Ibeji

Ibeji, the orisha of duality and twins; and the protector of twins. The orisha, represented by a pair of twins but sharing one soul, are closely associated with Ṣàngó, who himself was the father of twins in his earthly lifetime.


Aarẹ-ọna-kakanfo

/àà.ɾɛ̄.ɔ̀.nã̀.kā.kā.ŋ̀.fò/

From Ààrẹ ọ̀nà kakaǹfò, from Nupe kakamfò (“One who has no relatives or interests in a place”)

bor

The title is born by people not from the town of Ọ̀yọ́, as a way of preventing the possibility of him overthrowing the Aláàfin.

The title of the highest ranking chief in Yorubaland. Historically, he was the commander of the Ọ̀yọ́ empire's military.


Ọsun

From ọ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + sun (“to ooze, to flow from”), literally “The one who water flows from”.

affix

(chiefly NWY) Alternative form of Ọ̀ṣun (“Oshun”)

Ọ̀sun Òṣogbo

A grove and shrine of Ọ̀ṣun in the town of Òṣogbo that serves as the center of her worship


ọdun Ọṣun-Oṣogbo

/ɔ̄.dṹ ɔ̀.ʃũ̄.ò.ʃō.ɡ͡bō/

From ọdún (“festival”) + Ọ̀ṣun (“Oshun”) + Òṣogbo (“Osogbo”), literally “Festival of Oshun of Osogbo”.

compound

A yearly festival held in the town of Òṣogbo in honor of the orisha Osun, held in and around the grove and sacred shrine of Ọ̀ṣun, Osun-Osogbo.


Eledumare

From oní- (“one who has”) + èdùmarè (“universe”), literally “One who has the universe”, see Olódùmarè.

af

Alternative form of Olódùmarè (“the Supreme being in the Yoruba religion”)

Olódùmarè

(Christianity) Alternative form of Olódùmarè (“God”)


Eledua

From oní- (“one who has”) + edù (“source”) + ìwà (“existence”), literally “The one who is the source of existence”.

Alternative form of Elédùwà (“the Supreme being in the Yoruba religion”)


Agura

the title of the traditional ruler of the Gbágùrá subsection of the Ẹ̀gbá people in Abeokuta


Eleduwa

A nickname for the Supreme being of the Yoruba religion, Olódùmarè


Koso

From the phrase Ọba kò so (“The king did not hang”), ultimately from kò (“negation prefix”) + so (“to hang”), literally “The place where the King did not hang”
* This comes from a Yoruba legend in which the location Kòso is believed to be where Aláàfin of Ọ̀yọ́ Ṣàngó hanged himself. After discovering his body, his followers declared to the people that "Ọba kò so," "the King did not hang," and announced that Ṣàngó had not hanged, and instead ascended to heaven as an òrìṣà.

compound

A legendary place associated with the orisha Ṣàngó, it is believed to be where he Ṣàngó in his human form the King of Oyo hanged himself and became an orisha

An area in the town of Ọ̀yọ́ near the palace of Aláàfin where the annual Shango festival is held, and serves as the center of the worship of Shango.


Ọrọmpọtọ

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Ọ̀rọ̀m̀pọ̀tọ̀

Ọ̀rọ̀m̀pọ̀tọ̀

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Ọ̀rọ̀m̀pọ̀tọ̀

Ọ̀rọ̀m̀pọ̀tọ̀

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Ọ̀rọ̀m̀pọ̀tọ̀

Ọ̀rọ̀m̀pọ̀tọ̀

/ɔ̀.ɾɔ̀.ŋ̀.k͡pɔ̀.tɔ̀/

clipping

Ọ̀rọ̀m̀pọ̀tọ̀níyùn

(Ọyọ, archaic) A female given name of historical usage, notably borne by Orompoto

Orompoto, an Aláàfin who was the only female ruler of the Ọ̀yọ́ empire


Ọrọnpọtọ

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Ọ̀rọ̀ǹpọ̀tọ̀

Ọ̀rọ̀ǹpọ̀tọ̀

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Ọ̀rọ̀ǹpọ̀tọ̀

Ọ̀rọ̀ǹpọ̀tọ̀

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Ọ̀rọ̀ǹpọ̀tọ̀

Ọ̀rọ̀ǹpọ̀tọ̀

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Ọ̀rọ̀ǹpọ́tọ̀

Ọ̀rọ̀ǹpọ́tọ̀

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Ọ̀rọ̀ǹpọ́tọ̀

Ọ̀rọ̀ǹpọ́tọ̀

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Ọ̀rọ̀ǹpọ́tọ̀

Ọ̀rọ̀ǹpọ́tọ̀

Ọ̀rọ̀ǹpọ̀tọ̀ (canonical)
Ọ̀rọ̀ǹpọ́tọ̀ (canonical)

/ɔ̀.ɾɔ̀.ŋ̀.k͡pɔ̀.tɔ̀/

/ɔ̀.ɾɔ̀.ŋ̀.k͡pɔ́.tɔ̀/

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Ọ̀rọ̀ǹpọ̀tọ̀níyùn

a female given name, Alternative form of Ọ̀rọ̀m̀pọ̀tọ̀

Alternative form of Ọ̀rọ̀m̀pọ̀tọ̀ (“Orompoto”)


Ogundepo

Blend of Ògún (“Ogun”) + dé (“to arrive”) + ipò (“position, rank”), literally “Ogun has reached the position”

blend

a male given name meaning “Ògún has reached the intended rank or position”


ọdun Ọlọjọ

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ọdún Ọlọ́jọ́

ọdún Ọlọ́jọ́

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ọdún Ọlọ́jọ́

ọdún Ọlọ́jọ́

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ọdún Ọlọ́jọ́

ọdún Ọlọ́jọ́

/ɔ̄.dṹ ɔ̄.lɔ́.d͡ʒɔ́/

From ọdún (“festival”) + oní- (“one who has”) + ọjọ́ (“day”), literally “The festival of the one who owns the day”. See the divinity Ọlọ́jọ́. Compare with ọjọ́ and Igala Ọ́jọ́.

compound

An annual festival held in town of Ifẹ̀ that celebrates creation and the orisha Ògún, known as Ọlọ́jọ́, who is regarded as the first primordial divinity (among the irúnmọlẹ̀) to arrive on Earth.


Mọremi

/mɔ̃́.ɾē.mĩ́/

/mɔ̃̄.ɾè.mĩ̄/

From Blend of ọmọ (“child”) + rè (“to give attention to”) + èmi (“me”), literally “The child attracts my attention”.

blend

Also known as Mọ́remí Àjàṣorò, she was a legendary heroine in Yoruba history from the town of Ọ̀fà. She was a Queen of Ifẹ̀, and wife of Ọ̀ránmìyàn. She is known for serving as a spy and warrior whom aided Ife in defeating their longtime enemies, the Ùgbò (Olúyàrè) people. She is also regarded as the mother of the Yoruba people for her willingness to sacrifice her only son Olúorogbo (whom became an orisha upon his death) to the spirit of the Ẹ̀sìnmìrìn river to save the town and guarantee the everlasting protection of the Yoruba people. She was also deified as an orisha upon her death. The town of Ife celebrates the festival ọdún Edì in honor of her and her son.

a female given name meaning “The child attracts my attention”


Ẹyọ

It was traditionally held in honor of a deceased king and to usher in the reign of a new king, it is not held in honor of the death of an important figure, it serves as a display of Yoruba and Lagosian culture. It features the white dressed ẹ̀yọ̀ Egúngún

The culture, people, language, and customs of historically the Àwórì subethnic group of the Yoruba, and now the Lagosians.

The Ẹ̀yọ̀ festival, an Egúngún festival celebrated by the people of Lagos.

Àwórì people; now also refers to the modern inhabitants of the city of Lagos

The Yoruba dialect historically spoken by the Àwórì people

A genre of music and drumming unique to the people of Lagos.

The modern Yoruba dialect of the people of Lagos, not directly related to the dialect of the Àwórì.

Any language that is not one's own native language


ọdun Edi

A festival held annually in the town of Ifẹ̀ in honor of the Yoruba heroine Mọremí Àjàṣorò, whom is regarded as the mother of the Yoruba people; she served as a spy and aided the town in the defeat of their enemy the Ùgbò, and her son, whom she sacrificed to save the town, and is an incarnation of a primordial divinity whom is associated with the figure (Ẹ̀là).


Mọremi Ajaṣoro

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Mọ́remí Àjàṣorò

Mọ́remí Àjàṣorò

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Mọ́remí Àjàṣorò

Mọ́remí Àjàṣorò

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Mọ́remí Àjàṣorò

Mọ́remí Àjàṣorò

Mọ́remí Àjàṣorò (canonical)
Mọrèmi Àjàṣorò (canonical)

/mɔ̃̄.ɾè.mĩ̄ à.d͡ʒà.ʃō.ɾò/

/mɔ̃́.ɾē.mĩ́ à.d͡ʒà.ʃō.ɾò/

From Mọ́remí + Àjàṣorò, ultimately from Blend of ọmọ (“child”) + rè (“to give attention to”) + èmi (“me”), literally “The child attracts my attention” and Blend of à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + jà (“to fight”) + ṣe (“to make”) + Orò (“Oro deity”), literally “One who fights while making sacrifices to Orò”.


Ufẹ

→ Edo: Uhẹ

→ Arabic: يُوفِي (yūfī)

→ English: Yufi

Etymology is unknown, its existence as the first modern Yoruba civilization and kingdom, as well as its role in the Yoruba religion, thus makes it the center of many folk etymologies.
From u- + fẹ̀.
*The verb fẹ̀ is associated with several of these folk etymologies. One suggests it is related to the dialectal definition fẹ̀ (“to be successful, to be prosperous”), since Ufẹ̀ was regarded as an extremely successful and prosperous kingdom.
* Possibly relating to the meaning, fẹ̀ (“to widen”), explained by one of the many origin stories of the Ifẹ̀ kingdom.

(historical) the historic Ife Kingdom, regarded as the first major civilization of the Yoruba-speaking people, it was dominant from the 11th century to 16th century AD. It was known for its extensive wealth, cultural and religious heritage, and trade.

Ùláá l'àkọ̀bí Oòduà ké e l'Úfẹ̀ ― The people of Ìlárá-Mọ̀kín are the first born of Oduduwa from Ife (oríkì of the town of Ìlárá-Mọ̀kín)

(chiefly CY) Ifẹ̀ subgroup of the Yoruba people


Ọlọfa

From oní- (“one who has”) + Ọ̀fà (“Offa”), literally “The ruler of Offa”.

af

Ìyẹ̀rú-ọ̀kín ọmọ Ọlọ́fà-mọjọ̀ ― (oríkì of the town of Ọ̀fà)

The title of the traditional monarch of the town of Offa (Ọ̀fà) in Kwara State, Nigeria.


Ibọlọ

A subgroup of the Yoruba people whom live in present day Ọ̀ṣun and Kwara states in Nigeria, with their headquarters being the town of Ọ̀fà. Other Ìbọ̀lọ́ towns include Òṣogbo, Ìkìrun, Ẹdẹ, Èjìgbò, Ìwó and Ìkire.

A dialect of the Yoruba language spoken by the Ìbọ̀lọ́ people


Oluorogbo

Olúorogbo (canonical)
Olúorógbó (canonical)

/ō.lú.ō.ɾō.ɡ͡bō/

/ō.lú.ō.ɾó.ɡ͡bó/

From olú (“lord, prominent one”) + orógbó (“bitter kola nut”), literally “Lord of the bitter kola nuts”.

compound

A primordial divinity or irúnmọlẹ̀ in the Yoruba religion, he is regarded as being synonymous with the figure Ẹ̀là. In his human form, he was the only son of the Yoruba heroine Mọ́remí. He was later sacrificed by her to the spirit of the Ẹ̀sìnmìrìn river upon which he became an orisha. He is celebrated during the Edì festival in Ifẹ̀.


