Nigerian Names for Girls

Zariah

Arabic, Hebrew, Russian

"flower, God has helped, dawn"

Zariah has three possible origins: the Arabic Zahrah which means ‘flower’, the Hebrew name Azariah, meaning ‘God has helped’, or the Russian word Zaria which means ‘sunrise/dawn’. Either way, it's a…

Sade

Finnish, Nigerian and Yoruba, diminutive of Folashade

"rain; honor bestows a crown"

The one-named singer clarified the confusing pronunciation on this one (in her case, it's shah-DAY), but a number of parents have looked for more phonetic spellings. The Finnish version means "rain."

Chimamanda

Igbo

"my God will never fail"

Made most familiar in English-speaking countries by prize-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Chimamanda has a wonderful meaning and can be shortened to Chima or the spunky Chi. In 2022, it…

Adaora

Igbo

"the people's daughter"

An Igbo name that celebrates a daughter's place in the community, the name has been notably borne by Adaora Akubilo, a Nigerian-American model, writer Adaora Lily Ulasi, broadcaster Adaora Onyechere,…

Munachimso

Igbo

"me and my God"

A name that celebrates a close and personal connection to faith and God, Munachimso is a unisex, Igbo choice. It recently entered the UK Top 1000 for boys, while for girls, it sits just outside.…

Tomi

Yoruba, Japanese, English

"enough for me; wealth; twin"

The short OH variation of Tomi was occasionally used as an alternative to Tommie in mid-century America, when it given to around 50 girls each year in the 60s and 70s, making it feel like an…

Ammarah

Variation of Amara, Igbo, Arabic, Thai

"grace; steadfast and faithful; one who lives long and prospers; immortal"

A name with several possible origins, Ammarah can be read as an alternative spelling to the Igbo Amara, giving it the pretty meaning of "grace". However, it is also an Arabic name, meaning "woman who…

Oluchi

Igbo

"work of God"

Nigerian-born supermodel Oluchi Orlandi brought this little-known (to non-Nigerians), lovely choice into the lexicon.

Kehinde

Yoruba

"second-born of twins or one who falls behind"

Although the best-known Kehinde is the male painter Kehinde Wiley, this name is used for both genders in its native Nigeria and can be just as attractive for a girl.

Adaolisa

Igbo

"daughter of God; princess of God"

An Igbo name with an elegant sound and a spiritual meaning.

Oba

Nigerian

Intriguing name of the ancient goddess of rivers.

Dayo

Nigerian

"joy arrives"

Has an evocative African beat.

Nua

Irish, Ogoni, Vietnamese

"new, fresh; second daughter; woman, flower bud"

Borrowed from the Irish word for "new" and "modern", Nua could make a novel alternative to Nova or Neo, or to the similar sounding Noa and Nora. In Ireland, its pronunciation varies regionally, with…