ce

cé (canonical)
ṣié (alternative Nigeria)
ṣé (alternative Nigeria)

my (first-person singular possessive adjective)


xɔ

xɔ̀ (canonical)
họ̀ (alternative Nigeria)

Possibly derived from Proto-Gbe *χʷle. Cognates with Fon xɔ̀, Saxwe Gbe xɔ̀, Adja xwlè, Ewe ƒle

Ùn ná xɔ̀ xwé lɔ́


xɔ

xɔ̀ (canonical)
xɔ̀ lɛ́ (plural)
họ̀ (alternative Nigeria)
òxɔ̀ (alternative)

Cognates with Fon xɔ̀, Saxwe Gbe xɔmɛ̀, Adja exɔ, Ewe xɔ

Xɛ̀ lɔ́ zrɔ́n bíɔ́ xɔ̀ mɛ̀ / Hẹ̀ lọ́ zlọ́n bíọ́ họ̀ mẹ̀


kpe

kpé (canonical)
pé (alternative Nigeria)

Possibly from Yoruba pé (“to be enough”), cognates include Fon kpé, Saxwe Gbe kpé


akɔta

akɔta lɛ́ (plural)
akọta (alternative Nigeria)

Likely from akɔ̀ (“tribe”) + ta. Cognates include Fon akɔta (“nation, race, clan, people, lastname, tribe”), Saxwe Gbe akɔta (“clan”), Adja akɔta (“clan, tribe”)


xu

From Proto-Gbe *χʷú. Cognates include Fon xú, Saxwe Gbe xwyá, Adja xú, Ayizo xu


xu

xù (canonical)
xù lɛ́ (plural)
hù (alternative Nigeria)
ohù (alternative Nigeria)
oxù (alternative)

From Proto-Gbe *-χʷu. Cognates include Fon xù, Saxwe Gbe axù, Saxwe Gbe ɛxù, Adja axu, Ewe ƒu


xo

From Proto-Gbe *χʷo (“to beeat”). Cognates include Fon xò, Saxwe Gbe xò, Adja xò, Ewe ƒo

Yé xò è


aca

àcà (canonical)
àṣà (alternative Nigeria)


Mawu

Máwú (canonical)
Máú (alternative Nigeria)

Cognates include Fon Mǎwǔ, Ewe Mawu, Adja Mawu, perhaps related to Yoruba Yemòwó

the paramount genderless or female divinity amongst the Gun people and other Gbe speaking peoples of the vodun faith


afɔ

àfɔ̀ (canonical)
àfɔ̀ lɛ́ (plural)
àfọ̀ (alternative Nigeria)

From Proto-Gbe *-fɔ. Cognates include Ewe afɔ, Fon afɔ̀, Aja afɔ, Saxwe Gbe afɔgbà and Adja afɔ.


gbeɖe

gbèɖé (canonical)
gbèdé (alternative Nigeria)

Cognates include Fon gbeɖé, Ewe gbeɖe, Adja gbeɖe

Ùn má kú gbèɖé


ɖa

From Proto-Gbe *ɖa. Cognates include Fon ɖà, Saxwe Gbe oɖà, Adja eɖa and Gun dà.


ɖa

From Proto-Gbe *ɖa. Cognates include Fon ɖa, Saxwe Gbe ɖà, Adja ɖà and Ewe ɖa.


vinyɔnu

vínyɔnú (canonical)
vínyɔnú lɛ́ (plural)
víyọnnú (alternative Nigeria)

/ví.ɲɔ̃̄.nṹ/

From ví (“child”) + nyɔnú (“woman”). Cognates include Fon vǐnyɔnú, Saxwe Gbe nyɔnúví, Adja nyɔnuvihwɛ, Ewe nyɔnuvi


nɔ

nɔ̀ (canonical)
nọ̀ (alternative Nigeria)

Nyɛ́ nɔ̀ jì hàn/ Yẹ́n nɔ̀ jì hàn

A present progressive or habitual tense marker, only used before verbs.


ayi

ayí (canonical)
ayí lɛ́ (plural)
aí (alternative Nigeria)

From Proto-Gbe *ayĩ́ (“earth”). Cognates include Fon ayǐ, Saxwe Gbe nyixɔ́, Adja anyi


ayi

ayì (canonical)
ayì lɛ́ (plural)
aì (alternative Nigeria)

From Proto-Gbe *ayi, *ayu. Cognates include Fon ayì, Saxwe Gbe ayì, Adja ayu, Ewe ayi


nyɔnu

nyɔnú (canonical)
nyɔnú lɛ́ (plural)
yọnnú (alternative Nigeria)

From either Proto-Gbe *yɔ̃́ɖũ, *yɔ̃́lũ or *yɔ̃́ɖũsi. Cognates include Fon nyɔnú, Saxwe Gbe nyɔnu, Adja nyɔnu, Ewe nyɔnu


xoxo

xóxó (canonical)
hóhó (alternative Nigeria)

From Proto-Gbe *χoχó. Cognates include Fon xóxó, Saxwe Gbe xíxó, Adja xoxu, Ewe xoxo


civi

cíví (canonical)
cíví lɛ́ (plural)
ṣíví (alternative Nigeria)

From Yoruba ṣíbí, from Hausa cibī, compare with Baatonum sibi, Fon cíví.


hwe

hwè (canonical)
whè (alternative Nigeria)
òwhè (alternative Nigeria)
owhè (alternative Nigeria)
òhwè (alternative)
ohwè (alternative)

From Proto-Gbe *-Hʷe. Cognates include Saxwe Gbe ohwè, Adja ewe, Fon hwè, Ewe ɣe


wɛ

wɛ̀ (canonical)
wẹ̀ (alternative Nigeria)

Cognates include Fon wɛ̀, Saxwe Gbe wɛ, Saxwe Gbe wɛ́

Ògán lɔ́ wɛ̀ yé mɔ̀


kɔ

kɔ́ (canonical)
kɔ́ lɛ́ (plural)
kọ́ (alternative Nigeria)
okọ́ (alternative Nigeria)
okɔ́ (alternative)

Cognates include Fon kɔ́, Saxwe Gbe okɔ́ (“soil, sand”), Adja ekɔ (“soil, sand, ground”)


xoto

xoto lɛ́ (plural)
hoto (alternative Nigeria)

Possibly from Proto-Gbe *-χʷo. Cognates include Adja exo, Ayizo xoto


nuɖuɖu

head

núɖùɖù (plural núɖùɖù lɛ́)

núɖùɖù (canonical)
núɖùɖù lɛ́ (plural)
núdùdù (alternative Nigeria)

From nú (“thing”) + ɖùɖù (“edible / reduplication of ɖù (to eat)”). Cognates include Fon nùɖúɖú, Saxwe Gbe onúɖúɖú, Adja enuɖuɖu, Ewe nuɖuɖu


kpa

kpá (canonical)
pá (alternative Nigeria)


kpa

kpà (canonical)
pà (alternative Nigeria)

Cognates include Saxwe Gbe kpà, Adja kpa, Fon kpà


xwe

xwé (canonical)
xwé lɛ́ (plural)
whé (alternative Nigeria)
òwhé (alternative Nigeria)
owhé (alternative Nigeria)
òxwé (alternative)
oxwé (alternative)

From Proto-Gbe *-χʷé. Cognates include Saxwe Gbe oxwé, Adja axwe, Fon xwé and Ewe aƒe.


xwe

xwè (canonical)
xwè lɛ́ (plural)
whè (alternative Nigeria)
òwhè (alternative Nigeria)
owhè (alternative Nigeria)
òxwè (alternative)
oxwè (alternative)

