Nigeria is home to over 250 ethnic groups and 500 distinct dialects. This incredible diversity makes Nigerian last names some of the most meaningful and varied in the world. Families across the country use surnames to honor their ancestors, express their faith, and celebrate their cultural heritage.
You might be looking for a unique name for your new baby. Perhaps you want to reconnect with your Nigerian roots and learn the practical meanings behind these family names. Either way, exploring Nigerian names offers a fascinating look into West African history and culture.
Keep reading to discover the origins and translations of the most popular Nigerian family names.
200 Wonderful Nigerian Surnames
Explore our comprehensive list of popular Nigerian family names from Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and other diverse cultures across the country.
- Abara: Some Nigerian last names are short and sweet, like Abara, meaning “God.”
- Abdul: A classic Arabic boy’s name meaning “servant.”
- Abdullahi: A variant of the Arabic Abdullah, meaning “God’s servant.”
- Abel: A biblical Hebrew name meaning “breath” and “vapor.”
- Abimbola: Yoruba last names are as pretty as they are descriptive, and Abimbola means “born with wealth.”
- Abiola: Another Yoruba surname, meaning “born with honor and wealth.”
- Abraham: This Hebrew name represents the founder of the Jewish people and means “father of a multitude.”
- Abubakar: This name of Arabic origin means “father of a young camel.”
- Adams: Another Hebrew Nigerian surname meaning “earth.”
- Adamo: Derived from the Hebrew Adam, carrying the exact same meaning and origin.
- Adebayo: A traditional Yoruba name meaning “he came in a joyful time,” “king or crown,” and “loyalty.”
- Adeoye: A noble Nigerian last name meaning “the crown of honor.”
- Adepoju: A unisex Nigerian name meaning “the crown or royalty has become ubiquitous.”
- Adesina: A gender-neutral Nigerian name meaning “my coming has opened the way.”
- Adewale: A cool Yoruba name meaning “the crown or royalty has come home.”
- Adeyemi: A common name among the Yoruba tribe, meaning “worthy to be king.”
- Agbo: This simple Nigerian name means “an elder of high rank.”
- Agu: This Nigerian surname signifies strength and means “tiger” or “leopard.”
- Aguta: The first of many Igbo last names, Aguta means “to have plenty.”
- Agwuegbo: Another Igbo family name, meaning “the hardship is over.”
- Ahmed: From Arabic, meaning “highly praised” and “one who constantly thanks God.”
- Akerele: A badass name meaning “one who has been tough from a young age.”
- Akinola: A pretty Nigerian name meaning “valor” and “possesses dignity and honor.”
- Akintola: Nigerian family names have emotive meanings, like Akintola, meaning “valor is sufficient for honor.”
- Akinyemi: This powerful Yoruba name means “fated to be a warrior.”
- Akpabio: A cool Nigerian name meaning “risk-taker, wealth, and shyness” or “noble leader.”
- Aku: A simple Nigerian name meaning “wealth.”
- Alabi: Derived from the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria, meaning “a rarity, gem, or not easily come by.”
- Alana: In Nigerian culture, this cute surname means “precious, valuable, and little rock.”
- Alaneme: This popular Nigerian name loosely translates to “handsome and kind.”
- Ali: With Arabic roots, this Nigerian name means “exalted, eminent, high, and noble.”
- Alison: Derived from Old French and German, meaning “noble and exalted.”
- Aliu: A popular Muslim name in Nigeria, meaning “noteworthy, distinctive, and remarkable.”
- Amadu: Derived from the French word amadouer, meaning “to caress and allure.”
- Amaechi: A common name among the Igbo tribes, meaning “who knows tomorrow.”
- Amos: A Hebrew name from the Old Testament, meaning “to carry” and “carried by God.”
- Anenih: An unusual Nigerian name meaning “the name of God.”
- Anthony: Derived from the Latin Antonius, meaning “God’s gift” and “God is gracious.”
- Asaju: A commanding Yoruba name for the “leader or head of warriors.”
- Attah: The Christian name of a Nigerian king, meaning “father or leader.”
- Augustine: Derived from the Latin Augustus, meaning “great or magnificent.”
- Awolowo: A traditional Yoruba name meaning “the oracle has dignity.”
- Azeez: A cute Muslim name meaning “dear.”
- Azi: Nigerian surnames are rarely shorter than Azi, meaning “youth.”
- Baba: The perfect Nigerian name for kids “born on Thursday.”
- Babangida: A prominent African name meaning “home ruler” or “master of the household.”
- Babatunde: This Yoruba tribe name means “father has returned” or “father returns.”
- Bala: The perfect Nigerian name for a child “born on Wednesday.”
