200 Meaningful Nigerian Surnames and What They Mean

Nigeria is home to more than 250 ethnic groups and over 500 languages, which is why its surnames are among the most varied anywhere. A family name here can point to a Yoruba crown title, an Igbo prayer, a Hausa line of Islamic scholars, or the market day a baby was born.

Maybe you are searching for a meaningful name for your child, or tracing your own roots back to a specific region or tradition. Each surname below carries its origin and translation, so you can see the story it holds.

Keep reading for 200 Nigerian last names and what they mean.

200 Wonderful Nigerian Surnames

These 200 surnames span Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and dozens of other Nigerian traditions, each carrying a meaning rooted in faith, royalty, or the day a child arrived. Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo surnames dominate the list because those three groups together make up more than 60% of Nigeria’s population ⁽¹⁾. The country’s population has grown past 237,527,782 people, according to a 2025 demographic estimate. Ibrahim is the single most common surname in Nigeria, and Abubakar is a close second, borne by roughly 1 in 63 people nationwide ⁽²⁾.

Browse the list below for the origin and translation behind every name.

1. Abara: A short Nigerian surname meaning “God.”
2. Abdul: An Arabic name meaning “servant,” usually joined to a name of God.
3. Abdullahi: The fuller Arabic form of Abdullah, meaning “servant of God.”
4. Abel: A biblical Hebrew name meaning “breath” or “vapor.”
5. Abimbola: A Yoruba name meaning “born into wealth.”
6. Abiola: A Yoruba surname meaning “born into honor and wealth.”
7. Abraham: A Hebrew name meaning “father of a multitude,” carried by the patriarch of Genesis.
8. Abubakar: An Arabic name meaning “father of the young camel,” and one of Nigeria’s most common surnames.
9. Adamo: A variant of the Hebrew Adam, keeping the “earth” meaning.
10. Adams: A Hebrew-rooted surname from Adam, meaning “earth.”
11. Adebayo: A Yoruba name built on “ade” (crown), read as “the crown meets joy.”
12. Adeoye: A Yoruba name meaning “crown of honor.”
13. Adepoju: A unisex Yoruba name meaning “royalty has become plentiful.”
14. Adesina: A gender-neutral Yoruba name meaning “my coming opened the way.”
15. Adewale: A Yoruba name meaning “the crown has come home.”
16. Adeyemi: A Yoruba name meaning “worthy to wear the crown,” common across the southwest.
17. Agbo: A Nigerian surname meaning “an elder of high rank.”
18. Agu: An Igbo name meaning “leopard” or “tiger,” long tied to strength.
19. Aguta: An Igbo surname meaning “to have plenty.”
20. Agwuegbo: An Igbo family name meaning “the hardship is over.”
21. Ahmed: An Arabic name meaning “highly praised” and “one who thanks God.”
22. Akerele: A badass name meaning “one who has been tough from a young age.”
23. Akinola: A Yoruba name meaning “valor that holds dignity and honor.”
24. Akintola: A Yoruba name meaning “valor is enough for honor.”
25. Akinyemi: A Yoruba name meaning “fated to be a warrior.”
26. Akpabio: A Nigerian name meaning “noble leader” or “one who takes risks for wealth.”
27. Aku: A short Nigerian name meaning “wealth.”
28. Alabi: A Yoruba name meaning “a rarity, not easily come by.”
29. Alana: A Nigerian surname meaning “precious” and “little rock.”
30. Alaneme: A Nigerian name that loosely translates to “handsome and kind.”
31. Ali: An Arabic name meaning “exalted” and “noble.”
32. Alison: A name from Old French and German roots meaning “noble.”
33. Aliu: A Muslim name popular in Nigeria, meaning “distinctive” and “remarkable.”
34. Amadu: A Fula and Hausa form of the Arabic Ahmad, meaning “highly praised,” carried across the Sahel through Islam.