From Proto-Gbe *-χʷe. Cognates include Saxwe Gbe oxwè, Adja exwe, Fon xwè and Ewe ƒe.


kɛkɛ

kɛ̀kɛ́ (canonical)
kɛ̀kɛ́ lɛ́ (plural)
kẹ̀kẹ́ (alternative Nigeria)

Likely from Yoruba kẹ̀kẹ́. Cognates include Fon kɛkɛ́, Saxwe Gbe gɛ̀kɛ́, Adja keke, Nupe kyàkyá, Edo ikẹkẹ, Ifè kɛ̀kɛ́


-tɔ

-tɔ́ (canonical)
-tọ́ (alternative Nigeria)

Likely from Proto-Gbe *-tɔ́ (“owner”), in turn yielding Gun òtɔ́ (“father”). Cognates include Fon -tɔ́, Saxwe Gbe -tɔ́, Adja -tɔ, Ewe -tɔ

ayihúndá (“game”) → ayihúndátɔ́ (“actor/player”, literally “one who plays”)

nù (“thing”) + kplɔ́n (“to learn”) → nùkplɔ́ntɔ́ (“student”, literally “one who learns things”)

hàn (“song”) + jì (“to sing”) → hànjìtɔ́ (“singer”, literally “one who sings songs”)

(added to verbs) A person or thing that does an action indicated by the root verb or noun; used to form an agent noun.


gbɛ

gbɛ̀ (canonical)
gbɛ̀ lɛ́ (plural)
gbẹ̀ (alternative Nigeria)

From Proto-Gbe *-gbɛ. Compare Fon gbɛ̀, Saxwe Gbe ɛgbɛ̀, Adja egbɛ (“universe, creation, life”) and Ewe agbe.


kpakpa

kpákpá (canonical)
pápá (alternative Nigeria)

Cognates include Fon kpákpá, Saxwe Gbe kpákpá, Adja kpakpaxu. Possibly related to Itsekiri kpákpáyẹkẹ, Ìjẹ̀bú Yoruba pápáyẹkẹ, Yoruba pẹ́pẹ́yẹ


wexɔmɛ

head

wèxɔ́mɛ̀ lɛ́

wèxɔ́mɛ̀ (canonical)
wèxɔ́mɛ̀ lɛ́ (plural)
wèhọ́mẹ̀ (alternative Nigeria)


hɔn

hɔn lɛ́ (plural)
họn (alternative Nigeria)

Probably from Proto-Gbe *-ʁʷɔ̃. Cognates include Fon hɔn, Saxwe Gbe ohɔ̀n, Adja ehɔn


hwevi

hweví (canonical)
hweví lɛ́ (plural)
wheví (alternative Nigeria)

Cognates include Fon hweví, Saxwe Gbe ohwè


gbɛtɔ

gbɛ̀tɔ́ (canonical)
gbɛ̀tɔ́ lɛ́ (plural)
gbẹ̀tọ́ (alternative Nigeria)

From gbɛ̀ (“life”) + -tɔ́ (“agent suffix”). Congantes include Fon gbɛ̀tɔ́, Saxwe Gbe gbɛ̀tɔ́, Adja agbetɔ


akwɛ

àkwɛ́ (canonical)
àkwɛ́ lɛ́ (plural)
àkwẹ́ (alternative Nigeria)
àkuẹ́ (alternative Nigeria)

→ Portuguese: aqüé, aqué


otɔ

òtɔ̀ or otɔ̀ (plural òtɔ̀ lɛ́ or otɔ̀ lɛ́)

òtɔ̀ (canonical)
otɔ̀ (canonical)
òtɔ̀ lɛ́ (plural)
otɔ̀ lɛ́ (plural)
òtọ̀ (alternative Nigeria)
otọ̀ (alternative Nigeria)
tɔ̀ (alternative)

From Proto-Gbe *-tɔ (“lake”). Cognates include Fon tɔ̀, Ewe etɔ, Adja etɔsasa


otɔ

òtɔ́ or otɔ́ (plural òtɔ́ lɛ́ or otɔ́ lɛ́)

òtɔ́ (canonical)
otɔ́ (canonical)
òtɔ́ lɛ́ (plural)
otɔ́ lɛ́ (plural)
òtọ́ (alternative Nigeria)
otọ́ (alternative Nigeria)
tɔ́ (alternative)

From Proto-Gbe *-tɔ́. Cognates include Fon tɔ́, Saxwe Gbe otɔ́


ɖɔxo

ɖɔ̀xó (canonical)
dọ̀hó (alternative Nigeria)

From ɖɔ̀ (“to say”) + xó (“word”). Cognates include Fon ɖɔ̀ xó, Saxwe Gbe lɔ xó


kplɔn

kplɔ́n (canonical)
plọ́n (alternative Nigeria)

Cognates include Fon kplɔ́n, Saxwe Gbe kplán, Adja kplá


kpɔn

kpɔ́n (canonical)
pọ́n (alternative Nigeria)

From Proto-Gbe *kpɔ̃́ (“to look at”). Cognates include Fon kpɔ́n (“to look, never”), Saxwe Gbe kpɔ́n (“to look, never”), Adja kpɔ́ (“to look”), Adja kpɔa (“never”), Ewe kpɔ (“to look”)


mitɔn

mítɔ̀n (canonical)
mítọ̀n (alternative Nigeria)

From mí (“we/us”) + tɔ̀n (“of”). Cognates include Fon mítɔ̀n, Saxwe Gbe míátɔ̂n

Mí yì ná xwé mítɔ̀n

our (first-person plural possessive adjective)


oɖɛ

òɖɛ́ (plural òɖɛ́ lɛ́)

òɖɛ́ (canonical)
òɖɛ́ lɛ́ (plural)
òdẹ́ (alternative Nigeria)

From Proto-Gbe *-ɖɛ́. Cognates include Fon ɖɛ̌, Saxwe Gbe ɛɖɛ́, Adja aɖe, Ewe aɖe, Ayizo ɖɛɛ. Possibly cognate with Gikyode ɔnandii and Nkonya ɔdandʋ.


nyɛ

nyɛ́ (canonical)
yẹ́n (alternative Nigeria)

I, me (emphatic first-person singular personal pronoun)


etɔn

étɔ̀n (canonical)
étọ̀n (alternative Nigeria)

From é (“he/she/it”) + tɔ̀n (“of”). Cognates include Fon étɔ̀n, Saxwe Gbe étɔ̂n

her, his, its (third-person singular possessive adjective)


yetɔn

yétɔ̀n (canonical)
yétọ̀n (alternative Nigeria)

From yé (“they”) + tɔ̀n (“of”), literally “of them”. Cognates include Fon yětɔ̀n, Saxwe Gbe yetɔ̀n

compound

their (third-person plural possessive adjective)


tɔju

tɔ́jú (canonical)
tọ́jú (alternative Nigeria)

From Yoruba tọ́jú. Compare Fon tɔ́jú, Yoruba tọ́jú


akɔ

akɔ̀ (canonical)
akɔ̀ lɛ́ (plural)
akọ̀ (alternative Nigeria)

Cognates include Fon akɔ̀, Saxwe Gbe akɔ̀ (paternal lineage), Adja akɔta


lanmɛ

lànmɛ̀ (canonical)
lànmɛ̀ lɛ́ (plural)
lànmẹ̀ (alternative Nigeria)

From làn (“meat”) + mɛ̀ (“person”). Cognates include Fon lànmɛ̀, Saxwe Gbe lanmɛ̀


axɔsi

àxɔ̀sì (canonical)
àxɔ̀sì lɛ́ (plural)
àhọ̀sì (alternative Nigeria)

Àxɔ̀sì Òlándù tɔ̀n wá G20, àmɔ́ ɖě àxɔ̀sì lɔ́ jró ná ɖɔ̀ xó prèmié mìnìs gbɛ́

The Queen of Holland went to the G20, but when the Queen wanted to give a speech, the prime minister refused


axɔlu

àxɔ́lú (canonical)
àxɔ́lú lɛ́ (plural)
àhọ́lú (alternative Nigeria)

Cognates include Fon àxɔ́lú, Saxwe Gbe xɔ́lú


kpataki

Compare Yoruba pàtàkì, Nupe kpàtàkì, Edo kpataki, Gun kpàtàkì.


kpataki

kpàtàkì (canonical)
pàtàkì (alternative Nigeria)

Compare Yoruba pàtàkì, Nupe kpàtàkì, Edo kpataki, Fon kpàtàkì.