- Balogun: Very few West African names inspire fear like Balogun, meaning “warlord” or “meet at war.”
- Bankole: This quirky Yoruba name means “build a house for me” or “build a house with me.”
- Bassey: A popular unisex Nigerian name meaning “God.”
- Bello: This uncommon African name means “helper or assistant.”
- Benjamin: This popular Hebrew and Arabic name means “son of the right hand.”
- Benson: A patronymic English name meaning “son of Ben.”
- Bolaji: A beautiful Yoruba name meaning “wakes with wealth.”
- Bosede: The perfect African name for children “born on Sunday.”
- Chidubem: A classic religious Nigerian name meaning “may God lead me.”
- Chima: A gender-neutral name of Nigerian Igbo origin, meaning “God knows.”
- Chuku: This spiritual Igbo name means “great spirit” and “the first great cause.”
- Chukwu: A rare Igbo name meaning “the most high” and “the Almighty.”
- Dada: A quirky Yoruba name meaning “the one with wavy or curly hair.”
- Daniel: Many Nigerian family names are Hebrew, like Daniel, meaning “God is my judge.”
- Danjuma: The perfect Nigerian name for children “born on Friday.”
- Daramola: This unusual Yoruba name means “one who is good or suited to the high estate.”
- Edeh: According to local translations, this Nigerian name means “brave, fearless, and legend.”
- Egbe: In the Igbo language, Egbe is the traditional name for a “kite.”
- Ekpo: This short and sweet Nigerian name possibly means “ghost” and “masquerade or costume.”
- Elijah: Straight from the Old Testament, this Hebrew name means “Jehovah is my God.”
- Emanuel: An alternate spelling of Emmanuel, meaning “God is with us” in Hebrew.
- Emem: This pretty Igbo name means “peace.”
- Esuola: An unusual Yoruba surname meaning “the locust of wealth.”
- Essien: A powerful Nigerian name meaning “a child who takes charge of outside matters.”
- Etienam: This rare Nigerian name means “doer of good” and “benevolent.”
- Eze: A short Igbo name with the powerful meaning of “king.”
- Ezekiel: A traditional Hebrew name meaning “strength of God.”
- Falade: Of Yoruba descent, meaning “he who owns the oracle owns the crown.”
- Folorunsho: This sophisticated Yoruba name means “under God’s protection.”
- Francis: Derived from the Latin Franciscus, meaning “Frenchman or free man.”
- Friday: This playful Nigerian name comes from the Norse goddess Frigg and means “Frigg’s day.”
- Gabriel: A popular Hebrew name meaning “God is my strength.”
- Garba: This Sanskrit name derives from Garbha, meaning “womb.”
- Gbadimosi: Of Nigerian origin, meaning “one who puts something great together.”
- George: Derived from the Greek Georgios, meaning “earth-worker” and “farmer.”
- Guh: A commonly found Hebrew name in Nigeria, meaning “gift of God.”
- Habibu: This beautiful Arabic name translates to “beloved.”
- Haladu: Of Arabic origin, meaning “those who came one after another.”
- Hamza: This legendary Arabic name means “lion” and “strong.”
- Haruna: An Islamic and Arabic surname meaning “springtime vegetables.”
- Hassan: A popular Arabic boy’s name meaning “handsome.”
- Ibe: Possibly the shortest of Igbo last names, meaning “if others will allow.”
- Ibeh: This Igbo name means “one related to a friend, family member, or acquaintance.”
- Ibrahim: The Arabic version of Abraham, meaning “father of many.”
- Idris: While the original meaning is “interpreter” in Arabic, it also means “studious and smart.”
- Idoko: This descriptive Nigerian name means “child who has gone to the farm.”
- Igbinedion: A common name in the Nigerian Benin tribe, meaning “seeking refuge in an elder’s protection.”
- Igwe: This short and snappy Nigerian name means “sky.”
- Ihejerika: A classic Igbo name meaning “the one that I have is greater.”
- Ikande: This Nigerian surname signifies “someone with ample love.”
- Isaac: A cool Hebrew name meaning “one who laughs or rejoices.”
- Ismail: In Hebrew, Ismail translates to “heard by God.”
- Jacobs: This trending name belongs to a famous Nigerian actor and means “to follow or behold” and “supplanter.”
- James: Derived from the Latin Jacobus, meaning “supplanter” and “replacer.”
- John: From the Hebrew Yohanan, meaning “God is gracious” or “graced by God.”
- Jonah: This biblical Hebrew name comes from Yonah and means “dove or pigeon.”
- Jonathan: A shortened version of the Hebrew Yehonatan, meaning “God has given.”
- Joseph: Another biblical Hebrew name meaning “God will give.”
- Kalu: An Igbo name sometimes spelled Kanu, meaning “god of thunder.”