35. Amaechi: An Igbo name meaning “who knows tomorrow.”
36. Amos: A Hebrew name from the Bible meaning “carried by God.”
37. Anenih: An uncommon Nigerian name meaning “the name of God.”
38. Anthony: From the Roman family name Antonius, traditionally read as “priceless” or “invaluable.”
39. Asaju: A Yoruba name for the “leader of warriors.”
40. Attah: A Nigerian name meaning “father” or “leader,” borne by an Igala king.
41. Augustine: From the Latin Augustus, meaning “great” or “venerable.”
42. Awolowo: A Yoruba name meaning “the oracle has dignity.”
43. Azeez: A Muslim name meaning “dear” or “cherished.”
44. Azi: A short Nigerian name meaning “youth.”
45. Baba: A Nigerian name for a child “born on Thursday.”
46. Babangida: An African name meaning “master of the household.”
47. Babatunde: A Yoruba name meaning “father has returned,” often given when a grandfather has passed.
48. Bala: A Nigerian name for a child “born on Wednesday.”
49. Balogun: A Yoruba war-title name meaning “warlord” or “commander in battle.”
50. Bankole: A Yoruba name meaning “build a house with me.”
51. Bassey: A unisex Nigerian name meaning “God.”
52. Bello: An African name meaning “helper” or “assistant.”
53. Benjamin: A Hebrew name meaning “son of the right hand.”
54. Benson: An English name meaning “son of Ben.”
55. Bolaji: A Yoruba name meaning “one who wakes with wealth.”
56. Bosede: An African name for a child “born on Sunday.”
57. Chidubem: An Igbo name meaning “may God lead me.”
58. Chima: A gender-neutral Igbo name meaning “God knows.”
59. Chuku: An Igbo name meaning “great spirit,” a name of the supreme God.
60. Chukwu: An Igbo name meaning “the Almighty,” the highest name for God.
61. Dada: A Yoruba name for a child born with naturally curly or matted hair.
62. Daniel: A Hebrew name meaning “God is my judge.”
63. Danjuma: A Hausa name for a child “born on Friday.”
64. Daramola: A Yoruba name meaning “one well suited to high standing.”
65. Edeh: A Nigerian name meaning “brave” and “fearless.”
66. Egbe: An Igbo name meaning “kite,” the bird of prey.
67. Ekpo: A short Nigerian name linked to “masquerade” or “spirit.”
68. Elijah: A Hebrew name meaning “Jehovah is my God,” borne by the prophet.
69. Emanuel: A spelling of Emmanuel, Hebrew for “God is with us.”
70. Emem: A southeastern Nigerian name meaning “peace.”
71. Essien: A Nigerian name for “a child who handles matters beyond the home.”
72. Esuola: A Yoruba surname meaning “the locust of wealth.”
73. Etienam: A Nigerian name meaning “doer of good” and “benevolent.”
74. Eze: A short Igbo name with the weighty meaning “king.”
75. Ezekiel: A Hebrew name meaning “strength of God.”
76. Falade: A Yoruba name meaning “one who owns the oracle owns the crown.”
77. Folorunsho: A Yoruba name meaning “under God’s protection.”
78. Francis: From the Latin Franciscus, meaning “free man” or “Frenchman.”
79. Friday: An English day-name from the goddess Frigg, used in Nigeria for a child born that day.
80. Gabriel: A Hebrew name meaning “God is my strength.”
81. Garba: A Hausa Muslim name common in northern Nigeria, tied to the caliph Abu Bakr.
82. Gbadimosi: A Nigerian name meaning “one who puts something great together.”
83. George: From the Greek Georgios, meaning “farmer” or “earth-worker.”
84. Guh: A Nigerian name of Hebrew influence meaning “gift of God.”
85. Habibu: An Arabic name meaning “beloved.”
86. Haladu: An Arabic-rooted name meaning “those who came one after another.”
87. Hamza: An Arabic name meaning “lion” and “strong,” borne by the Prophet’s uncle.
88. Haruna: The Hausa form of Harun (Aaron), meaning “exalted” or “mountain of strength.”
89. Hassan: A popular Arabic boy’s name meaning “handsome” or “good.”