Ayɔ

Ayɔ̀ (canonical)
Ayọ̀ (alternative Nigeria)


Ayɔnu

Ayɔ̀nù (canonical)
Ayọ̀nù (alternative Nigeria)

From Ayɔ̀ (“Yoruba”) + -nù (“origin suffix”). Cognates include Fon Ayɔ̀nù


aximɛ

àxìmɛ̀ (canonical)
àxìmɛ̀ lɛ́ (plural)
àhìmẹ̀ (alternative Nigeria)


yovozɛn

head

yòvózɛ̀n lɛ́

yòvózɛ̀n (canonical)
yòvózɛ̀n lɛ́ (plural)
yòvózẹ̀n (alternative Nigeria)


xwlakɔ

xwlàkɔ́ (canonical)
xwlàkɔ́ lɛ́ (plural)
whlàkọ́ (alternative Nigeria)
wlàkọ́ (alternative Nigeria)

Likely from Xwlà (“Grand-Popo, the Xwla people”) + kɔ́ (“ground”), literally “the ground of Grand-Popo / ground of the Xwla”. Grand-Popo is a city on the Beninese coast that has a rich history of salt production. Their salt was collected from the bottom of the lagoon during the dry season. They traded their salt with nearby groups such as the Gun and Fon. Cognates include Fon xwlakɔ́, Fon xulakɔ́

compound

Amiwɔ́ lɔ́ vìví ná xwlàkɔ́ kpé wùtú

The red stew is sweet because there is enough salt


hwlɛ

hwlɛ̀ (canonical)
whlẹ̀ (alternative Nigeria)


kpodo

kpódó (canonical)
pódó (alternative Nigeria)

Ùn ɖù hweví kpódó tèví kpó


agɔ

àgɔ́ (canonical)
àgɔ́ lɛ́ (plural)
àgọ́ (alternative Nigeria)


ajotɔ

àjòtɔ́ (canonical)
àjòtɔ́ lɛ́ (plural)
àjòtọ́ (alternative Nigeria)

/à.d͡ʒò.tɔ́/

From àjò (“theft”) + -tɔ́ (“agent suffix”). Congantes include Fon àjòtɔ́


alɔ

àlɔ̀ (canonical)
àlɔ̀ lɛ́ (plural)
àlọ̀ (alternative Nigeria)

From Proto-Gbe *-lɔ. Cognates include Fon alɔ̀, Saxwe Gbe alɔ̀, Adja alɔ, Ayizo alɔ, Kotafon Gbe alɔ. Possibly cognate with Gonja enɔ, Adele gʋlɔ.


alɔvi

àlɔ̀ví (canonical)
àlɔ̀ví lɛ́ (plural)
àlọ̀ví (alternative Nigeria)

From àlɔ̀ (“hand”) + -ví (“diminutive suffix”). Cognates include Fon alɔví, Saxwe Gbe lɔví, Adja alɔvi


avɔ

avɔ̀ (canonical)
avɔ̀ lɛ́ (plural)
avọ̀ (alternative)

Cognates include Fon avɔ̀, Saxwe Gbe avɔ̀, Adja avɔ, Ewe avɔ


xɔntɔn

head

xɔ́ntɔ̀n lɛ́

xɔ́ntɔ̀n (canonical)
xɔ́ntɔ̀n lɛ́ (plural)
họ́ntọ̀n (alternative Nigeria)

Cognates include Fon xɔ́ntɔ̀n, Saxwe Gbe hɔ́ntɔ̂n


hwenuxo

hwenuxó (canonical)
hwenuxó lɛ́ (plural)
whenuhó (alternative Nigeria)

From hwenu (“time”) + xó (“word”). Cognates include Fon hwenuxó, Saxwe Gbe hwenuxo.


axɔ

àxɔ́ (canonical)
àhọ́ (alternative Nigeria)

Àxɔ́ má nyí àjò jíjɛ́


ɖu gan

ɖù gán (canonical)
dù gán (alternative Nigeria)

From ɖù (“to eat”) + gán (“chief”). Cognates include Fon ɖù gǎn (“to make chief, to be chief, to govern, to preside”)


Zangbetɔ

head

Zàngbètɔ́ lɛ́

Zàngbètɔ́ (canonical)
Zàngbètɔ́ lɛ́ (plural)
Zàngbètọ́ (alternative Nigeria)

/zã̀.ɡ͡bè.tɔ́/

From zàn (“night”) + gbètɔ́ (“guardian/hunter”). Cognates with Fon Zàngbètɔ́, Saxwe Gbe Zǎngbétɔ́, Adja Zangbetɔ.


nusɔnu

núsɔ́nú (canonical)
núsɔ́nú lɛ́ (plural)
núsọ́nú (alternative Nigeria)

Cognates include Saxwe Gbe ŋutɔ́nú, Adja ŋtɔnu, Fon nùsúnnú


azɔn

àzɔ́n (canonical)
àzɔ́n lɛ́ (plural)
àzọ́n (alternative Nigeria)

From Proto-Gbe *-dʰɔ̃́. Cognates include Fon azɔ̌, Saxwe Gbe odàn, Adja edɔ, Ewe dɔ


afɔgodo

head

àfɔ̀gódó lɛ́

àfɔ̀gódó (canonical)
àfɔ̀gódó lɛ́ (plural)
àfọ̀gódó (alternative Nigeria)


akpotin

àkpòtín (canonical)
àkpòtín lɛ́ (plural)
àpòtín (alternative Nigeria)

From either kpòtín (“stick”) or more likely from Yoruba àpòtí which is from either Hausa àkwā̀tì or Nupe àkpàtì, cognates include Fon akpótín, Itsekiri ẹkpẹtin, Igbo akpàtì, Igala àkpàtì, Tee akpòté, Mada (Nigeria) kpàtì, Edo ẹkpẹtin, Urhobo ekpeti, Isoko ẹkpẹti.