- Kareem: Rooted in Arabic, Kareem means “gracious and generous.”
- Kayode: This Yoruba family name means “he who brings joy.”
- Kazah: This classic Nigerian name means “God” or “God’s grace.”
- Kikelomo: A cute Nigerian name meaning “child destined to be pampered.”
- Kporaro: Some Nigerian family names are deeply encouraging, like Kporaro, meaning “progress.”
- Lateef: This alternate spelling of Latif means “gentle and kind” in Arabic.
- Lawal: This Arabic name carries many meanings, including “handsome, courage, peace, and shy.”
- Mamman: Possibly derived from the French word maman, meaning “mother.”
- Matthew: With strong biblical roots, this Hebrew name means “gift of God.”
- Meremikwu: A beautiful Igbo name full of optimism, meaning “to become better” or “rise higher.”
- Michael: This popular Yoruba surname means “who is like God” in Hebrew.
- Mohammed: This male Arabic name means “praiseworthy” and “commendable.”
- Monday: Derived from the Anglo-Saxon word mōnandæg, meaning “the moon’s day.”
- Moses: This classic biblical name means “to pull or draw out of water” in Hebrew.
- Muktar: This cool Arabic name translates to “chosen.”
- Musa: An Arabic variation of the Hebrew Moses, meaning “drawn out of the water.”
- Mustapha: This powerful Arabic boy’s name means “chosen, selected, and appointed.”
- Nathaniel: One of many Nigerian surnames derived from Hebrew, Nathaniel means “God has given.”
- Njoku: The name of two revered Yam Deities of the Igbo people.
- Nnadi: Another religious Nigerian name meaning “my God is alive” or “my father is alive.”
- Nwadike: The perfect name for children of courageous parents because it means “child of the brave.”
- Nwaeze: Comprised of “nwa,” meaning “child,” and “eze,” meaning “king,” this translates to “child of a king.”
- Nwafor: A unique Nigerian name for a “child born on the day of Afor market.”
- Nwaigbo: A gender-neutral Nigerian name meaning “child of the Igbo.”
- Obasi: This Igbo name means “in honor of the Supreme God.”
- Obi: A short and sweet Igbo name meaning “heart.”
- Obiaka: Means “good judge and genius” and upholds the cultural value that every Igbo family is great.
- Obiakpani: An unusual Igbo surname meaning “end of suspense” and “the heart rests.”
- Obianagha: This warrior Nigerian name refers to “someone who came to fight.”
- Odoemene: A rare Igbo surname meaning “yellow reluctance.”
- Ojo: A unique name referring to a challenging birth where the umbilical cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck.
- Okeke: An Igbo surname for a man born on Eke (fasting) day.
- Okere: Another unique Igbo name meaning “son born on Orie (second day) market day.”
- Okon: Some Nigerian last names are highly descriptive, like Okon, meaning “born at night.”
- Okoro: An edgy Igbo name meaning “greatness,” especially in one’s character.
- Okoturo: This popular Igbo name likely means “great companion” and “trustworthy.”
- Okpara: Of Nigerian origin, meaning “big man,” “rich man,” and “man of wealth.”
- Okusanya: Of Yoruba origin, meaning “the god of wealth has rewarded me for my sufferings.”
- Oladele: A meaningful Yoruba name meaning “wealth has come home.”
- Oladoyinbo: This gender-neutral name of Nigerian origin represents “intelligence, optimism, and guidance.”
- Olanrewaju: A cool name of Yoruba origin, meaning “wealth is the future.”
- Olowe: This Yoruba name represents “a person capable of calling many people for help.”
- Oni: A wonderfully descriptive name for someone “born on sacred ground.”
- Onyema: This common Nigerian surname translates to “who knows.”
- Oseni: The perfect twin name, meaning “second half of a twin” in Yoruba.
- Osondu: In the Igbo language, this beautiful name means “race of life.”
- Owayale: Another cool Yoruba surname meaning “the river goddess came home.”
- Oyinlola: Names starting with O are incredibly descriptive, and Oyinlola means “wealth is sweet.”
- Patrick: Derived from the Roman Patricius, meaning “father” and “nobleman.”
- Peter: Derived from the Greek Petros, meaning “rock” or “stone.”
- Popoola: Meaning “road to the high estate,” this Yoruba name is uniquely cute.
- Prest: Derived from the Anglo-Saxon word preost, meaning “priest.”
- Rabiu: In Arabic, it means “fourth child,” but it translates to “intelligent” in Nigerian cultures.
- Rafiu: Another Arabic name popular in Nigeria, meaning “exalted” and “to raise or lift.”
- Raheem: This classic Muslim and Arabic name means “emphatic, merciful, and compassionate.”
