Nigerian last names are a reflection of the country’s rich cultural heritage and diverse ethnic makeup.
What’s more, they have evolved over time, and many Nigerians now use Western naming practices even though Nigeria is home to over 250 ethnic groups.
Nigerian surnames commonly begin with meaningful prefixes like “Ade” (symbolizing crown), “Ola” (representing wealth), “Olu” (denoting God), “Chukwu” or “Chi” (referring to God) or “Nwa” (meaning child).
Top 50 Nigerian Last Names With Meanings
- Abiola – Meaning “born into honor” – Yoruba origin
- Adeniyi – Meaning “the crown is fitting for this” – Yoruba origin
- Adebiyi – Meaning “one who is born in a joyful time” – Yoruba origin
- Adebayo – Meaning “he came in a joyful time” – Yoruba origin
- Adegoke – Meaning “the crown carries the day” – Yoruba origin
- Adejola – Meaning “the crown brings honor” – Yoruba origin
- Adejumo – Meaning “the crown unites” – Yoruba origin
- Adesina – Meaning “the crown opens the way” – Yoruba origin
- Adeoti – Meaning “the crown is sweet” – Yoruba origin
- Afolabi – Meaning “born into wealth” – Yoruba origin
- Agbaje – Meaning “one who earns wealth or prosperity” – Yoruba origin
- Ajayi – Meaning “one who confronts or overcomes adversity” – Yoruba origin
- Akande – Meaning “firstborn of twins” – Yoruba origin
- Alabi – Meaning “we begged to have a child” – Yoruba origin
- Alao – Meaning “one who has wealth” – Yoruba origin
- Alaocha – Meaning “one who provides refuge” – Igbo origin
- Amadi – Meaning “free man” – Igbo origin
- Babatunde – Meaning “father returns” – Yoruba origin
- Balogun – Meaning “warrior” – Yoruba origin
- Chinedu – Meaning “God guides” – Igbo origin
- Chukwuemeka – Meaning “God has done great” – Igbo origin
- Eze – Meaning “king” – Igbo origin
- Ezeani – Meaning “we are the people’s king” – Igbo origin
- Ezeilo – Meaning “king of wealth” – Igbo origin
- Ezeokeke – Meaning “the king rules” – Igbo origin
- Ezeonu – Meaning “the king of the land” – Igbo origin
- Ibeabuchi – Meaning “born into wealth or riches” – Igbo origin
- Ibeji – Meaning “born of twins” – Yoruba origin
- Ibeh – Meaning “the one who is known” – Igbo origin
- Ibezimako – Meaning “safe journey” – Igbo origin
- Igbokwe – Meaning “the people’s farm” – Igbo origin
- Ikwueme – Meaning “the best is yet to come” – Igbo origin
- Jaiyesimi – Meaning “wake up and rest” – Yoruba origin
- Kuti – Meaning “from the town of Kuti” – Yoruba origin
- Lawal – Meaning “born during the rainy season” – Yoruba origin
- Makinde – Meaning “I have come” – Yoruba origin
- Nwachukwu – Meaning “child of God” – Igbo origin
- Nwadike – Meaning “child of a noble or brave person” – Igbo origin
- Nwankwo – Meaning “child born on Nkwo market day” – Igbo origin
- Nwosu – Meaning “child of the leopard” – Igbo origin
- Obi – Meaning “one who worships ancestors” – Igbo origin
- Obienu – Meaning “one who has a kind heart” – Igbo origin
- Obioma – Meaning “kind heart” – Igbo origin
- Ogunlana – Meaning “the god of iron has wealth” – Yoruba origin
- Okafor – Meaning “men are greater than wealth” – Igbo origin
- Okechukwu – Meaning “God’s portion” – Igbo origin
- Okonkwo – Meaning “born on Nkwo market day” – Igbo origin
- Okoro – Meaning “man” – Igbo origin
- Onwudiwe – Meaning “rest with my family” – Igbo origin
- Oyewole – Meaning “the title of this child is worth money” – Yoruba origin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common Nigerian last name?
| 1 | Ibrahim | 1:54 |
What are Yoruba last names?
- Abimbọla.
- Adebayọ
- Adebọbajọ
- Adegbamigbe.
- Adeyẹmi.
Do Nigerians have two last names?
Nigerian children grow up choosing two of the names they were given at birth and adding their father’s, grandfather’s, or great-grandfather’s names. Source
What is the popular name in Nigeria?
The most popular name in Nigeria is drum roll according to Forebears.
What are Nigerian Portuguese surnames?
- Pinheiro,
- Da Silveira,
- De Silva,
- De Souza
- Moreira.
- Hausa (25%)
- Yoruba (21%)
- Igbo (18%)
- Fulani (6%)
- Ibibio (3.5%)
- Tiv (2.4%)
- Kanuri (2.4%)
- Ijaw (1.8%). Source\
Which is the biggest surname in Africa?
| Rank | Surname | Incidence |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mohamed | 7,471,689 |
| 2 | Ali | 7,072,486 |
| 3 | Ahmed | 6,878,864 |
| 4 | Ibrahim | 6,404,769 |
Why do Nigerians have many names?
It is common for Africans to have more than one name – for example, a name from their ethnic group, a name from their religion, as well as a name based on when they were born. Source
What is middle name in Nigeria?
A middle name is the name that appears between a person’s first name and surname.
Summary!
Last names provide a bridge between the past and the present.
Furthermore, Nigerian last names are an integral part of Nigerian identity and contribute to the country’s colorful and diverse tapestry of names and meanings.
We hope you found this list meaningful and informative!
Also, Read 50 Best Cuban Last Names With Meanings!
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