Oke

They may be further specified by the mountain they are associated with (ex. Òkè Olúmọ for the deity believed to inhabit the Olúmọ rock.

Orisha associated with specific locations include Òkè Olúmọ, Òkè Ìdànrè, Òkèmelú, and Òkè Ìbàdàn

A general name for any orisha or deity that is believed to inhabit mountains, hills, or large rocks.

A prefix of a name given to worshippers of the orisha of mountains, a shortening of such a name (ex. Òkétáyọ̀)

It is given to a child who is believed to have come to life through the power of the odù Ifá chapter Ìrẹtẹ̀ Àáyá (Ìrẹtẹ̀-Ògùndá).

orúkọ àmútọ̀runwá
orukọ amutọrunwa#Yoruba

a unisex given name, an orúkọ àmútọ̀runwá


Otura

The thirteenth principal sign of the Ifa divination system

ojú odù

principal signs of the Ifa divination system

The thirteenth of the àpólà or sixteen categories in the Odù Ifá, consisting of the thirteenth principal chapter, (Òtúrá méjì) and the other fifteen chapters of Òtúrá.

The thirteenth chapter of the Odù Ifá corpus, and one of the major ojú odù

The spirit and divinity associated with the Òtúrá divination sign.


Ẹsẹntaye

Ẹsẹ̀ǹtáyé (canonical)
Ẹsẹ̀n̄táyé (canonical)

From ẹsẹ̀ (“feet”) + tọ́ (“to touch lighty”) + ayé (“life, Earth”), literally “Stepping onto life”.


Ọta

Ota (an Àwórì Yoruba town in Ogun, Nigeria), it is the historic capital of the Àwórì people.


Iragbiji

Ìrágbìjí (canonical)
Ìrágbìji (canonical)

/ì.ɾá.ɡ͡bì.d͡ʒí/

/ì.ɾá.ɡ͡bì.d͡ʒī/

A local etymology states, ìrá (“A type of tree, likely Rauvolfia vomitoria”) + gbà (“to contain, to provide”) + ìji (“shade”), literally “The place where the ìrá tree provides a shade”

Iragbiji (A Yoruba town in Osun, Nigeria)


Owu

Most folk etymologies believe it derives from òwú (“cotton”)

A Yoruba subethnic group historically living in several towns within the vicinity of the Ọ̀yọ́ empire, they now mainly live in the town of Abẹ́òkúta in Ògùn State, Nigeria. While they are often regarded as the Ẹ̀gbá Òwu, they are distinct from the Ẹ̀gbá people.

A Yoruba dialect spoken by the Òwu people


Owu

Owu (an Ìgbómìnà town in the Ìṣin district of Kwara town in Ondo, Nigeria)


Gambari

/ɡà.ŋ̀.bà.ɾí/

(sometimes derogatory) A term for people living north of Yorubaland, specifically the Hausa people and Nupe people.

a surname, often belonging to someone of Northern Nigerian descent


Ẹfunṣetan

/ɛ̄.fṹ.ʃē.tã́/

From Blend of ẹfun (“chalk, purity (a symbol of Ọbàtálá)”) + ṣetán (“to finish”), literally “The orisha Ọbàtálá has accomplished a task”.

blend

a female given name meaning “the òrìṣà Ọbàtálá has accomplished a task”


Ẹfunpọroye

From Blend of ẹfun (“chalk (a symbol of Ọbàtálá)”) + ìpọ̀rí (“ancestral source of the destiny of one's lineage”) + oyè (“honor”), literally “Ọbàtálá is the ancestral source of our lineage's destiny”.

a female given name meaning “Ọbàtálá is the ancestral source of our lineage's destiny”


Parakoyi

A class of Yoruba traditional chiefs who are responsible for administering trade, commerce, and the market and economy of a Yoruba society (specifically among the Ọ̀yọ́).


Jalumi

From jálu (“to plunge”) + omi (“water, river”), literally “To plunge into the water”
* This refers to the fact that most of the causalities in the battle came from Ìlọrin soldiers drowning in the Ọ̀tìn river

compound

(historical) A major battle of the Kiriji War that took place on November 1, 1878 in the town of Ìkìrun. It was one of the bloodiest battles in the war.


Sinbabuwe

Borrowed from English Zimbabwe, ultimately from Shona dzimba-dze-mabwe (“house of stones”), in reference to Great Zimbabwe.


Ṣaadi

Borrowed from English Chad, ultimately from Kanuri tsade (“lake”).


Siria Loonu

Borrowed from English Sierra Leone. Doublet of Sàró.


Sudaani

Borrowed from English Sudan, ultimately from Arabic سُودَان (sūdān).


Gini-Bisau

Guinea-Bissau (a country in West Africa)


Siri Lanka

Sri Lanka (an island and country in South Asia, off the coast of India)


Sẹnẹga

/sɛ̀.nɛ̀.ɡà/


Ajẹntina

Ajẹntínà (canonical)
Ajẹn̄tínà (canonical)

/ā.d͡ʒɛ̄.ŋ̄.tí.nà/


Bọgeria

/bɔ̀.ɡé.ɾí.à/


Jọjia

/d͡ʒɔ́.d͡ʒí.à/

Georgia (a state in the Southern United States)


Jọdani

Jordan (a country in Western Asia, in the Middle East)

Jordan (a river in Western Asia, in the Middle East, that empties into the Dead Sea, flowing through Israel, the Golan Heights, the West Bank and Jordan)

Odò Jọ́dánì


Palẹsini

Palestine (a country in the Middle East)


Sipeeni

From English Spain. Doublet of Pànyán-àn.


Andọra

/à.ŋ̀.dɔ́.ɾà/


Isirẹli

Israel (a country in the Middle East, Asia)


Kosofo

Balkan Peninsula
Balkan Peninsula#English

Southeast Europe
Southeast Europe#English

Kosovo (A partly-recognized country on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe)


Guusu Afirika

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Gúúsù Áfíríkà

Gúúsù Áfíríkà

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Gúúsù Áfíríkà

Gúúsù Áfíríkà

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Gúúsù Áfíríkà

Gúúsù Áfíríkà

/ɡúú.sù á.fí.ɾí.kà/

South Africa (a country in Southern Africa)


Masẹdonia Ariwa

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Masẹdóníà Àríwá

Masẹdóníà Àríwá

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Masẹdóníà Àríwá

Masẹdóníà Àríwá

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Masẹdóníà Àríwá

Masẹdóníà Àríwá


Isẹse

(chiefly NWY) Alternative form of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe (“Yoruba religion”)


Agbọnmiregun

/à.ɡ͡bɔ̃̄.mĩ̀.ɾè.ɡṹ/

Alternative form of Àgbọnnìrègún (“A nickname or oríkì name for the orisha Ọ̀rúnmìlà”)


Ọdọfin

/ɔ̀.dɔ̀.fĩ̄/

Possibly from ọ̀dọ̀ (“public, official, in the presence of the government”) + ọ̀fin (“palace”), literally “The physical presence of the palace”, compare with Ọlọ́fin. Probably cognate with Edo ọdafẹn (“husband”)

compound

A senior traditional chieftaincy title in Yorubaland, titleholders are members of the Ìwàrẹ̀fà or Ògbóni chieftaincy councils in their respective towns.


Awoyale

From Blend of awo (“Ifa, oracle, occult”) + yà (“to branch off to”) + ilé (“house”), literally “the oracle Ifa has branched to the home”.

blend

a male given name meaning “The oracle Ifa has branched to the home”


Ọramfẹ

/ɔ̀.ɾà.ŋ̀.fɛ̀/

Likely from Ọ̀rà (“Ọ̀rà hill”) + Ufẹ̀ (“Ifẹ̀ town”), literally “The mighty Ọ̀rà hill of Ifẹ̀”

compound

An orisha and legendary figure who aided in the early establishment of the town of Oǹdó

In Ifẹ̀, a primordial Supreme sky deity (imọlẹ̀) associated with thunder, fire, creation, rain, royalty, and jurisprudence. He later became the chief divinity of the ancient Ifẹ̀ Kingdom between the 9th-11th centuries AD. He is a precursor to Ṣàngó and Olódùmarè

another name for the orisha Ṣàngó (among the Ifẹ̀ people).


Awobuluyi

From Blend of awo (“Ifa (oracle)”) + bù (“to scoop”) + lú (“upon, onto”) + uyì (“dignity, honor”), literally “Ifá has added onto dignity”.

blend

a male given name from Awóbùlúyì, meaning “Ifá has added onto dignity”

a surname, from the given name Awóbùlúyì


Odu Ifa

From Odù + Ifá, compare with Igbo Ọ́dụ́ Afa

the 256 chapter oral corpus that serves as the main corpus of the Yoruba religion (Ìṣẹ̀ṣe), the worship of Ifá and divination. Each chapter is associated with a unique binary signature.


Ogiyan

Said to be a Contraction of Ògìrìyán. Folk etymology states that part of the name derives from iyán (“pounded yam”)

ọdún Ògìyán

celebration of the orisha Ogiyan and yams

the legendary founder of the town of Ejigbo. He was deified as an orisha upon his demise, and is worshipped as the orisha of fertility and newly harvested yam. He is closely associated with purity and Ọbàtálá.

the title of the traditional ruler of the town of Èjìgbò.


Iroko

an earth spirit (imọlẹ̀), believed to reside in the sacred iroko tree. He is regarded as the orisha of desires and decision making. He is known to be friendly with almost all the other orisha.


Kofoworọla

From Blend of kò (“not, negation marker”) + fi (“to use”) + owó (“money”) + rà (“to buy”) + ọlá (“honor”), literally “They did not use money to buy honor”.

a unisex given name meaning “They did not use money to buy honor”


Ajapada

Folk etymology derived from a local myth states it comes from àjà (“a traditional rattle device”) + pa (“to kill”) + ẹdá (“a type of brown rat”), literally “One who kills a rat with a rattle”. It is said to come from an endurance test Odùduwà presented his descendant Àjàpadà to perform before founding Àkúrẹ́

compound

(historical) a nickname for the legendary founder of the town of Àkúrẹ́ and descendant of Odùduwà, Aṣọdẹbóyèdé

(historical) title of the traditional ruler of the Àkúrẹ́ kingdom, replaced with title Déjì.


Ojo

a male given name, an orúkọ àmútọ̀runwá (“predestined name”), given to boys born with a nuchal cord


Ijaye

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + jà (“to fight”) + yè (“to survive”), literally “The act of fighting and surviving”.

af

(historical) an Ọ̀yọ́ military and trade town founded by a grandson of Aláàfin Abíọdún, Òrìṣàbíyìí. Most of its inhabitants were of the Ẹ̀gbá-Àgùrá subethnic group. It was destroyed by Ìbàdàn during the Ìjàyè war

(historical) the short-lived Ijaiye kingdom founded in the town of Ìjàyè, which fell at the end of the Ìjàyè war.

a district in modern-day city of Abẹ́òkúta; founded by refugees of the original town of Ìjàyè

(historical) the conflict between the kingdom of Ìjàyè and Ìbàdàn from 1861-1862; resulting in the destruction of Ìjàyè.


Akankẹ

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kàn (“to touch”) + kẹ́ (“to care for”), literally “One we touch and care for”.

A female oríkì name, meaning "One we touch and care for".


Ọyọtunji

/ɔ̀.jɔ́.tṹ.d͡ʒí/

From the phrase Ọ̀yọ́ tún jí (“Ọ̀yọ́ re awakens”).