90. Ibe: A short Igbo name meaning “if others permit.”
91. Ibeh: An Igbo name for “one who is close to kin and friends.”
92. Ibrahim: The Arabic form of Abraham, meaning “father of many,” and the single most common surname in Nigeria.
93. Idoko: A Nigerian name meaning “a child who has gone to the farm.”
94. Idris: An Arabic name meaning “studious” and “quick to learn.”
95. Igbinedion: A Benin (Edo) name meaning “sheltered under an elder’s protection.”
96. Igwe: A short Igbo name meaning “sky,” and by extension a royal title.
97. Ihejerika: An Igbo name meaning “what I have is greater.”
98. Ikande: A Nigerian surname meaning “someone with plenty of love.”
99. Isaac: A Hebrew name meaning “one who laughs.”
100. Ismail: The Arabic form of Ishmael, meaning “God will hear.”
101. Jacobs: A surname from Jacob, Hebrew for “supplanter” or “one who follows.”
102. James: From the Latin Jacobus, a form of Jacob meaning “supplanter.”
103. John: From the Hebrew Yohanan, meaning “God is gracious.”
104. Jonah: A Hebrew name from Yonah, meaning “dove.”
105. Jonathan: A Hebrew name meaning “God has given.”
106. Joseph: A Hebrew name meaning “God will add.”
107. Kalu: An Igbo name, also spelled Kanu, tied to the god of thunder.
108. Kareem: An Arabic name meaning “generous” and “gracious.”
109. Kayode: A Yoruba name meaning “he who brings joy.”
110. Kazah: A Nigerian name meaning “God’s grace.”
111. Kikelomo: A Yoruba name meaning “a child made for pampering.”
112. Kporaro: A Nigerian name meaning “progress.”
113. Lateef: A form of Latif, Arabic for “gentle” and “kind.”
114. Lawal: An Arabic name carrying “handsome,” “courage,” and “peace.”
115. Mamman: A Hausa short form of Muhammad, the “praiseworthy” one, used warmly in the north.
116. Matthew: A Hebrew name meaning “gift of God.”
117. Meremikwu: An Igbo name meaning “to rise higher” or “become better.”
118. Michael: A Hebrew name meaning “who is like God.”
119. Mohammed: An Arabic name meaning “praiseworthy,” among Nigeria’s most common surnames.
120. Monday: An English day-name meaning “the moon’s day,” used for a child born that day.
121. Moses: A biblical name meaning “drawn out of the water.”
122. Muktar: An Arabic name meaning “chosen.”
123. Musa: The Arabic form of Moses, meaning “drawn from the water,” a common northern surname.
124. Mustapha: An Arabic name meaning “the chosen one.”
125. Nathaniel: A Hebrew name meaning “God has given.”
126. Njoku: An Igbo name tied to the yam deity, patron of the harvest.
127. Nnadi: An Igbo name meaning “my father is alive.”
128. Nwadike: An Igbo name meaning “child of the brave.”
129. Nwaeze: An Igbo name from nwa (child) and eze, meaning “king,” so “child of a king.”
130. Nwafor: An Igbo name for “a child born on Afor market day.”
131. Nwaigbo: An Igbo name meaning “child of the Igbo.”
132. Obasi: An Igbo name meaning “in honor of the supreme God.”
133. Obi: A short Igbo name meaning “heart.”
134. Obiaka: An Igbo name meaning “good judge” or “wise one.”
135. Obiakpani: An Igbo name meaning “the heart is at rest.”
136. Obianagha: An Igbo name meaning “one who came to fight.”
137. Odoemene: A rare Igbo surname meaning “yellow reluctance.”
138. Ojo: A Yoruba name for a child born with the cord around the neck, marking a hard birth.
139. Okeke: An Igbo name for a boy born on Eke market day.
140. Okere: An Igbo name for a son born on Orie market day.
141. Okon: A Nigerian name meaning “born at night.”
142. Okoro: An Igbo name meaning “greatness of character.”
143. Okoturo: An Igbo name meaning “a great and trustworthy companion.”
144. Okpara: A Nigerian name meaning “a man of wealth” or “first son.”
145. Okusanya: A Yoruba name meaning “the god of wealth has rewarded my suffering.”