- Raimi: This Arabic name translates perfectly to “compassionate” and “fond.”
- Razzaq: One of the beautiful names of God in Islam, meaning “provider or sustainer.”
- Saadu: Derived from the Sanskrit Sadhu, meaning “straight, right, and leading straight to your goal.”
- Sami: Derived from the Arabic verb meaning “to throw,” Sami translates to “good marksman.”
- Samuel: A masculine name of Hebrew origin, meaning “God has heard” and “name of God.”
- Sampson: Derived from the Hebrew Samson, this is the perfect name for bright kids and means “sun.”
- Sanusi: An important Islamic name meaning “something great created by Allah.”
- Shehu: In Arabic, this prestigious name translates to “great scholar in religious matters.”
- Simon: A Greek and Hebrew name meaning “listen to or hearing” and “flat nose.”
- Solomon: Derived from the Hebrew word shalom, beautifully meaning “peace.”
- Stephen: This popular Greek name means “crown” and “garland.”
- Sulaimom: An Arabic version of the Hebrew Solomon, meaning “peace.”
- Sunday: A cheerful Nigerian name of Norse origin, meaning “of the sun goddess Sunna.”
- Tanimu: A unique Arabic name given to a “boy born on Monday.”
- Taiwo: This Yoruba name carries the fascinating meaning of “the first twin to taste the world.”
- Tersoo: Used mainly by the Tiv people of the Nigerian Benue state, meaning “father’s love.”
- Timothy: Derived from the Greek Timotheos, translating to “God’s honor.”
- Tom: A short form of the Aramaic Thomas, simply meaning “twin.”
- Tyjani: Possibly derived from the Ghanaian name Tijani, meaning “crown or crowning.”
- Uba: A short and sweet African name meaning “father and lord.”
- Uche: This Igbo name means “God’s will” or “God’s intention.”
- Uchenna: Like many religious Nigerian names, this one beautifully means “the wisdom of God.”
- Udo: A short and deeply meaningful Igbo name meaning “peace.”
- Ugochukwu: A name representing Nigeria’s rich culture, meaning “crown or glory of God.”
- Ukpabi: This name is rarely used by the Igbo people, likely because it translates to “death.”
- Umaru: Derived from the West African Umar, meaning “flourishing and populous.”
- Umeh: A short form of the Igbo name Umeaku, carrying the heavy meaning of “tragic loss of property.”
- Umunna: This Nigerian girl’s name means “human, open, and generous.”
- Unigwe: This possibly means “heaven” in Igbo culture, but it can also mean “wisdom, faith, and influence.”
- Usman: An Urdu variation of the Arabic name Uthman, meaning “the chosen one.”
- Uthman: This classic Arabic name means “wise, most powerful, and dragon cub.”
- Victor: One of the earliest Latin Christian names, translating to “winner or conqueror.”
- Vincent: This English and French name derives from Latin and means “prevailing.”
- Wahab: An edgy Arabic name meaning “servant of the bestower.”
- Williams: Derived from Old German, meaning “will” and “helmet protector.”
- Yakubu: This Swahili name carries the historical meaning of “supplanter.”
- Yusef: An Arabic and Islamic name meaning “God increases.”
- Zaabu: Sometimes spelled Zabu, this Nigerian name means gold.
Nigerian Last Names FAQs
Which Nigerian Last Names are Igbo?
Many Nigerian last names are Igbo, including Chuku, Udo, Osondu, Okoturo, Ibeh, and Aguta. You will also find names like Amaechi, Meremikwu, Kalu, and Ihejerika throughout the region.
What Is the Most Common Surname in Nigeria?
Musa and Ibrahim are among the most frequently used surnames in Nigeria, especially in the northern regions. Other extremely common names include Adebayo, Okafor, and Abubakar.
How Do Nigerian Families Choose Their Last Names?
Many Nigerian surnames trace back to an ancestor’s first name, trade, or royal title. Different ethnic groups also use circumstances surrounding a child’s birth, birth order, or local deities to determine family names.
What Does Ade Mean in Yoruba Last Names?
The prefix “Ade” translates to “crown” or “royalty” in the Yoruba language. Families often use it in names like Adebayo, Adewale, and Adeyemi to signify their noble heritage.
Are Islamic Surnames Common in Nigeria?
Yes, Islamic names are highly prevalent in Nigeria, particularly among the Hausa and Fulani populations in the north. Surnames like Mohammed, Hassan, and Umar are widely used across the entire country.
Can a Nigerian Last Name Show Which Day Someone Was Born?
Absolutely. Many ethnic groups assign names based on the exact day of the week a child was born. For example, the name Nwafor indicates a boy born on a specific market day in Igbo culture.