Oyotunji (a Yoruba town in South Carolina, United States)


Nana Burukuu

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Nàná Bùrùkúù

Nàná Bùrùkúù

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Nàná Bùrùkúù

Nàná Bùrùkúù

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Nàná Bùrùkúù

Nàná Bùrùkúù

From nàná (“mother”) + bùrùkúù (“cruel, bad, ruthless”), ultimately from Fon nɔ̀ (“mother”) and burúkú (“cruelty, badness”). Nàná is a term meaning mother found in many Gbe languages, compare with Gun nɔ̀ and Ewe nɔ̀. Folk etymology states that bùrùkúù is said to be a form of the Yoruba term burúkú.

compound

A supreme female (sometimes regarded as androgynous) primordial divinity in the Yoruba religion and other African religions; her worship is believed to be predate that of the Odùduwà era of Ifẹ̀. Among the Yoruba, she was mainly worshipped by the Idàáṣà Yoruba subethnic group; where she was the national deity.


Eji Ogbe

/è.d͡ʒì ō.ɡ͡bè/

From Èjì (“two”) + Ogbè (“Ogbe”), in reference to the two groups of Ogbe signs that make up the Èjì Ogbè signature.

The principal sign of the Ifa divination system.

The first and most important chapter of the Odù Ifá, it is the first of sixteen chapters in the Ogbè category (àpólà), and the first of the ojú odù


Ogbekanran

/ō.ɡ͡bè.kã̀.ɾã̀/

The twenty-third sign of the Ifa divination system, it is one of the signs of the ọmọ odù; the 240 minor signs

The twenty-third chapter of the Odù Ifá corpus. It is one of the sixteen chapters in the Ogbè category (àpólà) and one of the 240 minor chapters, or àmúlù of the Odù Ifá.


Ogbegunda

/ō.ɡ͡bè.ɡṹ.dá/

The twenty-fourth sign of the Ifa divination system, it is one of the signs of the ọmọ odù; the 240 minor signs

The twenty-fourth chapter of the Odù Ifá corpus. It is one of the sixteen chapters in the Ogbè category (àpólà) and one of the 240 minor chapters, or àmúlù of the Odù Ifá.


Ogbesa

The twenty-fifth sign of the Ifa divination system, it is one of the signs of the ọmọ odù; the 240 minor signs

The twenty-fifth chapter of the Odù Ifá corpus. It is one of the sixteen chapters in the Ogbè category (àpólà) and one of the 240 minor chapters, or àmúlù of the Odù Ifá.


Ogbeka

The twenty-sixth sign of the Ifa divination system, it is one of the signs of the ọmọ odù; the 240 minor signs

The twenty-sixth chapter of the Odù Ifá corpus. It is one of the sixteen chapters in the Ogbè category (àpólà) and one of the 240 minor chapters, or àmúlù of the Odù Ifá.


Ogbeturupọn

/ō.ɡ͡bè.tú.ɾú.k͡pɔ̃̀/

The twenty-seventh sign of the Ifa divination system, it is one of the signs of the ọmọ odù; the 240 minor signs

The twenty-seventh chapter of the Odù Ifá corpus. It is one of the sixteen chapters in the Ogbè category (àpólà) and one of the 240 minor chapters, or àmúlù of the Odù Ifá.


Ogbetura

/ō.ɡ͡bè.tú.ɾá/

The twenty-eighth sign of the Ifa divination system, it is one of the signs of the ọmọ odù; the 240 minor signs

The twenty-eighth chapter of the Odù Ifá corpus. It is one of the sixteen chapters in the Ogbè category (àpólà) and one of the 240 minor chapters, or àmúlù of the Odù Ifá.


Ogberẹtẹ

Ogbèrẹtẹ̀ (canonical)
Ogbèrẹ̀tẹ̀ (canonical)

/ō.ɡ͡bè.ɾɛ̄.tɛ̀/

/ō.ɡ͡bè.ɾɛ̀.tɛ̀/

The twenty-ninth sign of the Ifa divination system, it is one of the signs of the ọmọ odù; the 240 minor signs

The twenty-ninth chapter of the Odù Ifá corpus. It is one of the sixteen chapters in the Ogbè category (àpólà) and one of the 240 minor chapters, or àmúlù of the Odù Ifá.


Ogbesẹ

/ō.ɡ͡bè.sɛ́/

The thirtieth sign of the Ifa divination system, it is one of the signs of the ọmọ odù; the 240 minor signs

The thirtieth chapter of the Odù Ifá corpus. It is one of the sixteen chapters in the Ogbè category (àpólà) and one of the 240 minor chapters, or àmúlù of the Odù Ifá.


Ogbefun

The thirty-first sign of the Ifa divination system, it is one of the signs of the ọmọ odù; the 240 minor signs

The thirty-first chapter of the Odù Ifá corpus. It is the last chapter of the Ogbè category (àpólà) and one of the 240 minor chapters, or àmúlù of the Odù Ifá.


Adegbemibu

From Blend of adé (“royalty, crown”) + è (“negation prefix”) + gbébú (“to insult”) + mi (“me”), literally “The crown did not insult me”
* gbébú is a splitting verb (ọ̀rọ̀-ìṣe ẹlẹ́là) that is split by the pronoun 'mi'

blend

(Ekiti) a unisex given name meaning “The crown did not insult me”


Ọmọlịịjẹ

/ɔ̄.mɔ̃̄.lɪ̄ɪ́.d͡ʒɛ́/

From Blend of ọmọ (“child”) + lị (“to be”) + ị́ (“third person pronoun”) + jẹ́ (“to be”), literally “She is truly a child”.

(Ekiti) a female given name meaning “She is truly a good child”


Ifatumikẹ

Likely from Blend of Ifá (“Ifa”) + tú (“to release”) + mi (“me”) + kẹ́ (“to care for, to cherish”), literally “Ifa released me to be cared for”

(Ekiti) a female given name meaning “Ifa released me to be cared for”


Ọọṣawẹ

/ɔ̀ɔ̀.ʃá.wɛ̀/

From Blend of ọ̀ọ̀ṣà (“orisha”) + wẹ̀ (“to bathe, to wash”), possibly from a Clipping of Ọ̀ọ̀ṣáwẹ̀mímọ́.

clipping

Ọ̀ọ̀ṣáwẹ̀mímọ́

(Ekiti) a female given name meaning “The orisha washed (her)”


Ọmọlẹyẹ

/ɔ̄.mɔ̃̄.lɛ̀.jɛ̄/

From Blend of ọmọ (“child”) + ni (“to be”) + ẹ̀yẹ (“honor, dignity”), literally “The child is honor; Children are honor”.

blend

a unisex given name meaning “The child is honor; Children are honor”


Akinlẹyẹ

From Blend of akin (“bravery, valor”) + ni (“to be”) + ẹ̀yẹ (“honor, dignity”).

a male given name meaning “Bravery is honorable”

a surname, from the given name Akinlẹ̀yẹ


Akinlẹyẹ

/ā.kĩ́.lɛ́.ꜜjɛ̄/

From Blend of akin (“bravery, valor”) + ní (“to have”) + ẹ̀yẹ (“honor, dignity”).

a male given name meaning “Bravery has dignity”

a surname, from the given name Akínlẹ́yẹ


Ibidun

From Blend of ìbí (“birth”) + dùn (“to be sweet”).

a female given name meaning “Birth is sweet”, often a shortening of several longer names (ex. Ìbídùnmóyè)


Oṣomaalo

→ English: Osomaalo

From òṣómàáló (“an Ìjẹ̀ṣà practice in which the loan giver sets up a tent in the vicinity of the debtor's abode”), itself from òṣó (“a squat”) + màá (“I will”) + ló (“squat”), literally “I will stay squatting [until I am paid]”.

com

(sometimes derogatory) an Ìjẹ̀ṣà person (in particular) a trader


Amawomaro

From a- (“agent prefix”) + mọ̀ (“to know”) + awo (“secrets”) + má (“does not”) + rò (“to talk, to gossip”), literally “the one who knows the secrets of the occult and does not utter them”.

af

an oríkì name or nickname for the orisha Ọ̀ṣun


Ẹsin Adimula

head

Ẹ̀sìn Àdìmúlà

Ẹ̀sìn Àdìmúlà

yo-pos

Ẹ̀sìn Àdìmúlà

Ẹ̀sìn Àdìmúlà

yo-prop

Ẹ̀sìn Àdìmúlà

Ẹ̀sìn Àdìmúlà

From ẹ̀sìn (“religion”) + àdìmúlà (“that which we hold on to and survive”), literally “The religion that one holds onto for salvation”.


Okudu

June, the first month of the traditional Yoruba calendar, the Kọ́jọ́dá


Agẹmọ

Egba Yoruba: Ajẹmọ

/ā.ɡɛ̄.mɔ̃̄/

From agẹmọ (“chameleon”), folk etymology states it ultimately comes from a- (“agent prefix”) + gẹ̀ (“to care for, to cherish”) + ọmọ (“children”), literally “One who cares for children”.

af

a primordial orisha primarily worshipped as an ancestral spirit by the Ìjẹ̀bú people. They are believed to be an orisha of fertility, childbirth, and protector of children. It is closely associated with Egúngún, Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ́, and Èlùkú.

(by extension) an annual Ìjẹ̀bú festival held in honor of the orisha Agẹmọ

(by extension) July, the second month of the traditional Yoruba calendar, the Kọ́jọ́dá; the Agẹmọ festival is held during this month


Owewe

September, the third month of the traditional Yoruba calendar, the Kọ́jọ́dá


Ọwara

October, the fifth month of the traditional Yoruba calendar, the Kọ́jọ́dá


Belu

November, the sixth month of the traditional Yoruba calendar, the Kọ́jọ́dá


Ọpẹ

From ọ̀pẹ̀ (“palm tree”) or ọ̀pẹ (“palm tree”). Both ọ̀pẹ and ọ̀pẹ̀ are synonymous terms for the palm tree.

December, the seventh month of the traditional Yoruba calendar, the Kọ́jọ́dá


Ṣẹrẹ

January, the eighth month of the traditional Yoruba calendar, the Kọ́jọ́dá


Erele

Folk etymology states it comes from èrè (“advantage, profit, reward, gain”) + lé (“to add on”), literally “Rewards continuing to be added on”

compound

February, the ninth month in the traditional Yoruba calendar, the Kọ́jọ́dá


Ẹrẹna

Ẹ̀rẹ̀nà (canonical)
Ẹrẹ́nà (canonical)
Ẹrẹ̀nà (canonical)

/ɛ̀.ɾɛ̀.nã̀/

/ɛ̄.ɾɛ́.nã̀/

/ɛ̄.ɾɛ̀.nã̀/

March, the tenth month in the Yoruba calendar, the Kọ́jọ́dá


Igbe

Folk etymology states it comes from igbe (“shout, yell”), signifying it as a month of shouting in celebration and jubilation

April, the eleventh month in the Yoruba calendar, the Kọ́jọ́dá


Rẹmọ

A subgroup of Yoruba people, comprising of 33 towns who speak the Rẹ́mọ dialect of Yoruba, they are closely related to the Ijebu people.


Ẹbibi

(Ijebu) a traditional festival celebrated by the Ìjẹ̀bú people of Ẹ̀pẹ́

(by extension) May, the twelfth and final month in the Yoruba calendar, the Kọ́jọ́dá, during which the Ẹ̀bìbì festival is usually celebrated in.


Ewelere

From ewé (“herbs”) + ní (“to have”) + èrè (“profit, reward”), literally “The use of herbs has rewards”.

An oríkì name for the orisha Ṣàngó, praising his knowledge of medicinal herbs


Origun

From orígun (“angle or corner of the universe”).

(Ìṣẹ̀ṣe) a high-ranking primordial spirit (imọlẹ̀) of creation in the Yoruba religion mentioned in the Odù Ọ̀sá Ògúndá. It is believed Orígun coordinates gases and dew and creates the stars.


Olu-Iwaye

From olú (“lord, prominent one”) + ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + wá (“to arrive, to come”) + ayé (“life”), literally “The Lord of the coming of life”.

(Ìṣẹ̀ṣe) a high-ranking primordial spirit (imọlẹ̀) of creation mentioned in the Odù Ọ̀sá Ògúndá, believed to be the one who cools the stars and stabilizes the heavenly bodies.