Xɔgbonu

Xɔ̀gbónù (canonical)
Họ̀gbónù (alternative Nigeria)

/xɔ̀.ɡ͡bó.nũ̀/

Porto-Novo, capital of the Benin Republic


Ajacɛ

Àjàcɛ́ (canonical)
Àjàṣẹ́ (alternative Nigeria)

/à.d͡ʒà.t͡ʃɛ́/


Kutɔnu

Kútɔ̀nú (canonical)
Kútọ̀nú (alternative Nigeria)


Awɔnlin

Awɔnlìn (canonical)
Awọnlìn (alternative Nigeria)

/ā.wɔ̃̄.lĩ̀/

Possibly from Yoruba Àwórì. Cognate with Fon Awɔnlìn


winya

wìnyá (canonical)
wìnyán (alternative Nigeria)


yɔkpɔ

yɔ̀kpɔ́ (canonical)
yɔ̀kpɔ́ lɛ́ (plural)
yọ̀pọ́ (alternative Nigeria)


osɔ

òsɔ̀ (canonical)
òsọ̀ (alternative Nigeria)


lɛsi

lɛ́sì (canonical)
lẹ́sì (alternative Nigeria)

Possibly from Yoruba ìrẹsì from English rice, cognates include Fon lɛ̌sì

Lɛ́sì wɛ̀ é ɖù bò bɛ́ àwútù


hɛn

hɛ̀n (canonical)
hẹ̀n (alternative Nigeria)


afɔvi

àfɔ̀ví (canonical)
àfɔ̀ví lɛ́ (plural)
àfọ̀ví (alternative Nigeria)

From àfɔ̀ (“foot”) + -ví (“diminutive suffix”). Cognates include Fon afɔví, Saxwe Gbe fɔví, Adja afɔvi


akɔgbe

akɔ̀gbè (canonical)
akọ̀gbè (alternative Nigeria)

/ā.kɔ̀.ɡ͡bè/


fɛnnyɛ

fɛ́nnyɛ (canonical)
fɛ́nnyɛ lɛ́ (plural)
fẹ́nyẹn (alternative Nigeria)


hanjitɔ

head

hànjìtɔ́ lɛ́

hànjìtɔ́ (canonical)
hànjìtɔ́ lɛ́ (plural)
hànjìtọ́ (alternative Nigeria)

/hã̀.d͡ʒì.tɔ́/

From hàn (“song”) + jì (“to sing”) + -tɔ́ (“agent suffix”). Cognates include Fon hanjitɔ́, Adja ehajitɔ, Saxwe Gbe hàndòtɔ́

af

Hànjìtɔ́ ɖàgbè wɛ̀ vínyɔnú lɔ́


aɖu

aɖú (canonical)
aɖú lɛ́ (plural)
adú (alternative Nigeria)

From Proto-Gbe *aɖú. Cognates include Fon aɖǔ, Saxwe Gbe aɖú, Adja aɖu, Ayizo aɖu


kan biɔ

kàn bíɔ́ (canonical)
kàn bíọ́ (alternative Nigeria)

From kàn (“to inquire”) + bíɔ́ (“to ask”). Cognates include Fon kan byɔ́


tɛ kan

tɛ̀ kàn (canonical)
tẹ̀ kàn (alternative Nigeria)

From tɛ̀ (“to stretch”) + kàn (“cord”). Cognates include Fon tɛ̀ kàn, Saxwe Gbe tɛ okàn, Adja tè eka

Dóná tɛ̀ kàn xlán xɔ́ntɔ̀n étɔ̀n


ɖu we

ɖú wè (canonical)
dú wè (alternative Nigeria)

From Proto-Gbe *ɖú (-we). Cognates include Fon ɖǔ wè, Saxwe Gbe ɖu owè, Adja ɖú ewe, Ewe ɖuɣe


hanjinu okannɔ

head

hànjìnú òkànnɔ̀

hànjìnú òkànnɔ̀ lɛ́

hànjìnú òkànnɔ̀ (plural hànjìnú òkànnɔ̀ lɛ́)

hànjìnú òkànnɔ̀ (canonical)
hànjìnú òkànnɔ̀ lɛ́ (plural)
hànjìnú òkànnọ̀ (alternative Nigeria)

/ɣã̀.jì.nṹ ò.kã̀.nɔ̃̀/

From hànjìnú (“instrument”) + òkànnɔ̀ (“stringed”)


hlɔnhlɔn

hlɔ̀nhlɔ́n (canonical)
hlɔ̀nhlɔ́n lɛ́ (plural)
hlọ̀nhlọ́n (alternative Nigeria)

/ɣlɔ̃̀.ɣlɔ̃́/

Cognates include Fon hlɔ̀nhlɔ́n, Saxwe Gbe hɔ̀nhlɔ́n, Adja hlɔnhlɔn


oxwe

òxwé (canonical)
oxwé (canonical)
òxwé lɛ́ (plural)
oxwé lɛ́ (plural)
whé (alternative Nigeria)
òwhé (alternative Nigeria)
owhé (alternative Nigeria)
xwé (alternative)

From Proto-Gbe *-χʷé. Cognates include Saxwe Gbe oxwé, Adja axwe, Fon xwé


oxwe

òxwè (canonical)
oxwè (canonical)
òxwè lɛ́ (plural)
oxwè lɛ́ (plural)
whè (alternative Nigeria)
òwhè (alternative Nigeria)
owhè (alternative Nigeria)
xwè (alternative)

From Proto-Gbe *-χʷe. Cognates include Saxwe Gbe oxwè, Adja exwe, Fon xwè


ayihundatɔ

ayihúndátɔ́ (canonical)
ayihúndátɔ́ lɛ́ (plural)
ayihúndátọ́ (alternative Nigeria)
aihúndátọ́ (alternative Nigeria)

From ayihúndá (“play, act”) + -tɔ́ (“agent suffix”). Cognates include Fon ayihúndátɔ́


hɔnmɛ

hɔ̀nmɛ̀ (canonical)
hɔ̀nmɛ̀ lɛ́ (plural)
họ̀nmẹ̀ (alternative Nigeria)


nukplɔntɔ

head

nùkplɔ́ntɔ́ lɛ́

nùkplɔ́ntɔ́ (canonical)
nùkplɔ́ntɔ́ lɛ́ (plural)
nùplọ́ntọ́ (alternative Nigeria)

From nù (“thing”) + kplɔ́n (“learn”) + -tɔ́ (“agent suffix”), cognates include Fon nùkplɔ́ntɔ́


ɖagbe

ɖàgbè (canonical)
dàgbè (alternative Nigeria)


ganxixo

ganxixo lɛ́ (plural)
ganhiho (alternative Nigeria)

Cognates include Fon ganxixo, Fon ganxuxo, Adja gaxoxo, Ewe gafofo


xɛ

xɛ̀ (canonical)
xɛ̀ lɛ́ (plural)
hẹ̀ (alternative Nigeria)
ohẹ̀ (alternative Nigeria)
òxɛ̀ (alternative)

Possibly derived from Proto-Gbe *-χɛ. Cognates with Fon xɛ̀, Saxwe Gbe oxɛ̀, Adja xevi and Ewe xevi.

Xɛ̀ lɔ́ zrɔ́n bíɔ́ xɔ̀ mɛ̀


Yovotomɛ

Yòvótòmὲ (canonical)
Yòvótòmẹ̀ (alternative Nigeria)

From yòvó (“European”) + tòmὲ (“country”), literally “land of the Europeans”. Cognates include Fon Yovótomὲ


haɖokpolɔ

hàɖòkpólɔ́ (canonical)
hàdòpólọ́ (alternative Nigeria)


xlan

xlán (canonical)
hlán (alternative Nigeria)

Kòfí zé kwɛ́ xlán Àsíbá


cɔci

cɔ́cì (canonical)
cɔ́cì lɛ́ (plural)
ṣọ́ṣì (alternative Nigeria)

/t͡ʃɔ́.t͡ʃì/

Borrowed either directly from the English church or from English via the Yoruba ṣọ́ọ̀ṣì

bor

Yoruba ṣọ́ọ̀ṣì


ajɔ

ajɔ̀ (canonical)
ajɔ̀ lɛ́ (plural)
ajọ̀ (alternative Nigeria)

Cognates include Fon ajɔ̌, Adja ajɔ, Saxwe Gbe ajɔ̀


nyikɔ

nyíkɔ́ (canonical)
nyíkɔ́ lɛ́ (plural)
yínkọ́ (alternative Nigeria)
òyínkọ́ (alternative Nigeria)
ònyíkɔ́ (alternative)

Cognates include Fon nyìkɔ́, Saxwe Gbe nyíkɔ́, Adja nyikɔ, Ewe ŋkɔ, perhaps from the same root as Yoruba orúkọ, Ifè ɛ́kɔ


yrɔ

yrɔ́ (canonical)
ylɔ́ (alternative)
ylọ́ (alternative Nigeria)

From Proto-Gbe *ylɔ́. Cognates include Fon ylɔ́, Saxwe Gbe jɔ̌, Adja yɔ́ and Ewe yɔ.