146. Oladele: A Yoruba name meaning “wealth has come home.”
147. Oladoyinbo: A Yoruba name conveying “intelligence and guidance.”
148. Olanrewaju: A Yoruba name meaning “wealth is moving forward.”
149. Olowe: A Yoruba name for “one who can call many people to help.”
150. Oni: A Yoruba name for someone “born on sacred ground.”
151. Onyema: A Nigerian surname meaning “who knows.”
152. Oseni: A Yoruba name meaning “the second half of a twin.”
153. Osondu: An Igbo name meaning “the race of life.”
154. Owayale: A Yoruba name meaning “the river goddess came home.”
155. Oyinlola: A Yoruba name meaning “wealth is sweet.”
156. Patrick: From the Latin Patricius, meaning “nobleman.”
157. Peter: From the Greek Petros, meaning “rock.”
158. Popoola: A Yoruba name meaning “the road to high standing.”
159. Prest: A surname from the Old English preost, meaning “priest.”
160. Rabiu: An Arabic name for a “fourth child,” read in Nigeria as “intelligent.”
161. Rafiu: An Arabic name meaning “exalted” and “to lift up.”
162. Raheem: An Arabic name meaning “merciful” and “compassionate.”
163. Raimi: An Arabic name meaning “compassionate” and “fond.”
164. Razzaq: One of the names of God in Islam, Arabic for “the provider.”
165. Saadu: A Hausa rendering of the Arabic root sa’d, meaning “fortunate” and “blessed.”
166. Sami: An Arabic name meaning “high” and “exalted.”
167. Sampson: A form of Samson, Hebrew for “sun,” a name for bright children.
168. Samuel: A Hebrew name meaning “God has heard.”
169. Sanusi: An Islamic name meaning “something great created by God.”
170. Shehu: A Hausa name from the Arabic for “sheikh,” a great religious scholar.
171. Simon: A Greek and Hebrew name meaning “one who listens.”
172. Solomon: From the Hebrew shalom, meaning “peace.”
173. Stephen: A popular Greek name meaning “crown” or “garland.”
174. Sulaimom: An Arabic form of Solomon, meaning “peace.”
175. Sunday: An English day-name meaning “day of the sun,” used for a child born that day.
176. Taiwo: A Yoruba name meaning “the first twin to taste the world.”
177. Tanimu: An Arabic name given to a “boy born on Monday.”
178. Tersoo: A Tiv name from Benue state, meaning “father’s love.”
179. Timothy: From the Greek Timotheos, meaning “honoring God.”
180. Tom: A short form of Thomas, Aramaic for “twin.”
181. Tyjani: A form of Tijani, meaning “crown” or “crowning.”
182. Uba: A short African name meaning “father” and “lord.”
183. Uche: An Igbo name meaning “God’s will.”
184. Uchenna: An Igbo name meaning “the wisdom of God.”
185. Udo: A short Igbo name meaning “peace.”
186. Ugochukwu: An Igbo name meaning “the glory of God.”
187. Ukpabi: An Igbo name rarely used, as it translates to “death.”
188. Umaru: A West African form of Umar, meaning “flourishing” and “populous.”
189. Umeh: A short form of the Igbo Umeaku, carrying the heavy sense of “loss of property.”
190. Umunna: An Igbo name meaning “kindred,” the children of one father.
191. Unigwe: An Igbo name meaning “heaven” or “the sky.”
192. Usman: A form of the Arabic Uthman, meaning “the chosen one.”
193. Uthman: An Arabic name meaning “wise” and “powerful,” borne by the third caliph.
194. Victor: An early Latin Christian name meaning “conqueror.”
195. Vincent: An English and French name from Latin, meaning “prevailing.”
196. Wahab: An Arabic name meaning “servant of the bestower.”
197. Williams: A surname from Old German, meaning “resolute protector.”
198. Yakubu: The Hausa form of Yaqub (Jacob), meaning “supplanter.”
199. Yusef: An Arabic form of Joseph, meaning “God increases.”
200. Zaabu: A Nigerian surname sometimes spelled Zabu; the name means gold.

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