Ilara

From ì- (“nominalizing prefixi”) + ní (“to have”) + ará (“relative, family”), literally “The ones who possess many relatives”
* Several folk stories attempt to link the several Ilara-named towns to each other, besides their common origin of Ifẹ̀ as Yoruba towns

af

the name for several Yoruba towns. Unique suffixes are commonly attached to the town's name as a means of differentiating them (ex. Ìlárá-Mọ̀kín)

Ilara-Mokin (an Ekiti Yoruba town in Ondo, Nigeria)

Ìlárá-Rẹ́mọ (a Rẹ́mọ Yoruba town in Ogun, Nigeria)

Ìlárá-Yéwa (a Yéwa Yoruba town in Ogun, Nigeria)

Ìlárá-Ẹ̀pẹ́ (a Rẹ́mọ Yoruba town in Lagos, Nigeria)


Dahọmi

From Fon dã homè (“belly of Dã; snake's belly”).

bor

the Fon people, also known as the Dahomey

(historical) the Republic of Dahomey; now known as Benin


Ija

Possibly from ìjà (“fight, conflict”), but the tone shift from low to mid is unclear, and may suggest origin from a root ja. Also possibly related to ìja (“whirlwind”).
Among the Ekiti people, the deity is known as Ụ̀ja or Ị̀ja, and is largely recognized as a brother and close hunting associated of Ogun, while other traditions regard the deity as a female counterpart and the wife of Ògún, representing the male-female dualities of energies in the form of deities. For other examples, see Ṣàngó, Òrìṣàoko and Ọya; Ọbàtálá with Yemòwó, Ọ̀rúnmìlà and Ọ̀ṣun, ọ̀pẹ̀lẹ̀/ikin divination with ẹ̀rìndínlógún.
The association of a female deity associated hunting is quite peculiar as hunting and war were primarily seen as strictly male professions, but also the duality of male and feminine aspects of hunting can also been seen in deities like Lógunẹ̀dẹ.

Ọ̀ṣọ́ọ̀sì Ọṣọọsi#Yoruba

a primordial divinity (irúnmọlẹ̀) and orisha of war, hunting, and fighting. He is closely associated with Ògún and is regarded as his brother along with Ọ̀ṣọ́ọ̀sì.

the wife of Ògún, the feminine aspect of hunting


Ọṣẹẹrẹmagbo

head

Ọ̀ṣẹ̀ẹ̀rẹ̀màgbò

Ọ̀ṣẹ̀ẹ̀rẹ̀màgbò

yo-pos

Ọ̀ṣẹ̀ẹ̀rẹ̀màgbò

Ọ̀ṣẹ̀ẹ̀rẹ̀màgbò

yo-prop

Ọ̀ṣẹ̀ẹ̀rẹ̀màgbò

Ọ̀ṣẹ̀ẹ̀rẹ̀màgbò

/ɔ̀.ʃɛ̀ɛ̀.ɾɛ̀.mà.ɡ͡bò/

Associated with the semi-historical relationship between Ọbàtálá and the Ùgbò people of ancient Ufẹ̀

an oríkì name or praise name for the orisha Ọbàtálá


Ọṣara

a legendary wife of Oduduwa or Ọ̀ràm̀fẹ̀, she was deified as a river orisha of the town of Ifẹ̀

a river and fertility deity believed to be the wife of the fire deity Ọ̀ràm̀fẹ̀

(by extension) a festival held in the town of Ifẹ̀ in the honor of the orisha Ọ̀ṣàrà


Adeyẹmi

→ English: Adeyemi

From Blend of adé (“crown, royalty”) + yẹ (“to befit”) + mí (“me”), literally “Royalty befits me”.

blend

a unisex given name meaning “Royalty befits me”


Adeyẹmi

From a- (“agent prefix”) + dé (“to arrive”) + yẹ (“to befit”) + mí (“me”), literally “One who arrives and befits me”.

af

a unisex given name meaning “One who arrives me befits me”


Ọlayiwọla

From Blend of ọlá (“honor”) + yí (“to roll”) + wọ̀ (“into”) + ọlá (“honor”), literally “Honor has rolled into honor”.

blend

a unisex given name meaning “Honor has rolled into honor”

a surname, from the given name Ọláyíwọlá


Logunẹdẹ

/ló.ɡũ̄ ɛ̀.dɛ̄/

Ọ̀ṣọ́ọ̀sì Ọṣọọsi#Yoruba

a primordial divinity and orisha associated with hunting and war. While he is said to be from Ẹ̀fọ̀n-Aláayè, his worship is centered in Ìbàdàn. He is closely associated with Ọ̀ṣun and Ọ̀ṣọ́ọ̀sì (with some sources saying he is their son).


Ṣinko

(sometimes derogatory, offensive, ethnic slur) Chinese person


Apẹtẹbi

title held by the wife of a babalawo (Ifá priest)


Adeyẹmọ

→ English: Adeyemo

From adé (“crown”) + yẹ (“to befit”) + ọmọ (“child”), literally “A crown befits the child”.

compound

a male given name meaning “A crown befits the child”


Kọlade

→ English: Kolade

From kó (“to bring”) + ọlá (“honor, wealth”) + dé (“to arrive”), literally “To arrive bringing honor”.

a male given name meaning “Bring honor home”, usually a shortening of a longer name


ọsẹ Ọbatala

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ọ̀sẹ̀ Ọbàtálá

ọ̀sẹ̀ Ọbàtálá

yo-pos

ọ̀sẹ̀ Ọbàtálá

ọ̀sẹ̀ Ọbàtálá

yo-prop

ọ̀sẹ̀ Ọbàtálá

ọ̀sẹ̀ Ọbàtálá

From ọ̀sẹ̀ (“day of the week”) + Ọbàtálá (“the orisha Obatala”).

compound

the first day of the week in the traditional 4-day week of the Yoruba calendar. It is the day of the week dedicated to the worship of the orisha Ọbàtálá and other orisha and spirits, including Ṣànpọ̀nná, the Ìyàmí Àjẹ́, Yemòó, Egúngún, Ẹ̀lúkú, Orò, Òkè, and Yewa


ọsẹ Ifa

/ɔ̀.sɛ̀ ī.fá/

From ọ̀sẹ̀ (“day of the week”) + Ifá (“the orisha Ọ̀rúnmìlà”).

the second day of the week in the traditional 4-day week of the Yoruba calendar. It is the day of the week dedicated to the worship of the orisha Ifá (Ọ̀rúnmìlà) and other orisha, including Ọ̀ṣun, Èṣù, Ọ̀sanyin, Yemọja, Olókun, Ajé, and Òṣùmàrè


ọsẹ Ogun

/ɔ̀.sɛ̀ ò.ɡṹ/

From ọ̀sẹ̀ (“day of the week”) + Ògún (“the orisha Ògún”).

Ọ̀ṣọ́ọ̀sì Ọṣọọsi#Yoruba

the third day of the week in the traditional 4-day week of the Yoruba calendar. It is the day of the week dedicated to the worship of the orisha Ògún and other hunting/warrior orisha, including Ìja, Ọ̀ṣọ́ọ̀sì, Erinlẹ̀, Lógunẹ̀dẹ, Ọ̀tìn, and Òrìṣàoko


ọsẹ Jakuta

head

ọ̀sẹ̀ Jàkúta

ọ̀sẹ̀ Jàkúta

yo-pos

ọ̀sẹ̀ Jàkúta

ọ̀sẹ̀ Jàkúta

yo-prop

ọ̀sẹ̀ Jàkúta

ọ̀sẹ̀ Jàkúta

Lucumí: Yákuta

/ɔ̀.sɛ̀ d͡ʒà.kú.tā/

From ọ̀sẹ̀ (“day of the week”) + Jàkúta (“the orisha Jàkúta (Ṣàngó)”).

compound

the fourth and final day of the week in the traditional 4-day week of the Yoruba calendar. It is the day of the week dedicated to the worship of the orisha Jàkúta (Ṣàngó) and his wife, Ọya


Baayanni

a Yoruba orisha and divinity who is the brother of the orisha Ṣàngó. He is closely related to coral (iyùn). Some sources consider him to be synonymous with Dàda.


Ẹmilalẹ

/ɛ̀.mɪ̃̀.lā.lɛ̀/

Cognate with Igbo Ọmenala (“Igbo culture”), Igbo òmenàànị̀. From ẹ̀mị̀ + ni + alẹ̀ (“ground, earth”) + is, literally “Ẹ̀mị̀ is the ground” This term likely predates the concept of òrìṣà and the modern concept of the Yoruba religion, and points to the overarching beliefs of the Proto-Yoruboid and Igboid people.

af

(Ekiti) a divinity and spirit of the Earth worshipped mainly by the Eastern Yoruba people. It is regarded as a divinity of prosperity, fertility, as well as the protector, guardian, and origin of the land, each town has its own beliefs and forms of Ẹ̀mị̀lalẹ̀.


Lasisi

Derived from Arabic عَبْد الْعَزِيز (ʕabd al-ʕazīz).

der

عَبْد الْعَزِيز

Arabic عَبْد الْعَزِيز (ʕabd al-ʕazīz)

der+

عَبْد الْعَزِيز

a male given name from Arabic, equivalent to English Abdulaziz


Alimi

a male given name from Arabic, equivalent to English Alim


Bakare

Borrowed from Hausa Àbūbakàr̃, ultimately from Arabic أَبُو بَكْر (ʔabū bakr).

a male given name from Hausa, equivalent to English Abubakar


Kasimu

a male given name from Arabic, equivalent to English Qasim


Aliyu

a male given name from Arabic, equivalent to English Ali


Ganiyu

From Arabic عَبْد الْغَنِيّ (ʕabd al-ḡaniyy).

der

عَبْد الْغَنِيّ

a male given name from Arabic, equivalent to English 'Abd al-Ghani


Yisa

Arabic عِيسَى (ʕīsā)

(Islam) Jesus (Isa), a major prophet in Islam

a male given name from Arabic, equivalent to English Isa


Disu

a male given name from Arabic, equivalent to English Idris


Kogi

From Hausa Kogi, from Hausa kṑgī (“river”).


Adamawa

From English Adamawa, ultimately from Fula Adamawa in reference to the now defunct Adamawa Emirate

A state of Nigeria in the North East geopolitical zone. Capital and largest city: Yola.


Iwọ Popo

From ìwọ + pópó, ultimately from ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + wọ (“to enter”) + pópó (“street, junction, road”), literally “The act of entering into the roads”.

af

ọdún Ọ̀ṣun-Òṣogbo
ọdun Ọṣun-Oṣogbo#Yoruba

a sacred ritual held in the beginning of August that signifies the start of the Osun-Osogbo festival (ọdún Ọ̀ṣun-Òṣogbo), it consisting of a traditional spiritual cleansing of the town and the roads.