ɖo

From Proto-Gbe *dó. Cognates include Fon ɖó, Saxwe Gbe dò, Adja dó


ɖo to

ɖó tó (canonical)
dó tó (alternative Nigeria)

From ɖó (“to plant”) + tó (“ear”). Cognates include Fon ɖǒ tó


tɔjihun

tɔjihún (canonical)
tɔjihún lɛ́ (plural)
tọjihún (alternative Nigeria)

From tɔji + hún (“vehicle”). Cognate with Fon tɔjihún, Ewe tɔdziʋu, Adja tɔjihun


mɛkpɔnnu

head

mɛ̀kpɔ́nnú lɛ́

mɛ̀kpɔ́nnú (canonical)
mɛ̀kpɔ́nnú lɛ́ (plural)
mẹ̀pọ́nnú (alternative Nigeria)

/mɛ̃̀.k͡pɔ̃́.nṹ/


jrɛ

jrɛ̀ (canonical)
jrɛ̀ lɛ́ (plural)
jlẹ̀ (alternative Nigeria)
jlɛ̀ (alternative)


akpa

àkpá (canonical)
àkpá lɛ́ (plural)
àpá (alternative Nigeria)

Cognate with Fon àkpá, Saxwe Gbe akpáxwé, Adja akpaxwe


kɛɖɛ

kɛ́ɖɛ́ (canonical)
kẹ́dẹ́ (alternative Nigeria)

Ùn sè Glɛnsígbè kɛ́ɖɛ́


ɖɔ jrɛ

ɖɔ̀ jrɛ̀ (canonical)
dọ̀ jlẹ̀ (alternative Nigeria)
ɖɔ̀ jlɛ̀ (alternative)

/ɖɔ̀ d͡ʒɾɛ̀/

/ɖɔ̀ d͡ʒlɛ̀/

From ɖɔ̀ (“to say”) + jrɛ̀ (“dispute”). Cognate with Fon ɖɔ̀ jlɛ̀

cog

Fon ɖɔ̀ jlɛ̀


kpɛɖe

kpɛ̀ɖé (canonical)
pẹ̀dé (alternative Nigeria)


afɔnnu

afɔ́nnu (canonical)
afɔ́nnu lɛ́ (plural)
afọ́nnu (alternative Nigeria)

/ā.fɔ̃́.nũ̄/


hwemɛ

hwèmɛ̀ (canonical)
hwèmɛ̀ lɛ́ (plural)
whèmẹ̀ (alternative Nigeria)


hwejayi

hwèjàyí (canonical)
hwèjàyí lɛ́ (plural)
whèjàí (alternative Nigeria)

/ɣʷè.d͡ʒà.jí/


jayi

jàyí (canonical)
jàí (alternative Nigeria)

From jɛ̀ (“to fall”) + ayí (“ground”), literally “to fall on the ground”. Cognates include Fon jàyǐ, Saxwe Gbe jɛ̀ nyì, Adja jè anyi, Ewe dze anyí


ayigba

ayígbà (canonical)
ayígbà lɛ́ (plural)
aígbà (alternative Nigeria)

From ayí (“ground”) + gbà. Cognates include Ewe anyigban, Adja nyigban


ayiɖohwɛɖo

head

ayíɖóhwɛ̀ɖó lɛ́

ayíɖóhwɛ̀ɖó (canonical)
ayíɖóhwɛ̀ɖó lɛ́ (plural)
aídówhẹ̀dó (alternative Nigeria)

/ā.jí.ɖó.ɣʷɛ̀.ɖó/

Cognates include Fon ayìɖóhwɛɖó, Saxwe Gbe anyíɖóhwɛ̀ɖó, Adja anyiɖohwɛɖo

cog

anyíɖóhwɛ̀ɖó


ɖokpo

ɖòkpó (canonical)
dòpó (alternative Nigeria)

From Proto-Gbe *ɖokpó. Cognates include Fon ɖòkpó, Saxwe Gbe ɖòkpó, Saxwe Gbe lòkpó


hɔnhungan

hɔnhùngàn (canonical)
hɔnhùngàn lɛ́ (plural)
họnhùngàn (alternative Nigeria)

/hɔ̃̄.hũ̀.ɡã̀/

From hɔn (“door”) + hùn (“to open”) + gàn (“metal”), literally “metallic door-opener”. Cognates include Fon hɔnhungàn, Saxwe Gbe hɔngàn


xomɛbibiɔ

head

xòmɛ̀bíbíɔ́ lɛ́

xòmɛ̀bíbíɔ́ (canonical)
xòmɛ̀bíbíɔ́ lɛ́ (plural)
hòmẹ̀bíbíọ́ (alternative Nigeria)

From xòmɛ̀ (“inside”) + bíbíɔ́ (“reduplication of bíɔ́ (to enter)”)


voɖutɔ

vòɖùtɔ́ (canonical)
vòɖùtɔ́ lɛ́ (plural)
vòdùtọ́ (alternative Nigeria)

From vò (“vote/voice”) + ɖù (“to win”) + -tɔ́ (“agent suffix”).


voɖetɔ

vòɖètɔ́ (canonical)
vòɖùtɔ́ lɛ́ (plural)
vòdètọ́ (alternative Nigeria)

From vò (“vote/voice”) + ɖè (“to choose”) + -tɔ́ (“agent suffix”).


Abɔxusun

Abɔ̀xúsùn (canonical)
Abọ̀húsùn (alternative Nigeria)

From abɔ̀ (“sorghum”) + xú (“to dry”) + sùn (“month”), literally “the month of drying sorghum”. Cognates include Fon Abɔxwísùn.


lɔ

lɔ́ (canonical)
lọ́ (alternative Nigeria)

From Proto-Gbe *-lá. Cognates include Fon lɔ́, Saxwe Gbe lá, Ewe la, Adja lɔ

Été wɛ̀ gbɛ̀tɔ́ lɔ́ zé?


tokpɛvi

tòkpɛví (canonical)
tòkpɛví lɛ́ (plural)
tòpẹví (alternative Nigeria)

From tò (“city”) + kpɛví (“to be small”).


toɖaxo

tòɖàxó (canonical)
tòɖàxó lɛ́ (plural)
tòdàhó (alternative Nigeria)

Ùn mɔ̀ gbɛ̀tɔ́ susu tò hinhɔn bíɔ́ tòɖàxó lɔ́ mɛ̀

I see many people that are invading the city


zrɔn

zrɔ́n (canonical)
zlọ́n (alternative Nigeria)
zlɔ́n (alternative)

Cognates include Fon zlɔ́n (to jump), Saxwe Gbe zɔ̀n, Adja zò, Ewe dzow

Xɛ̀ lɔ́ zrɔ́n bíɔ́ xɔ̀ mɛ̀


Misɛnmawu

Misɛ̀nmáwú (canonical)
Misẹ̀nmáwú (alternative Nigeria)
Misẹ̀nmáú (alternative Nigeria)

