigeria. He was arrested for sedition in 1961.

Chinelo (chih-NEH-lo). Meaning thoughts of God.

Chinua (CHIH-noo-ah). Meaning blessings from God. Chinua Achebe is a novelist best known for Things Fall Apart.

Chioke (chee-O-kay). A name that signifies God’s blessing.

Dada (DAH-dah). Meaning curly haired. A variation is Dadi.

Danladi (dahn-LAH-dee). Meaning born on Sunday. See also Boseda.

Dibia (dih-BEE-ah). A name that means healer.

Diji (DEE-jee). Meaning a farmer.

Dunsimi (doon-SEE-mee). Translated literally, this name means don’t die before me.

Durojaiye (doo-ro-jah-EE-yay). Meaning slow down and enjoy the world.

Ehioze (eh-hee-O-zay). Meaning above the envy of others.

Ekon (AY-kon). Meaning strong.

Ekundayo (ay-koon-DAH-yo). Meaning sorrow becomes joy.

Enobakhare (ay-no-bah-KAH-ray). Meaning the king’s word.

Ewansiha (eh-wahn-SEE-ah). Meaning secrets cannot be bought.

Eze (EH-zeh). Meaning king. See also Tor.

Ezeamaka (eh-zeh-ah-MAH-kah). This name suggests as magnificent as the king.

Ezenachi (eh-zeh-NAH-chee). Parents in a monarchy may enjoy this name, which means the king rules.

Ezeoha (eh-zeh-O-ha). Meaning a people’s king.

Foluke (fo-LOO-kay). Meaning given to God.

Gowon (go-WON). Meaning a rainmaker. Yakubu Gowon was military ruler of Nigeria from 1966 to 1975.

Idogbe (ih-DOG-bay). Meaning the second born after twins.

Idowu (ih-DO-woo). Meaning born after twins.

Imarogbe (ih-mah-ROG-bay). Meaning child born into a good family.

Iyapo (ee-YAH-po). Meaning many trials, many impediments.

Jaja (JAH-jah). Meaning a revered one. Ex-slave Jaja founded the Opobo state in the Niger River delta during the 1860s.

Jibade (jee-BAH-day). Meaning of noble birth.

Jumoke (joo-MOH-kay). Meaning everyone loves the child.

Kayin (KAH-yihn). A name that means celebrated.

Kayode (kah-YO-day). Meaning he brought joy. E.A. Kayode was an early Christian leader of the Yoruba.

Kehinde (keh-HIHN-day). Meaning second-born twin.

Kunle (KOON-lay). Meaning much-honored home.

Madu (MAH-doo). Meaning people.

Mazi (MAH-zee). Military parents will like this name, meaning sir.

Modupe (mo-DOO-pay). Meaning thank you. A name selected by parents who wish to show their great appreciation for the birth of their son.

Mongo (MON-go). Famous. Mongo Beti is a novelist from Cameroon.

Ngozi (n-GO-zee). Meaning a blessing.

Nika (NEE-kah). Meaning ferocious. A name selected by parents who wish for their son to be seen as intimidating and powerful.

Nnamdi (NAHM-dee). Meaning father’s name lives on. Nnamdi Azikiwe was a nationalist leader and the former president of Nigeria. A variation is Namdi.

Nosakhere (no-sah-KEH-ree). Meaning God’s way.

Nwa (NWAH). Meaning son.

Nwabudike (nwah-boo-DEE-kay). Meaning his father’s might.

Nweke (NWEH-kay). Meaning born on market day. Chuba Nweke was a Nigerian poet and businessman. A variation is Nwake.

Oba (O-ba). Meaning king.

Obadele (o-bah-DEH-leh). Meaning the king arrives.

Obataiye (o-bah-tah-EE-yay). Meaning king of the world.

Ode (O-day). Meaning born along the road.

Odion (o-DEE-ahn). Meaning the first of twins. See also Taiwo.

Ogun (o-GOON). Meaning God of war. Variations include Ogunkeye, Ogunsanwo, and Ogunsheye.

Ojo (O-jo). Meaning a difficult birth.

Okpara (ok-PAH-rah). A name that means the first son.

Ola (O-lah). Meaning wealthy, rich.

Olajuwon (o-LAH-joo-wahn). Meaning wealth and honor are God’s gifts. Former superstar center for the NBA’s Houston Rockets is Hakeem The Dream Olajuwon. (Note that in Nigerian tradition the primary name does not necessarily come first.) Variations include Olaluan, Olajuwan, and Oljuwoun.

Olamina (o-lah-MEE-nah). Meaning my riches.

Olatunji (o-lah-TOON-jee). Meaning honor reawakens. Percussionist and bandleader Baba Olatunji led the Drums of Passion.

Olu (O-loo). Meaning preeminent.

Olubayo (o-loo-BAH-yo). Meaning highest joy.

Olufemi (o-loo-FEM-ee). Meaning wealth and honor favors me.

Olujimi (o-loo-JEE-mee). Meaning God has given me this.

Olushola (o-loo-SHO-lah). Meaning God has blessed me.

Omolara (o-mo-LAH-rah). Meaning born at the right time.

Omorede (o-mo-REH-day). A royal-toned name that means prince.

Oriji (o-REE-jee). Meaning a sturdy tree.

Orunjan (o-ROON-jahn). Meaning born under the midday sun.

Osahar (o-sah-HAR). Meaning God hears.

Osayaba (o-sah-YAH-bah). Meaning God forgives.

Osaze (o-SAH-zay). Meaning whom God likes.

Ottah (O-tah). Meaning a thin baby.

Rago (RAH-go). Meaning ram.

Segun (seh-GOON). Meaning conqueror. Parents who want their son to be a leader of men will favor this name.

Shangobunni (shan-go-BOO-nee). Meaning a gift from Shango.

Soja (SO-jah). Meaning soldier.

Sowande (so-WAHN-day). Meaning a wise healer sought me out.

Taiwo (tah-EE-wo). Meaning the first-born of twins. See also Odion.

Taliki (tah-LEE-kee). A name that means fellow.

Tobi (TOH-bee). Meaning great.

Tor (TOR). Meaning king. See also Eze, Ezeamaka, Ezenachi, and Ezeoha.

Tyehimba (tyeh-HIM-bah). Meaning we are a nation. Parents who are nationalistic at heart may choose this name.

Uche (OO-chay). Meaning thoughtful.

Uzoma (oo-ZO-mah). Meaning born during a journey.

Wafor (WAH-for). Meaning born on Afor market day.

Weke (WAY-kay). Meaning born on Eke market day.

Worie (wo-REE-eh). Meaning born on market day. See also Nweke.

GIRL NAMES

Abagebe (ah-bah-GAY-beh). Translates as we begged to have this one to lift up.

Abayomi (ah-bah-YO-mee). A name that suggests a pleasant meeting.

Abebi (ah-BAY-bee). Meaning "we asked for