Ifamakinde

Blend of Ifá (“Ifa; the deity Ifa”) + mú (“to bring”) + akin (“valor, bravery, warrior”) + dé (“to arrive”), literally “The deity Ifa has brought the brave one here”

blend

a male given name meaning “The deity Ifa has brought the brave one here”


Ọlọlade

From oní- (“one who has”) + ọlá (“honor, prestige, notability”) + dé (“to arrive”), literally “The honorable one has arrived”.

af

a unisex given name meaning “The honorable one has arrived”


Iyanda

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + yàn (“to choose”) + dá (“to make, to create”).

a unisex given name meaning “One who was specially chosen to be made”


Eṣubiyii

From Blend of Èṣù (“the deity Èṣù”) + bí (“to give birth to”) + èyí (“this one”), literally “Èṣù gave birth to this child; Èṣù allowed this child to be born”.

blend

a male given name meaning “the deity Èṣù gave birth to this child”


Yemowo

From iye/iya (“mother”) + mòwó (“Mawu”), literally “Mother Mòwó”. See Măwŭ

compound

in the ancestral Ifẹ̀ religion, a supreme creator deity/goddess regarded as the consort of the sky deity Ọbàtálá (then known as Òrìṣà). She is likely equivalent to Mawu in the Dahomean religion

a divinity who is the wife of the deity of purity and creation, Ọbàtálá


Ọbanịfọnṣae

head

Ọbànị̀fọ̀nṣaè

Ọbànị̀fọ̀nṣaè

yo-pos

Ọbànị̀fọ̀nṣaè

Ọbànị̀fọ̀nṣaè

yo-prop

Ọbànị̀fọ̀nṣaè

Ọbànị̀fọ̀nṣaè

/ɔ̄.bà.nɪ̃̀.fɔ̃̀.ʃā.è/

From Blend of Ọbànị̀fọ̀n (“the orisha Obalufon”) + ọ̀n (“negation prefix”) + ṣayè (“to lie”), literally “Obanifon is not a liar; Obanifon does not lie”

blend

(Ekiti) a male given name meaning “The orisha Ọbànị̀fọ̀n is not a liar; Ọbàlùfọ̀n does not lie”


Ẹsinmirin

/ɛ̀.sĩ̀.mĩ̀.ɾĩ̀/

Possibly from ẹ̀- + sìnmìrìn, which in term may be constructed to Proto-Yoruboid *ò-sĩ̀mĩ̀lì. Likely related to Igbo òsìmìlì (“river”), Igbo Òsìmìlì (“Niger river”), and Igala òhìmìnì (“a major river”). While the term only exists as the name of a mythological river found in an oral story, it may have originally been used as a term for any large body of water, similar to the Niger river, as the Proto-Yoruboid, and then Proto-Yoruba speakers migrated into Yorubaland and came upon many different large bodies of waters. The term likely was used in reference to the Niger river, the major body of water Proto-Yoruboid speakers would have known and likely worshipped. It is potentially an older cognate with Igbo mmiri (“water”) and thus potentially a Doublet of omi.

(obsolete) Niger river; the spirit of the Niger river

(by extension, mythology) a body of water in the town of Ifẹ̀, featured in the story of Mọrèmí. The fact that there exists no well known river in Ifẹ̀ that is known as the Ẹ̀sìnmìnrìn may suggest the story points to the Niger river or the use of the term as one for a general large body of water

(by extension, mythology) a female water divinity believed to be the spirit of the Ẹ̀sìnmìrìn river


Ọbadio

From ọba (“king, father”) + Idìo (“the sacred shrine of Odùduwà in Ife”), literally “Father of Idio”

compound

the title of the chief priest of the worship of Odùduwà as a divinity in the town of Ifẹ̀


Ọsiria

/ɔ́.sí.ɾí.à/


Iyamọpọ

→ Portuguese: amapô, amapoa

a female deity believed to have discovered palm oil and serves as the patron of palm oil producers


Ọbanla

Lucumí: Ọbanla

From ọba (“father, king”) + ńlá (“big, large”), literally “mighty king; mighty father”.

a high ranking chieftaincy title in Yorubaland


Aringiya

/ā.ɾĩ̄.ɡí.jà/

(Eastern Akoko) a female water deity associated with fertility, chastity, and the harvest. She is worshipped by the people of Ìkàrẹ́


Eṣu Laalu

/è.ʃù láà.lú/

Folk etymology states it comes from Èṣù (“the orisha Èṣù”) + ọlá (“honor, wealth”) + ìlú (“town”), literally “Èṣù, the honor of a town”

a nickname for the deity Èṣù, referencing his importance in the everyday life of a town.


Ayọbamikalẹ

From ayọ̀ (“joy”) + bá (“with”) + mi (“me”) + kalẹ́ (“till the end of time”)


Eti-Ọsa

From etí (“edge”) + ọ̀sà (“lagoon”), literally “edge of the lagoon”

one of Lagos State's 20 local government areas


Giẹsi

Probably from a Contraction or a nickname

(historical) a historic monarch, or Ọ̀ọ̀ni, of the Ifẹ̀ kingdom

(by extension) one of the four ruling houses of Ifẹ̀, consisting of descendants of Gíẹ́sì


Ọhọri

Ohori people, a subethnic group of the Yoruba people in the Republic of Benin, whom speak one of the various Yoruboid Ede languages, Èdè Ìjɛ̀

the Yoruboid language spoken by the Ohori people, also known as Ije, and sometimes regarded as a dialect of Yoruba


Iwarẹ

From ìwà + rẹ, cognate with Edo Igharẹ, see cognates in other Yoruba-dialects, Ị̀àrẹ, Èghàrẹ, Ùwàrẹ, perhaps from the same root as ààrẹ (“leader, president”)

the highest class of chiefs in a Yoruba town, the first six makeup a council known as the Ìwàrẹ̀fà


Pọsii

From pọ̀ sí i (“to augment; to increase”).

a unisex given name meaning “to increase”, it is a shortened form or nickname for much longer names, ex. Ayọ̀mipọ̀síi


Eṣu Ọdara

→ Portuguese: Exu Odará

/è.ʃù ɔ̀.dà.ɾà/

From Èṣù + Ọ̀dàrà
* Ọ̀dàrà is believed to be from ọ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + dá (“to make”) + àrà (“wonders”)

Èṣù + Ọ̀dàrà

af

a nickname and praise name for the deity Èṣù


Akamuja

(Ekiti) the title of the chief priest of the worship of the ancestral deity Ọbàlùfọ̀n or Ọbànìfọ̀n


Olisa

a traditional chieftaincy title usually given to the highest ranking chief of most Yoruba towns, and head of the Ìwàrẹ̀fà or in some cases, Ògbóni, council of chiefs


Suurulere

/sùú.ɾù.lé.ɾè/


Muṣin

Mushin, one of Lagos State's 20 local government areas


Akwa Ibọm

From English Akwa Ibom, the name was derived from the Kwa Ibo River, ultimately of Ibibio origin

A state of Nigeria in the South South geopolitical zone. Capital and largest city: Uyo.


Bọno

From English Borno, its name taken from Borno Emirate, ultimately of Kanuri origin

A state of Nigeria in the North East geopolitical zone. Capital and largest city: Maiduguri.


Kuwara

A state of Nigeria in the North Central geopolitical zone. Capital and largest city: Lokoja.


Ẹbọnyi

/ɛ̀.bɔ̃́.jì/

From English Ebonyi, derived from the Abonyi river in the region, ultimately of Igbo origin


Oriṣa

The etymology of the term is unclear (perhaps from Proto-Yoruboid *ò-rìsà, Proto-Yoruboid *ɔ̀-rɪ̀cà, or Proto-Yoruboid *ò-rìcà). May have originally referred to the sky or rainfall, a sense which is still used in some contextes but is rare.
Several folk etymologies exist, the main one suggesting it comes from orí (“head, conscience, destiny”) + ì- (nominalizing prefix) + ṣà (“to be selected, to choose”), literally “The head that is specially selected”. (This is unlikely, however, as this term only fits the Yoruba definition of òrìṣà, but not the cognate versions in other languages or even in other Yoruba dialects.)
Historically among the ancient Yoruba, and likely their Proto-Yoruboid ancestors, Òrìṣà referred to a specific arch-divinity of the sky and creation (now known as Òrìṣàńlá and Ọbàtálá). See cognates Itsekiri Òrìtsẹ̀, Igbo Òlìsà, Urhobo Oyise, Yoruba Ọ̀rìṣà, Edo Osa, Oisa, Ebira Oricha, and Fon Lisà. In these related languages and Eastern Yoruba dialects of the Yoruba language (see Ọ̀rị̀ṣà) as well as old Yoruba songs, Òrìṣà has retained a proper noun definition, referring to a specific high-ranking androgynous divinity associated with the sky, creation, and government.

compound

(historical, obsolete) the supreme being and deity associated with the sky, rainfall, and weather. Equivalent to what is now regarded as Olódùmarè, this meaning is still used in the Ekiti Yorùbá equivalent Ọ̀rị̀ṣà, Àbarị̀ṣà.

Ọbàtálá

(rare) Synonym of Ọbàtálá, a primordial sky deity or imọlẹ̀ associated with rain, creation, and purity regarded as the oldest of the deities and the creator of humanity. Probably originally equivalent with Sense 1. The deity traditionally was regarded as being androgynous. Their worship combined with the ancestral deification of a figure known as (Ọbàtálá), forming into the Yoruba deity Ọbàtálá and Òrìṣàńlá.


Udiroko

From ùdí (“base, bottom”) + ìrókò (“iroko tree”), referring to the fact that the festival refers to the first meeting of the new leadership of the Ado kingdom was traditionally held at the base of an Iroko tree

a festival in the town of Ado-Ekiti marking the first day of the traditional calendar of the Ado Kingdom. It is believed to have been derived from the first meeting of the leaders of the Ado Kingdom was founded after the successful overthrow of the Elésùn, the ruler of the ancient Ùlésùn kingdom


Iyami Oṣoronga

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Ìyàmi Òṣòròǹgà

Ìyàmi Òṣòròǹgà

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Ìyàmi Òṣòròǹgà

Ìyàmi Òṣòròǹgà

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Ìyàmi Òṣòròǹgà

Ìyàmi Òṣòròǹgà

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Ìyámi Òṣòròǹgà

Ìyámi Òṣòròǹgà

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Ìyámi Òṣòròǹgà

Ìyámi Òṣòròǹgà

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Ìyámi Òṣòròǹgà

Ìyámi Òṣòròǹgà

Ìyàmi Òṣòròǹgà (canonical)
Ìyámi Òṣòròǹgà (canonical)

/ì.jà.mĩ̄ ò.ʃò.ɾò.ŋ̀.ɡà/

/ì.já.mĩ̄ ò.ʃò.ɾò.ŋ̀.ɡà/

From Ìyàmi + Òṣòròǹgà, perhaps related to the mythical bird, àràmàgàmàgà, which Ìyàmi are believed to take the form of, see ẹlẹyẹ

compound

Ìyàmi + Òṣòròǹgà

a praise name (oríkì) for supernatural spirits known as the Àjẹ́, Ìyàmi (believed to represent feminine power of creation and destruction. They are often represented in the form of old women, and sometimes associated with witchcraft).


Adekugbe

From Blend of adé (“royalty, crown”) + kù (“does not”) + gbé (“to perish, to become gone”)

blend

(Ondo) a male given name meaning “Royalty does not perish”

(Ondo) a surname, from the given name Adékùgbé


Makoko

Makoko; an informal settlement across the 3rd Mainland Bridge located on the coast of mainland Lagos.


Tufalu

Tuvalu (an archipelago and country in Oceania)


Tayelolu

From Táyé (“Taye (first child in a set of twins)”) + ni (“is”) + olú (“the leader, the prominent one”), literally “Taye is the leader”

compound

a praise name for the first child in a set of twins, usually named Táyé


Alakẹ

à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + là (“to survive”) + kẹ́ (“to care for, to cherish”), literally “One that has survived for us to care for”

af

A female oríkì name, meaning "One that has survived for us to care for".


Agbekẹ

/à.ɡ͡bé.kɛ́/

à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gbé (“to carry, to hold”) + kẹ́ (“to care for, to cherish”), literally “The one who is carried and cared for”

A female oríkì name, meaning "The one who is carried and cared for".


Amọkẹ

/à.mɔ̃̀.kɛ́/

à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + mọ̀ (“to know”) + kẹ́ (“to care for, to cherish”), literally “One who is known and cared for”

A female oríkì name, meaning "One who is known and cared for".


Abẹbi

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bẹ̀ (“to beg”) + bí (“to give birth to”), literally “One who is begged for to be born”

A female oríkì name, meaning "One who is begged for to be born".


Ajani

/à.d͡ʒà.nĩ́/

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + jà (“to fight”) + ní (“to have”), literally “One fought for to have”

A male oríkì name, meaning "One fought for to have".