From mi (“I”) + sɛ̀n (“to worship”) + Máwú (“god”), literally “I worship Mawu, I worship God”


sɛn

sɛ̀n (canonical)
sẹ̀n (alternative Nigeria)

From Proto-Gbe *sẽ, *sɛ̃. Cognates include Fon sɛ̀n, Adja sɛ̀n. Compare Yoruba sìn, Yoruba sị̀n, Ìjẹ̀bú Yoruba sẹ̀n, Ifè sɛ̃̀, Olukumi hẹ̀n


mɛkplɔntɔ

head

mɛ̀kplɔ́ntɔ́

mɛ̀kplɔ́ntɔ́ lɛ́

mɛ̀kplɔ́ntɔ́ (canonical)
mɛ̀kplɔ́ntɔ́ lɛ́ (plural)
mẹ̀plọ́ntọ́ (alternative Nigeria)

/mɛ̃̀.k͡plɔ̃́.tɔ́/

From mɛ̀ (“person”) + kplɔ́n (“teach”) + -tɔ́ (“agent suffix”)


hunkuntɔ

head

húnkùntɔ́ lɛ́

húnkùntɔ́ (canonical)
húnkùntɔ́ lɛ́ (plural)
húnkùntọ́ (alternative Nigeria)

From hún (“vehicle”) + kùn (“to drive”) + -tɔ́ (“agent suffix”). Cognates include Fon húnkùntɔ́, Saxwe Gbe ohùnkuntɔ́, Adja ehunkutɔ


ohunxotɔ

head

òhúnxòtɔ́ lɛ́

ohúnxòtɔ́ lɛ́

òhúnxòtɔ́ or ohúnxòtɔ́ (plural òhúnxòtɔ́ lɛ́ or ohúnxòtɔ́ lɛ́)

òhúnxòtɔ́ (canonical)
ohúnxòtɔ́ (canonical)
òhúnxòtɔ́ lɛ́ (plural)
ohúnxòtɔ́ lɛ́ (plural)
ohúnhòtọ́ (alternative Nigeria)

From òhún (“drum”) + xò (“to hit/beat”) + -tɔ́ (“agent suffix”), literally “the person that beats the drum”. Cognates include Fon hùnxótɔ́, Adja ehunxotɔ

af

Òhúnxòtɔ́ lɔ́ nyɔ́ òhún lɔ́ xò táún

The drummer is very good at playing the drum


satɔ

sátɔ́ (canonical)
sátɔ́ lɛ́ (plural)
sátọ́ (alternative Nigeria)

From Sátɔ́ (“a Gun festival”). Cognates include Fon sátɔ́

a tall drum used by Gun people in festivals, namely the Sato festival in Badagry


Xwla

Xwlà (canonical)
Whlà (alternative Nigeria)
Wlà (alternative Nigeria)

Cognates include Fon Xwlà, Western Xwla Gbe Xwlà

Ùn yì ná Xwlà

the city of Grand-Popo, a city on the Beninese coast near the Togolese border


ahwan

ahwàn (canonical)
ahwàn lɛ́ (plural)
awhàn (alternative Nigeria)

Cognates include Fon ahwàn, Saxwe Gbe ahwàn, Adja ahwa, Ewe aʋua.


osɛ

osɛ̀ (canonical)
osɛ̀ lɛ́ (plural)
sɛ̀ (alternative)
osẹ̀ (alternative Nigeria)
sẹ̀ (alternative Nigeria)

Likely from Yoruba ọ̀sẹ̀, compare include Ìkálẹ̀ Yoruba ọ̀hẹ̀, Ìjẹ̀bú Yoruba ọ̀sẹ̀n


ahwanfuntɔ

ahwànfùntɔ́ (canonical)
ahwànfùntɔ́ lɛ́ (plural)
awhànfùntọ́ (alternative Nigeria)

/ā.ɣʷã̀.fũ̀.tɔ́/

From ahwàn (“war”) + fùn (“to fight”) + -tɔ́ (“agent suffix”). Cognates include Fon ahwanfuntɔ́


jeyi

jéyì (canonical)
jéì (alternative Nigeria)

Nyɛ́ jéyì àzɔ́n mɛ̀ tò afɔ́nnu


oklunɔ

oklúnɔ̀ (canonical)
oklúnɔ̀ lɛ́ (plural)
oklúnọ̀ (alternative Nigeria)

From oklú + -nɔ̀ (“agent suffix”). Cognates include Fon aklúnɔ̀


milɛ

mílɛ́ (canonical)
mílẹ́ (alternative Nigeria)

From mí (“we/us”) + lɛ́ (“plural marker”).

we (first-person plural emphatic pronoun)


milɛ

mìlɛ́ (canonical)
mìlẹ́ (alternative Nigeria)

From mì (“you (plural)”) + lɛ́ (“plural marker”).

compound

you (second-person plural emphatic pronoun)


yelɛ

yélɛ́ (canonical)
yélẹ́ (alternative Nigeria)

From yé (“they”) + lɛ́ (“plural marker”).

they (third-person plural emphatic pronoun)


sokpɛn

sòkpɛ́n (canonical)
sòkpɛ́n lɛ́ (plural)
sòpẹ́n (alternative Nigeria)

From sò (“gun”) + kpɛ́n (“rock/projectile”). Cognates include Fon sokpɛ́n

Osò àwè kpó sòkpɛ́n ɛnɛ̀ kpó wɛ̀ mí mɔ̀ tò saki àjòtɔ́ lɔ́ tɔ̀n mɛ̀.

It was two guns and four bullets that we saw in the bag of the thief


ɖu ya

ɖù yà (canonical)
dù yà (alternative Nigeria)

From ɖù (“to eat”) + yà (“suffering”), possibly a calque from the Yoruba word jìyà which when broken down is jẹ (“to eat”) + ìyà (“suffering”). Cognates include Fon ɖù yà, Adja ɖù aya.


onyi

onyì (canonical)
onyì lɛ́ (plural)
oyìn (alternative Nigeria)

From Proto-Gbe *-yĩ. Cognates include Fon nyì, Saxwe Gbe onyì, Ewe enyi

Onyì lɔ́ kló táún


linlinxiatɔ

head

línlínxíátɔ́

línlínxíátɔ́ lɛ́

línlínxíátɔ́ (canonical)
línlínxíátɔ́ lɛ́ (plural)
línlínhíátọ́ (alternative Nigeria)

From línlín (“news”) + xíá (“to read”) + -tɔ́ (“agent suffix”), literally “reader of the news”

af

Línlínxíátɔ́ lɔ́ xíá línlín lɔ́


linlinwekantɔ

head

línlínwékántɔ́ (plural línlínwékántɔ́ lɛ́)

línlínwékántɔ́ (canonical)
línlínwékántɔ́ lɛ́ (plural)
línlínwékántọ́ (alternative Nigeria)

From línlín (“news”) + wé (“letter”) + kán (“to write”) + -tɔ́ (“agent suffix”), literally “writer of the news”

af

Línlínwékántɔ́ lɔ́ mɔ̀ yé


owesɛdotɛn

head

òwésɛ́dótɛ̀n

òwésɛ́dótɛ̀n lɛ́

òwésɛ́dótɛ̀n (canonical)
òwésɛ́dótɛ̀n lɛ́ (plural)
òwésẹ́dótẹ̀n (alternative Nigeria)

From òwé (“book”) + sɛ́ dó (“to send”) + tɛ̀n (“place”).


ayimatɛn

head

ayímátɛ̀n lɛ́

ayímátɛ̀n (canonical)
ayímátɛ̀n lɛ́ (plural)
ayímátẹ̀n (alternative Nigeria)

From ayí (“land/ground”) + má (“to divide/share”) + tɛ̀n (“place”), literally “place where the land is divided”.


avɔnyatɔ

head

avɔ̀nyàtɔ́ lɛ́

avɔ̀nyàtɔ́ (canonical)
avɔ̀nyàtɔ́ lɛ́ (plural)
avọ̀yàntọ́ (alternative Nigeria)

/ā.vɔ̀.ɲã̀.tɔ́/

From avɔ̀ (“cloth”) + nyà (“to wash clothes”) + -tɔ́ (“agent prefix”). Cognates include Fon avɔnyatɔ́ and Adja enunyàtɔ.


Glexwe

Glèxwé (canonical)
Glèwhé (alternative Nigeria)

From Xwela Gbe Glèxwé, stemming from glè (“farm”) + xwé (“house”). Cognates include Fon Glèxwé

Ùn ná yì ná Glèxwé


ayimatɛn-gan

head

ayímátɛ̀n-gán (plural ayímátɛ̀n-gán lɛ́)

ayímátɛ̀n-gán (canonical)
ayímátɛ̀n-gán lɛ́ (plural)
ayímátẹ̀n-gán (alternative Nigeria)

/ā.jí.mã́.tɛ̃̀.ɡã́/

From ayímátɛ̀n (“province/state”) + gán (“chief/leader”), literally “leader of a state”.


toxɔ

tòxɔ̀ (canonical)
tòxɔ̀ lɛ́ (plural)
tòhọ̀ (alternative Nigeria)


jɛ

jɛ̀ (canonical)
jẹ̀ (alternative Nigeria)

you (emphatic second-person singular personal pronoun)


atɔn

atɔ́n (canonical)
àtɔ́n (canonical)
atọ́n (alternative Nigeria)
àtọ́n (alternative Nigeria)

From Proto-Gbe *atɔ̃́ or *à-tɔ̃́ɔ̃. Cognates include Fon atɔ́n, Saxwe Gbe atún, Adja atɔn, Ewe atɔ̃, Ayizo àtɔ́n, Western Xwla Gbe atɔn, Maxi Gbe àtɔ́n, Gen àtɔ́n.


ɛnɛ

ɛnɛ̀ (canonical)
ẹnẹ̀ (alternative Nigeria)

From Proto-Gbe *-nɛ̃̄ or *è-nɛ̀. Cognates include Fon ɛnɛ̀, Saxwe Gbe ɛnɛ̀, Adja ɛnɛ, Ewe ene, Ayizo ènɛ̀, Western Xwla Gbe ɛ̀nɛ̀, Maxi Gbe ɛ̀nɛ̀ and Gen ènɛ̀.


ciɖokpo

cíɖòkpó (canonical)
ṣídòpó (alternative Nigeria)

/t͡ʃí.ɖò.k͡pó/


cinawe

cínàwè (canonical)
ṣínàwè (alternative Nigeria)
ṣíàwè (alternative Nigeria)
cíàwè (alternative)


kpatakpata

kpátákpátá (canonical)
pátápátá (alternative Nigeria)

Likely from Yoruba pátápátá, cognates include Fon kpátákpátá, Krio kpatakpata, Nigerian Pidgin kpatakpata, Basa kpátákpátá, Lukpa kpátákpátá, Akpes kpátákpátá, Olukumi kpátákpátá.


adɔvi

adɔ̀ví (canonical)
adɔ̀ví lɛ́ (plural)
adọ̀ví (alternative Nigeria)

From Proto-Gbe *-dɔ-, *-dɔví. By surface analysis, adɔ̀ (“intestine/innards”) + -ví (“diminutive suffix”). Cognates include Fon adɔ̀ví, Fon adɔvi, Saxwe Gbe dɔvi and Adja dɔvi.


mɔlikun

mɔ́lìkún (canonical)
mọ́lìkún (alternative Nigeria)

Cognates include Fon mɔ̌likún, Saxwe Gbe mɔ́lìkún, Saxwe Gbe mɔ́lú, Adja mɔlu, Ewe mɔlu,

Mɔ́lìkún wɛ̀ é ɖù bò bɛ́ àwútù


wenywɛtɔ

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wénywɛ́tɔ́ lɛ́

wénywɛ́tɔ́ (canonical)
wénywɛ́tɔ́ lɛ́ (plural)
wéyọnẹ́ntọ́ (alternative Nigeria)

/wé.ɲʷɛ̃́.tɔ́/

/wé.ɲɔ̃̄.ɛ̃́.tɔ́/

From wé (“book”) + nywɛ́ (“knowledge”) + -tɔ́ (“agent suffix”).

af

Wénywɛ́tɔ́ àwè wɛ̀


lɛngbɔ

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lɛ̀ngbɔ́ lɛ́

lɛ̀ngbɔ́ (canonical)
lɛ̀ngbɔ́ lɛ́ (plural)
lẹ̀ngbọ́ (alternative Nigeria)

/lɛ̃̀.ɡ͡bɔ́/

From lɛ̀n (“stubborn, stupid”) + gbɔ́ (“goat”). Cognates include Fon lɛ̀ngbɔ́, Saxwe Gbe lɛngbɔ̌, Adja lɛngbɔ


gbɔ

gbɔ́ (canonical)
gbɔ́ lɛ́ (plural)
ogbọ́ (alternative Nigeria)
gbọ́ (alternative Nigeria)
ogbɔ́ (alternative)

Possibly from Proto-Gbe *agbo (“billy goat, he-goat”). Cognates include Fon gbɔ́, Saxwe Gbe ogbɔ̀, Adja egbɔ, Ewe gbɔ̆, Yoruba àgbò, Edo agbo


Gbɛnanyɔ

Gbɛ̀nányɔ́ (canonical)
Gbẹ̀náyọ́n (alternative Nigeria)

→ French: Gbenagnon, Gbènagnon

/ɡ͡bɛ̀.nã́.ɲɔ̃́/

/ɡ͡bɛ̀.nã́.jɔ̃́/

From gbɛ̀ (“life”) + ná (“will”) + nyɔ́ (“to be good”), literally “life will be good”.

compound

a unisex given name meaning “Life will be good”


nyɔ

nyɔ́ (canonical)
yọ́n (alternative Nigeria)
nyɔ́n (alternative)

From Proto-Gbe *yṍ. Cognates include Fon nyɔ́, Saxwe Gbe nyɔ́, Adja nyɔ́ and Ewe nyo.