Akanni

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + kàn (“to be special”) + ní (“to have”), literally “One who is special to have”

A male oríkì name, meaning "One who is special to have".


Ajagbe

/à.d͡ʒà.ɡ͡bé/

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + jà (“to fight”) + gbé (“to carry, to embrace”), literally “One fought for to cuddle them”

A male oríkì name, meaning "One fought for to cuddle them".


Ajadi

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + jà (“to fight”) + dí (“to block”), literally “One who fights to block out an attack”

A male oríkì name, meaning "One who fights to block out an attack".


Ariyọ

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + rí (“to see”) + yọ̀ (“to rejoice”), literally “One who is seen and we rejoice”

A female oríkì name, meaning "One who is seen and we rejoice".


Ayọka

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + yọ̀ (“to rejoice”) + ká (“around, surround”), literally “One for whom everyone around them rejoices”

A female oríkì name, meaning "One for whom everyone around them rejoices".


Atunkẹ

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + tún (“again; to repeat”) + kẹ́ (“to care for; to cherish”), literally “One who is repeatedly cared for”

A female oríkì name, meaning "One who is repeatedly cared for".


Adisa

From à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + dì (“to bundle up”) + sá (“to display; to leave something out to dry”), literally “One who is bound and displayed”, see Àdìó for another common name with a similar etymology

A male oríkì name, meaning "One who is bound and displayed".


Oriṣabinu

From Blend of Òrìṣà (“the supreme sky deity also known as Òrìṣàńlá”) + à (“negation particle”) + bínú (“to become upset”), literally “Òrìṣà was not upset”, likely a name given after good favour was restored in the family with the birth of a child, signifying that the cause of previous difficult was not because of the anger of Òrìṣà

blend

a unisex given name meaning “Òrìṣà was not upset”


Ogunmọdẹde

/ò.ɡṹ.mɔ̃̄.dɛ̄.dé/

From Blend of Ògún (“Ogun; the orisha of iron and hunting”) + mú (“to bring”) + ọdẹ (“hunter”) + dé (“to arrive”), literally “Ògún has brought one who will be a hunter”

a male given name meaning “Ògún has brought one who will be a hunter”

a surname, from the given name Ògúnmọdẹdé


Ifajẹmileyin

From Blend of Ifá (“Ifa”) + jẹ́ (“to allow”) + mi (“me”) + ní (“to have”) + èyìn (“behind; something that comes behind someone; legacy”), literally “Ifa allowed me to have a legacy”

(Ekiti) a unisex given name meaning “Ifa allowed me to have a legacy”


Ọmọlabakẹ

From ọmọ (“child”) + ni (“to be”) + à- (“nominalizing prefix”) + bá (“ought to, should have”) + kẹ́ (“to care for; to cherish”), literally “This child is one that ought to be cared for”

compound

A female oríkì name, meaning "This child is one that ought to be cared for".


Lamidi

From Arabic عَبْدُ الْحَمِيد (ʕabdu l-ḥamīd), perhaps through Hausa Àbdùlhàmîd

der

عَبْدُ الْحَمِيد

Arabic عَبْدُ الْحَمِيد (ʕabdu l-ḥamīd)

a male given name from Arabic, equivalent to English Abdul Hamid


Murainọ

a male given name from Arabic, equivalent to English Imran


Muraina

a male given name from Arabic, equivalent to English Imran, Alternative form of Múráínọ̀


Ọnịfọnboyede

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Ọnị̀fọ̀nbóyèdé

Ọnị̀fọ̀nbóyèdé

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Ọnị̀fọ̀nbóyèdé

Ọnị̀fọ̀nbóyèdé

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Ọnị̀fọ̀nbóyèdé

Ọnị̀fọ̀nbóyèdé

From Blend of Ọnị̀fọ̀n (“the deity Ọbànị̀fọ̀n”) + bá (“to come”) + oyè (“honor, chieftaincy title”) + dé (“to arrive”), literally “Ọbànị̀fọ̀n has come with honor”

blend

(Ekiti, rare) a male given name meaning “Ọbànị̀fọ̀n has come with honor”

(Ekiti) a surname, from the given name Ọnị̀fọ̀nbóyèdé


Dosunmu

→ French: Dossoumon

→ English: Docemo

From dì mú (“to hold on”) + òsùn (“a religious staff used by babalawos”)

compound

a male given name meaning “Hold onto the sacred Òsùn staff”


Abarịṣa

/à.bā.ɾɪ̀.ʃà/

From àba (“father”) + Ọ̀rị̀ṣà (“Orisa (supreme sky deity)”), literally “Father Orisha”, also see àbarị̀ṣà (“rain”). This perhaps suggest that the term "orisha" may originally come for a root for sky or the elements of the sky later associated with a supreme deity.

(Ekiti) the supreme sky deity of the Ekiti people, synonymous with Ọ̀rị̀ṣà and Ọbàtálá, likely predating Olódùmọrè; the deity Ọbàtálá


Ịja

See Ìja for an explanation on the male and female aspects of this deity. Possibly from ị̀jà (“fight, conflict”), but the tone shift from low to mid is unclear, and may suggest origin from a root ja

(Ekiti) a male hunting deity (ụmọlẹ̀) regarded as a brother of Ògún


Ụja

See Ìja for an explanation on the male and female aspects of this deity

Ọ̀ṣọ́ọ̀sì Ọṣọọsi#Yoruba

(Ekiti) a male hunting deity (ụmọlẹ̀) regarded as a brother of Ògún and Ẹ̀ṣọ́ùsì (Ọ̀ṣọ́ọ̀sì)


Olu oroke

From olú (“leader, lord, prominent one”) + orí (“on top”) + òkè (“hill”), literally “The lord on the top of the hill”

(Ekiti) a nickname and praise name for the supreme deity Ọlụ́a, who is primarily associated with hills

Olú orókè mọ́ mọ̀ jogun ja olórò kọ́n ṣe ọdún í oo ― Olú orókè do not bring war and strife to the one who is doing the rituals of this festival (a prayer during the Ọ̀pá festival honoring Olú orókè)

(Ekiti) a deity associated with fertility in some towns, closely associated with Ọlụ́a but regarded as a different deity


Egbona

/è.ɡ͡bó.nã́/

From ègbóná (“smallpox”), ultimately from è- (“nominalizing prefix”) + gbóná (“to be hot; to become hot”)

af

(euphemistic, proscribed, obsolete) a euphemistic name for the deity of smallpox (Ṣànpọ̀nná)


Alapadupẹ

From oní (“one who has”) + a- (“agent prefix”) + pa (“to kill”) + dúpẹ́ (“to thank”), literally “The one who kills and is then thanked”

(euphemistic) a euphemistic nickname for the deity of smallpox (Ṣànpọ̀nná). Because the disease was so widely feared it was forbidden for there to show any signs of affection, less they anger the deity who may inflict the disease on others.


Ọyagbọla

/ɔ̄.já.ɡ͡bɔ̄.lá/

From Blend of Ọya (“the orisha Ọya”) + gba (“to receive”) + ọlá (“honor”), literally “Ọya has received honor”

blend

a unisex given name meaning “Ọya has received honor”


Ọlaifa

From blend of ọlá (“honor”) + Ifá (“Ifa”), literally “The honor of Ifa; the grace or benefit of Ifa”

a unisex given name meaning “The honor of Ifa; the grace of Ifa”


Ikẹja

/ì.kɛ̄.d͡ʒà/

A city, the state capital of Lagos State, Nigeria.

one of Lagos State's 20 local government areas


Owu-Ipoole

From Òwu (“Owu”) + ìpóólé (“original home”), literally “The original home of the Owu”. ìpóólé is used as a term among many Yoruba societies to describe the original founding location of a town, before because of a variety of reasons, the people migrated to another location.

compound

(historical) the ancient capital of the Òwu kingdom founded by legendary king Ajíbọ́ṣìn from the 13th century to sometime in the 18th century, where it was replaced by Orílẹ̀ Òwu and other Òwu towns, including Àpòmù, Ẹrùnmu


Adekiitẹ

From adé (“royalty/crown”) + kìí (“does not”) + tẹ̀ (“to crush/fall”)

a unisex given name meaning “The crown does not fall”


Aeregbe

/ā.é.ɾé.ɡ͡bé/

Possibly from aéré (“farmhouse, hut”) + gbé. Compare with Ondo Yoruba Aghéégbé, Ọwọ, Idanre Yoruba Aghérégbé. Multiple independent oral histories assert that the festival was exported from the kingdom of Ọ̀bà-Ilé. This perhaps suggests that this festival is a remnant of Ọ̀bà-Ilé cultural influence on its neighbors, before the establishment of kingdoms like Àkúrẹ́, Adó, Ìdànrè, and Oǹdó, as well as Benin influence, which reduced its influence.

(Ekiti) an ancient festival celebrated in certain Èkìtì towns including Àkúrẹ́, Adó, and others, and is mainly characterized by the consumption of àkàrà.

sìbí

traditional dance performed during Aérégbé

Ọlụ́a

a deity worshipped during Aeregbe festivals in some towns


Muyiwa

→ English: Muyiwa

From mú (“to bring”) + iyì or uyì (“honor, dignity”) + wá (“to come”), literally “To bring honour”

a unisex given name meaning “brings honour”, usually a shortening of a longer name such as Olúwamúyìwá (“The Lord brings honour”), Oyèmúyìwá (“Chieftaincy brings honour”), Ògúnmúyìwá (“Ogun brings honour”), Adémúyìwá (“Royalty brings honour”), Ifámúyìwá (“Ifa brings honour”) etc.


Muyiiwa

→ English: Muyiwa

From mú (“to bring”) + èyí (“this”) + wá (“to come”), literally “To bring this one [the child]”

a unisex given name meaning “brings this one”, usually a shortening of a longer name such as Olúwamúyìíwá (“The Lord has brought this one”), Ògúnmúyìíwá (“Ogun has brought this one”), Adémúyìíwá (“Royalty has brought this one”) etc.


Itori

an Òwu Yoruba town in Ewékorò, Ogun, Nigeria


Salakọ

From sọ (“tie”) + àlà (“white cloth”) + kọ́ (“hang”), literally “to a hang a white cloth on one's shoulder”. Children with this name are usually associated with the deity Ọbàtálá

a unisex given name, an orúkọ àmútọ̀runwá (“predestined name”), given to children who were born with a nuchal cord that wraps around their body and shoulder so that it resembles a white sash


Talabi

From ti (“of”) + àlà (“white cloth”) + bí (“to be born”), literally “That which is born with white cloth”. Children with this name are usually associated with the deity Ọbàtálá

a unisex given name, an orúkọ àmútọ̀runwá (“predestined name”), given to children who were born with a nuchal cord that wraps around their body and waist so that it resembles a white banner. This is extremely similar to the circumstances for the name Sàlàkọ́


Olugbodi

Probably from olú (“main one, prominent person”) + gbé (“to carry”) + odi (“bunch (usually of fruit)”), literally “The one that carries a bunch”

a unisex given name, an orúkọ àmútọ̀runwá (“predestined name”), given to children born with six fingers (polydactyly)


Ọkẹ

a unisex given name, an orúkọ àmútọ̀runwá (“predestined name”), given to a child born via an en caul birth, in which its amniotic sac is still intact


Ọmọpẹ

/ɔ̄.mɔ̃́.k͡pɛ́/

From ọmọ (“child”) + pẹ́ (“to be late; to be delayed”), literally “The child stayed late”

a unisex given name, an orúkọ àmútọ̀runwá (“predestined name”), given to a child born past their mother's due date


Abiọna

From a- (“agent prefix”) + bí (“to be born”) + sí (“to, on”) + ọ̀nà (“road”), literally “One who is born on the road”

af

a unisex given name, an orúkọ àmútọ̀runwá (“predestined name”), given to a child born before a mother could reach the hospital, or traditionally, born at the farm, before a mother can make it back home


Oni

a unisex given name, an orúkọ àmútọ̀runwá (“predestined name”), given to a child who cries incessantly


Ilọri

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + lọ̀ (“to grind”) + rí (“to see”), literally “Grinding of something resulting in the finding of something else”

a unisex given name, orúkọ àmútọ̀runwá (“predestined name”), given to a child born while their mother was not menstruating


Ejitọn

/è.d͡ʒí.tɔ̃́/

A name that is remnant of the ancient Ifa system of divination known as agbigba, cognate terms are found in almost every system of Ifa-like divination among the Edo, Yoruba, Igbo, Urhobo, and Nupe, equivalent to Ògúndá. Compare with Itsekiri Ègíté, Igala Èjítá, Edo Ìghítan, Igbo Ìɣítẹ (Nri), Igbo Ìjíte (Nsuka), Igbo Èjíte (Western Igbo), Idoma Èjítá, perhaps a distant Doublet of Ògúndá. Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruboid *ì-jítã́ or Proto-Yoruboid *ì-jíté

(Ekiti) The ninth principal sign of the Ifa divination system

(Ekiti) The ninth chapter of the Odù Ifá corpus, and one of the major ojú odù


Ijẹlu

/ì.d͡ʒɛ̀.lú/

Ijelu-Ekiti (a Yoruba town in Ekiti, Nigeria); known for being closely associated to the deity of Èṣù, including where Èṣù is believed to have "entered the ground" (wọlẹ̀)


Ido-Fabọrọ

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Ìdó-Fábọ́rọ̀

Ìdó-Fábọ́rọ̀

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Ìdó-Fábọ́rọ̀

Ìdó-Fábọ́rọ̀

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Ìdó-Fábọ́rọ̀

Ìdó-Fábọ́rọ̀

From Ìdó + Ifá + bá + ọrọ̀, ultimately from ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + dó (“to settle”), literally “that which we settled” and Ifá (“Ifa, referring to the deity and prophet Orunmila”) + bá (“to meet”) + ọrọ̀ (“wealth”), literally “Ifa has met wealth”, likely referring to the fact Orunmila found his wife in Ido

compound

Ido Ekiti (a Yoruba town in Ekiti, Nigeria); known for its reference in the Odù Ifá as the birthplace and hometown of the legendary figure Pòróyè, who eventually became a wife of Ọ̀rúnmìlà (Ifá) and the mother of Ọlọmọ


Isaba

Isaba-Ekiti (a Yoruba town in Ekiti, Nigeria); known for being the home of the deity Ọ̀sanyìn


Igede

Igede-Ekiti (a Yoruba town in Ekiti, Nigeria); regarded as the birthplace of the deity Ọ̀ṣun and Ọ̀gbẹ̀sẹ̀, as well as being the source of the Osun river


Panyan-an

/k͡pã̀.jã́ã̀/

Likely from Portuguese Espanha. Doublet of Sípéènì.


Alademọmi

From Blend of aládé (“king, royalty”) + mọ̀ (“to know”) + mí (“me”), literally “The king knows me”

blend

a unisex given name meaning “The king knows me”


Aladegbuji

From aládé (“king, royalty”) + gba (“to accept”) + ùjì (“shade, shadow”)

compound

(Ekiti) a male given name meaning “Royalty has accepted a shade”


Aladejana

From aládé (“king, royalty”) + já (“to steer towards”) + ọ̀nà (“path”)

(Ekiti) a male given name meaning “Royalty has found the right path”

(Ekiti) a surname, from the given name Aládéjánà


Adebọbajọ

From adé (“crown, royalty”) + bá (“together with”) + ọba (“king”) + jọ (“fit”), literally “The crown suits the king”. An name for a prince born during coronation or born while the king was in a council session.

a male given name meaning “The crown suits the king”

a surname, from the given name Adébọ́bajọ


Adegbamigbe

/ā.dé.ɡ͡bà.mĩ́.ɡ͡bé/

From adé (“royalty”) + è (“negation prefix”) + gbàgbé (“to forget”) + mí (“me”), literally “The crown did not forget me”. Evidence that the verb gbàgbé originally acted as a splitting verb in at least some Yoruba dialects

(CY) a unisex given name meaning “The crown did not forget me”

(CY) a surname from the given name Adégbàmígbé


Aladelusi

From aládé (“king, royalty”) + ní (“to have”) + ùsì (“honor, prestige”)

(Ekiti) a male given name meaning “The king has honor”

(Ekiti) a surname, from the given name Aládélúsì


Ọmọrẹmilẹkun

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Ọmọ́rẹ̀mílẹ́kún

Ọmọ́rẹ̀mílẹ́kún

yo-pos

Ọmọ́rẹ̀mílẹ́kún

Ọmọ́rẹ̀mílẹ́kún

yo-prop

Ọmọ́rẹ̀mílẹ́kún

Ọmọ́rẹ̀mílẹ́kún

/ɔ̄.mɔ̃́.ɾɛ̀.mĩ́.lɛ́.kṹ/

From ọmọ (“child”) + rẹ̀ (“to console”) + mí (“me”) + ní (“in”) + ẹkún (“tears”), literally “The child consoled my tears”

compound

a unisex given name meaning “The child has consoled my tears”

a surname from given name Ọmọ́rẹ̀mílẹ̀kún


Atọn

Alternative form of Atan (“a female river deity worshipped by several Èkìtì Yorùbá speaking towns, including Ìjàrẹ́ and Ijù”)

Atan

Alternative form of Atan (“Atọn (a river in Nigeria)”)


Igbara-odo

/ì.ɡ͡bà.ɾà.ō.dò/

Local folk etymology states it originates from Àìgbàrà (“Aigbara forest”) + odò (“river, south”), literally “The southern part of the Aigbara forest”, compare with Ìgbàrà-òkè, the sister town.

Igbara-odo (an Ekiti Yoruba town in Ekiti, Nigeria)


Ikọta

From Ụ̀kọta, the name for the town in the Ekiti dialect of the region

Ikota (an Ekiti Yoruba town in Ifedore, Ondo, Nigeria), close to the town of Ìlárá-Mọ̀kín


Iṣarun

Folk etymology states it comes from ụ̀ṣà (“pot”) + run (“to crumble”), literally “The place where the pots were destroyed”, perhaps referring to the many leftover potsherds that litter the town, a remnant of perhaps a culture of pottery in the area

Isarun (an Ekiti Yoruba town in Ifedore, Ondo, Nigeria), known for being the location of Iwo Eleru cave


Ipogun

/ì.k͡pō.ɡũ̄/

From Ùpogun, the name of the town in the local Yoruba dialect

Ipogun (an Ekiti Yoruba town in Ifedore, Ondo, Nigeria)


Ibuji

Ibuji (an Ekiti Yoruba town in Ifedore, Ondo, Nigeria)


Ụpịnṣa

/ʊ̀.k͡pɪ̃̄.ʃà/

Folk etymology states it comes from ụ̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) + pị́n (“to divide, share”) + ị̀ṣà (“a type of plant”)

af

Alternative form of Ìpinṣà (“a town in Ondo, Nigeria”)


Ipinṣa

/ì.k͡pĩ̄.ʃà/

Ipinsa (an Ekiti Yoruba town in Akure South, Ondo, Nigeria)


Ibulẹ-Ṣọrọ

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Ìbulẹ̀-Ṣọ́rọ̀

Ìbulẹ̀-Ṣọ́rọ̀

yo-pos

Ìbulẹ̀-Ṣọ́rọ̀

Ìbulẹ̀-Ṣọ́rọ̀

yo-prop

Ìbulẹ̀-Ṣọ́rọ̀

Ìbulẹ̀-Ṣọ́rọ̀

/ì.bū.lɛ̀.ʃɔ́.ɾɔ̀/

Ibule-Soro (an Ekiti Yoruba town in Ifedore, Ondo, Nigeria)


Kọraa

Perhaps from English coral, from the coral beads that Syrian and Lebanese traders often sold in Lagos and Kano


Ọṣilẹ

the traditional ruler of the Ẹ̀gbá Òkè-Ọ̀nà people of Abẹ́òkúta

(historical) the ruler of the Òkò kingdom


Ẹgba Oke-Ọna

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Ẹ̀gbá Òkè-Ọ̀nà

Ẹ̀gbá Òkè-Ọ̀nà

yo-pos

Ẹ̀gbá Òkè-Ọ̀nà

Ẹ̀gbá Òkè-Ọ̀nà

yo-noun

Ẹ̀gbá Òkè-Ọ̀nà

Ẹ̀gbá Òkè-Ọ̀nà

/ɛ̀.ɡ͡bá ò.kè.ɔ̀.nã̀/

From Ẹ̀gbá (“Egba”) + Òkè (“north”) + Ọ̀nà (“Ona river”), literally “Egba of the north of the Ona river”

compound

one of the three subgroups of the Egba Yoruba ethnic group of Abẹ́òkúta. Originally known as the Òkò, they lived along the Ona river, and also resided within the Rẹ́mọ kingdom. The Ẹ̀gbá Yoruba dialect they speak greatly resembles the Ìjẹ̀bú dialect


Aighọ

Folk etymology suggests that is an alternative form of the term èìghọ̀ (“taboo, abomination”), a declaration made by the king upon his rise to the throne

Àìghọ̀ ó dùdó á gbè wá oo

(Ondo, historical) the legendary first male monarch of the Oǹdó kingdom (son of the first monarch Púpùpú). He was deified and is honored as the chief ancestral deity (umalẹ̀) of the Oǹdó people


Gbagura

/ɡ͡bá.ɡù.ɾá/

Ẹ̀gbá + Àgùrá

the largest of the three subgroups of the Egba Yoruba ethnic group of Abẹ́òkúta. Their traditional homeland is what is now Ìbàdàn (many Gbágùrá still occupy that ancestral land), with their capital being Ìdó. Their traditional ruler is the Àgùrá


Ifamimikomi

Blend of Ifá (“Ifa (deity of wisdom and divination)”) + mú kò (“to give to”) + imí (“strength”) + mí (“me”), literally “Ifa gave me strength”

blend

(Ondo, Akure, rare) a male given name meaning “Ifa gave me strength”

(Ondo) a surname, from from the given name Ifámímíkòmí


Ṣọlagbade

/ʃɔ̄.lá.ɡ͡bā.dé/

From Blend of ṣe (“to make”) + ọlá (“honor”) + gba (“to receive”) + adé (“royalty, crown”), literally “Make nobility to receive royalty”

a unisex given name meaning “Make nobility to receive royalty”

a surname, from the given name Ṣọlágbadé


Fọlawiyọ

From Blend of fi (“to use”) + ọlá (“honor”) + wiyọ́ (“to wash one's hand”), literally “To use honor to wash one's hands”

a male given name meaning “To use honor to wash one's hands”

a surname, from the given name Fọláwiyọ́


Adediran

From Blend of adé (“royalty, crown”) + dì (“to become”) + ìran (“generational”), literally “Royalty has become generational”

a male given name meaning “Royalty has become generational”


Diran

From dì (“to become”) + ìran (“generational”)

compound

a male given name meaning “to become generational”, it is a shortened form or nickname for much longer names, ex. Adédìran and Ọládìran, see below for more longer names

Awódìran

Yoruba name meaning "Ifa worship has become generational"

Ifádìran

Yoruba name meaning "Ifa has become generational"

Omídìran

Yoruba name meaning "Water has become generational; worship of the water deity has become generation"

Oyèédìran

Yoruba name meaning "Honor/chieftaincy has become generational"

Ọdẹ́dìran

Yoruba name meaning "Hunting has become generational"

Ọlọ́fíndìran

Yoruba name meaning "Olofin worship has become generational"

Ọládìran

Yoruba name meaning "Honor has become generational"

Ọyádìran

Yoruba name meaning "Oya worship has become generational"