É nyɔ́ táún


Sɔnanyɔ

Sɔ̀nányɔ́ (canonical)
Sọ̀náyọ́n (alternative Nigeria)

→ French: Sonagnon

/sɔ̀.nã́.ɲɔ̃́/

/sɔ̀.nã́.jɔ̃́/

From sɔ̀ (“tomorrow, future”) + ná (“will”) + nyɔ́ (“to be good”), literally “the future will be good”.


afɔɖayitɛn

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àfɔ̀ɖáyìtɛ̀n

àfɔ̀ɖáyìtɛ̀n lɛ́

àfɔ̀ɖáyìtɛ̀n (plural àfɔ̀ɖáyìtɛ̀n lɛ́)

àfɔ̀ɖáyìtɛ̀n (canonical)
àfɔ̀ɖáyìtɛ̀n lɛ́ (plural)
àfọ̀dáìtẹ̀n (alternative Nigeria)

/à.fɔ̀.ɖá.jì.tɛ̃̀/

From ɖó àfɔ̀ ayì (“to defecate”) + tɛ̀n (“place”). Cognates include Fon àfɔ̀ɖáyìtɛ̀n

cog

àfɔ̀ɖáyìtɛ̀n

Fon àfɔ̀ɖáyìtɛ̀n


ojɛ

ojɛ̀ (canonical)
ojɛ̀ lɛ́ (plural)
ojẹ̀ (alternative Nigeria)

From Proto-Gbe *dyɛ, *gyɛ. Cognates include Fon jɛ̀, Ayizo jɛ̀, Saxwe Gbe ojɛ̀, Adja eje and Ewe dze.


ojɛ

ojɛ́ (canonical)
ojɛ́ lɛ́ (plural)
ojẹ́ (alternative Nigeria)

Cognates include Fon jɛ̌, Saxwe Gbe jɛ̀nú, Adja jenu and Ewe dzonu.


sukpɔ

sukpɔ̀ (canonical)
sukpɔ̀ lɛ́ (plural)
supọ̀ (alternative Nigeria)

Cognate with Fon sukpɔ̀, possibly with Saxwe Gbe tukpɔsú, Adja tɔbɔsu


alikplitɛn

alìkplítɛ̀n (canonical)
alìkplítɛ̀n lɛ́ (plural)
alìplítẹ̀n (alternative Nigeria)

From alì (“road”) + kplí (“to come together”) + tɛ̀n (“place”), literally “the place where roads come together”. Cognates include Fon alìkplétɛ̀n

compound

Wá kpé mí tò alìkplítɛ̀n àwètɔ́


alikpa

alìkpá (canonical)
alìkpá lɛ́ (plural)
alìpá (alternative Nigeria)

From alì (“road”) + kpá (“side”). Cognates include Fon alìkpá (“by the roadside”)


Lɛgba

Lɛ́gbà (canonical)
Lẹ́gbà (alternative Nigeria)

From Yoruba Ẹlẹ́gbà, cognates include Fon Lɛ́gbà, Saxwe Gbe Lɛ́gbà, Spanish Elegguá, Spanish Eleguá, Portuguese Lebá, Haitian Creole Legba

Otɔ́ cé sɛ̀n Lɛ́gbà

An important Vodún deity worshipped by the Gun people and other neighboring groups such as the Fon, Yoruba (see Èṣù), Saxwe. Lɛ́gbà serves as the connection between the Earth and the heavens, and is also seen as a trickster in some traditions. He is worshipped in addition by many Afro-descended groups in the Americas, see Papa Legba.


wekanxlanmɛ

wékánxlánmɛ (canonical)
wékánxlánmɛ lɛ́ (plural)
wékánhlánmẹ (alternative Nigeria)

From wé (“book, paper”) + kán (“to write”) + xlán (“to”) + mɛ (“person”).


wekantɛn

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wékántɛ̀n lɛ́

wékántɛ̀n (canonical)
wékántɛ̀n lɛ́ (plural)
wékántẹ̀n (alternative Nigeria)

From wé (“book, paper”) + kán (“to write”) + tɛ̀n (“place”).


fiɖe

fíɖé (canonical)
fídé (alternative Nigeria)

From fí (“place”) + ɖé (“one”). Cognates include Fon fí ɖĕ, Adja afiɖe, Ewe afiaɖe

Nyɛ́ kpó Sɛ́nányɔ́ kpó zɔ̀n kpɔ́ yì fíɖé

Senagnon and I walked together somewhere


mɛɖe

mɛɖé (canonical)
mẹdé (alternative Nigeria)

From mɛ (“person”) + ɖé (“one”). Cognates include Fon mɛ ɖĕ, Ewe ameade

Ùn sè ogbè mɛɖé tɔ̀n tòdìn


kɛtɛkɛtɛ

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kɛ́tɛ́kɛ́tɛ́

kɛ́tɛ́kɛ́tɛ́ lɛ́

kɛ́tɛ́kɛ́tɛ́ (plural kɛ́tɛ́kɛ́tɛ́ lɛ́)

kɛ́tɛ́kɛ́tɛ́ (canonical)
kɛ́tɛ́kɛ́tɛ́ lɛ́ (plural)
kẹ́tẹ́kẹ́tẹ́ (alternative Nigeria)

From Yoruba kẹ́tẹ́kẹ́tẹ́, cognates include Fon kɛ́tɛ́kɛ́tɛ́, Adja esɔkɛtɛ (“horse, donkey”). Compare Baatonum kɛtɛku, Edo ekẹtẹkẹtẹ.

bor

kẹ́tẹ́kẹ́tẹ́

cog

kɛ́tɛ́kɛ́tɛ́

Fon kɛ́tɛ́kɛ́tɛ́


akwɛsɛdotɛn

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àkwɛ́sɛ́dótɛ̀n

àkwɛ́sɛ́dótɛ̀n lɛ́

àkwɛ́sɛ́dótɛ̀n (plural àkwɛ́sɛ́dótɛ̀n lɛ́)

àkwɛ́sɛ́dótɛ̀n (canonical)
àkwɛ́sɛ́dótɛ̀n lɛ́ (plural)
àkwẹ́sẹ́dótẹ̀n (alternative Nigeria)
àkuẹ́sẹ́dótẹ̀n (alternative Nigeria)

/à.kʷɛ́.sɛ́.dó.tɛ̃̀/

From àkwɛ́ (“money”) + sɛ́ dó (“to send”) + tɛ̀n (“place”).


ayigbanɔ

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ayígbànɔ̀ lẹ́

ayígbànɔ̀ (canonical)
ayígbànɔ̀ lẹ́ (plural)
aígbànọ̀ (alternative Nigeria)

/ā.jí.ɡ͡bà.nɔ̃̀/

From ayígbà (“land”) + -nɔ̀ (“owner suffix”). Congantes include Fon ayǐnɔ̀


azɔnnywɛtɔ

àzɔ́nnywɛ́tɔ́

àzɔ́nnywɛ́tɔ́ lɛ́

àzɔ́nnywɛ́tɔ́ (plural àzɔ́nnywɛ́tɔ́ lɛ́)

àzɔ́nnywɛ́tɔ́ (canonical)
àzɔ́nnywɛ́tɔ́ lɛ́ (plural)
àzọ́nyọnẹ́ntọ́ (alternative Nigeria)

/à.zɔ̃́.ɲʷɛ̃́.tɔ́/

From àzɔ́n (“work”) + nywɛ́ (“knowledge”) + -tɔ́ (“agent suffix”).

af

Àzɔ́nnywɛ́tɔ́ susu wɛ̀ ùn mɔ̀


azɔnxwe

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àzɔ́nxwé lɛ́

àzɔ́nxwé (canonical)
àzɔ́nxwé lɛ́ (plural)
àzọ́nwhé (alternative Nigeria)

/à.zɔ̃́.xʷé/

Gbɛ̀tɔ́ susu wɛ̀ tò àzɔ́nwà tò àzɔ́nxwé otɔ́ cé tɔ̀n

Many people work in the company of my father


eɔ

éɔ̀ (canonical)
éwọ̀ (alternative Nigeria)
úɔ̀ (alternative)

she, he, it (emphatic third-person singular personal pronoun)


hɔngbo

hɔ̀ngbó (canonical)
hɔ̀ngbó lẹ́ (plural)
họ̀ngbó (alternative Nigeria)

From hɔ̀n (“door”) + gbó. Cognates include Fon hɔ̀ngbó (“main door of a house”)


kpaca

kpácá (canonical)
kpácá lɛ́ (plural)
páṣá (alternative Nigeria)


kpaca

kpácá (canonical)
páṣá (alternative Nigeria)