Ọ̀jẹ́dìran

Yoruba name meaning "Egungun worship has become generational"

Ọ̀pádìran

Yoruba name meaning "Worship of Orisaoko has become generational"

Ṣàngódìran

Yoruba name meaning "Shango worship has become generational"

Àyándìran

Yoruba name meaning "Drumming has become generational"

Ògúndìran

Yoruba name meaning "The worship of Ogun has become generational"


Awodiran

From Blend of awo (“Ifá; Ifa worship; Ifá priesthood”) + dì (“to become”) + ìran (“generational”), literally “Ifa worship has become generational”

blend

a male given name meaning “Ifa worship has become generational”


Ogundiran

/ò.ɡṹ.dì.ɾã̄/

From Blend of Ògún (“Ògún; worship of Ògún”) + dì (“to become”) + ìran (“generational”), literally “The worship of Ògún has become generational”

a male given name meaning “The worship of the deity Ògún has become generational”

a surname, from the given name Ògúndìran


Ifadiran

From Blend of Ifá (“Ifá; worship of Ifá”) + dì (“to become”) + ìran (“generational”), literally “Ifá worship has become generational”

a male given name meaning “Ifá worship has become generational”


Ọdẹdiran

/ɔ̄.dɛ́.dì.ɾã̄/

From Blend of ọdẹ (“hunting; hunter”) + dì (“to become”) + ìran (“generational”), literally “Hunting has become generational”

a male given name meaning “Hunting has become generational”

a surname, from the given name Ọdẹ́dìran


Ayandiran

/à.jã́.dì.ɾã̄/

From Blend of àyàn (“drumming; drummer”) + dì (“to become”) + ìran (“generational”), literally “The art of drumming has become generational”

a male given name meaning “Drumming has become generational”

a surname, from the given name Àyándìran


Omidiran

/ō.mĩ́.dì.ɾã̄/

From Blend of omi (“water, the worship of any various water deity; river”) + dì (“to become”) + ìran (“generational”), literally “The worship of water has become generational”, used by the worshippers of various water deities such as Olókun, Ọya, Ọ̀ṣun, Yemọja, Ògbòó, etc

a unisex given name meaning “The worship of water has become generational”


Ọjẹdiran

/ɔ̀.d͡ʒɛ́.dì.ɾã̄/

From ọ̀jẹ̀ (“worship of the Egúngún; Egúngún priesthood”) + dì (“to become”) + ìran (“generational”), literally “Worship of the Eegun has become generational”

compound

a male given name meaning “The worship of the Eégún has become generational”

a surname, from the given name Ọ̀jẹ́dìran


Ogunmoriyele

Blend of Ògún (“Ogun, war deity”) + mo (“I”) + ríyèlé (“to rely on”), literally “Ogun is who I rely on”

blend

(Àkúrẹ́) a male given name meaning “Ogun is who I rely on”

(Àkúrẹ́) a surname, from the given name Ògúnmoríyèlé


Ọbanịfọn

/ɔ̄.bà.nɪ̃̀.fɔ̃̀/

(Ekiti) the legendary king Ọbàlùfọ̀n, believed to be a descendant of Odùduwà and founder of many Èkìtì towns

(Ekiti) Ọbàlùfọ̀n deified as an ancestral deity (òrìṣà, ụmọlẹ̀), he is associated with fertility, royalty, and wealth


Ọnịfọn

/ɔ̄.nɪ̃̀.fɔ̃̀/

(Ekiti, Ijesha) Alternative form of Ọbànị̀fọ̀n (“an ancestral deity associated with fertility, royalty, and wealth”)


Ologboṣẹrẹ

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Ológbòṣẹ́rẹ́

Ológbòṣẹ́rẹ́

yo-pos

Ológbòṣẹ́rẹ́

Ológbòṣẹ́rẹ́

yo-prop

Ológbòṣẹ́rẹ́

Ológbòṣẹ́rẹ́

/ō.ló.ɡ͡bò.ʃɛ́.ɾɛ́/

From Edo Ológbòṣẹ́rẹ́, compare with Itsekiri Ológbòtsẹ́rẹ́, likely brought to Yorubaland by descendants of Edo settlers.

bor

Ológbòṣẹ́rẹ́

(Ekiti, Àkúrẹ́, Ọwọ) a traditional chieftaincy title in various Eastern Yoruba kingdoms (such as Àkúrẹ́ and Ọ̀wọ̀) that were under the control of the Benin empire

(by extension, Ondo, Àkúrẹ́) a surname, from the title Ológbòṣẹ́rẹ́, it is held by descendants of chiefs who held this title


Saṣẹrẹ

/sà.ʃɛ́.ɾɛ́/

(Ondo, Àkúrẹ́, Ọwọ, Idanre) a traditional warrior chieftaincy title in various Eastern Yoruba kingdoms (such as Àkúrẹ́, Ìdànrè, Oǹdó and Ọ̀wọ̀) that were under the control or influence of the Benin empire

(by extension) a surname, from the title Sàṣẹ́rẹ́, it is held by descendants of chiefs who held this title


Ọbameri

From ọba (“father, king”) + Ìmerì, literally “Ruler of Ìmerì”

compound

a legendary warrior and chief of ancient Ifẹ̀. He served as the ruler of the one of the ancient Ifẹ̀ settlements (èlú), known as Ọdin, and was the chief war general of Odùduwà.

the deified figure worshipped as an ancestral deity by several households in Ifẹ̀.


Ọrẹluere

/ɔ̄.ɾɛ̄.lú.ē.ɾē/

an ancient Ifẹ̀ warrior and farmer deified as a farming and fishing deity. He is one of the most ancient of the Ifẹ̀ deities and is closely associated with the yam harvest in Ifẹ̀.


Ọlọfịnfunkẹ

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Ọlọ́fị́nfúnkẹ́

Ọlọ́fị́nfúnkẹ́

yo-pos

Ọlọ́fị́nfúnkẹ́

Ọlọ́fị́nfúnkẹ́

yo-prop

Ọlọ́fị́nfúnkẹ́

Ọlọ́fị́nfúnkẹ́

/ɔ̄.lɔ́.fɪ̃́.fṹ.kɛ́/

From Blend of Ọlọ́fịn (“the deity Ọlọ́fin”) + fún (“to give”) + kẹ́ (“to care for; to cherish”), literally “Ọlọ́fin gave me (her) to care for”.

blend

(Ekiti) (Àkúrẹ́) a female given name meaning “Ọlọ́fin gave her to me to care for”


Funkẹ

From fún (“to give”) + kẹ́ (“to care for”)

a female given name meaning “to give her to care for”, it is a shortened form or nickname for much longer names, ex. Adéfúnkẹ́ and Ọláfúnkẹ, see below for more longer names

Ẹgbẹ́fúnkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "Egbe gave her to me to care for"

Ifáfúnkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "Ifa gave her to me to care for"

Olúfúnkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "The warrior gave her to me to care for; "The Lord gave her to me to care for"

Olúwafúnkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "God gave her to me to care for"

Omífúnkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "Water gave her to me to care for"

Oyèéfúnkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "Honor/chieftaincy gave her to me to care for"

Ọbáfúnkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "Obaluaye gave her to me to care for"

Ọlọ́fị́nfúnkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "Olofin gave her to me to care for"

Ọláfúnkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "Honor gave her to me to care for"

Ọyáfúnkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "Oya gave her to me to care for"

Ọ̀jẹ́fúnkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "Egungun gave her to me to care for"

Ọ̀páfúnkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "Orisaoko gave her to me to care for"

Ọ̀ṣúnfúnkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "Osun gave her to me to care for"

Ṣàngófúnkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "Sango gave her to me to care for"

Àyánfúnkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "The deity of drumming gave her to me to care for

Ògúnfúnkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "Ogun gave her to me to care for"

Òrìṣáfúnkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "Orisa/Obatala gave her to me to care for"


Adefunkẹ

From Blend of adé (“royalty, crown”) + fún (“to give”) + kẹ́ (“to care for; to cherish”), literally “Royalty gave me (her) to care for”.

a female given name meaning “Royalty gave her to me to care for”


Iroyinogunkiitan

/ì.ɾò.jĩ̀.ō.ɡũ̄.kìí.tã́/

From ìròyìn (“news”) + ogun (“war”) + kìí (“does not”) + tán (“to end”), literally “News of war never ends”.

compound

a unisex given name meaning “News of war never ends”


Aarinọla

/àá.ɾí.nɔ̄.lá/

From àárín (“in the middle”) + ọlá (“honor”), literally “One who is amongst honor”

a unisex given name, an orúkọ àmútọ̀runwá given to the third child in a set of triplet

a unisex given name meaning “One who is amongst honor”


Ijẹṣu

/ì.d͡ʒɛ̄.ʃū/

From ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + jẹ (“to eat”) + iṣu (“yam”), literally “The act of eating yam”, named because traditionally town elders and priests must not consume fresh yam until after this festival is held

af

traditional new yam harvest festival celebrated by many Yoruba towns, consisting of honoring ancestors and fertility deities.


Ọsanyinlusi

From Blend of Ọ̀sanyín (“Yoruba deity of herbs and medicine”) + ní (“to have”) + úsì (“notability, prestige”), literally “Osanyin has notability”

blend

(Ekiti) a male given name meaning “Ọ̀sanyìn has notability”

(Ekiti) a surname, from the given name Ọ̀sanyínlúsì


Rotimi

From ró (“to stay”) + tì (“with, towards”) + mí (“me”), literally “Stay with me”

Adérótìmí

Yoruba name meaning "Royalty has stayed with me"

Akínrótìmí

Yoruba name meaning "Bravery stayed with me"

Awórótìmí

Yoruba name meaning "Ifa worship stayed with me"

Ẹfúnrótìmí

Yoruba name meaning "Purity stays with me; Obatala stays with me"

Ifárótìmí

Yoruba name meaning "Ifa stayed with me"

Olúrótìmí

Yoruba name meaning "The warrior has stayed with me; the Lord stayed with me"

Oyèrótìmí

Yoruba name meaning "Chieftaincy stays with me"

Ọbárótìmí

Yoruba name meaning "The King stays me with; Obaluaye stays with me"

Ọlarótìmí

Yoruba name meaning "Honor stayed with me"

Ọmọ́rótìmí

Yoruba name meaning "The child has stayed with me"

Ọ̀sanyínrótìmí

Yoruba name meaning "Osanyin stays with me"

Ọ̀ṣúnrótìmí

Yoruba name meaning "Osun stays with me"

Ṣàngórótìmí

Yoruba name meaning "Sango stays with me"

Àgbẹ́rótìmí

Yoruba name meaning "Farming stays with me"

Àyánrótìmí

Yoruba name meaning "The deity of drumming stayed with me"

Ògúnrótìmí

Yoruba name meaning "Ogun stayed with me"

a male given name meaning “Stay with me”, it is a shortened form or nickname for much longer names, ex. Dúrótìmí and Ọlárótìmí, see below for more longer names


Kunle

From kún (“to fill”) + ilé (“house”), literally “To fill the house”

a male given name meaning “(One that) fills the house”, it is a shortened form or nickname for much longer names, ex. Adékúnlé and Ọlákúnlé, see below for more longer names

Adékúnlé

Yoruba name meaning "Royalty has filled the home"

Akínkúnlé

Yoruba name meaning "Bravery has filled the home; Many brave ones have filled the house"

Awókúnlé

Yoruba name meaning "Ifa worship has filled the home"

Ayọ̀kúnlé

Yoruba name meaning "Joy has filled the home"

Ejíkúnlé

Yoruba name meaning "Rain has filled the home"

Ẹfúnkúnlé

Yoruba name meaning "Purity has filled the home

Ifákúnlé

Yoruba name meaning "Ifa has filled the home"

Jésùkúnlé

Yoruba name meaning "Jesus has filled the home"

Olúkúnlé

Yoruba name meaning "The warrior has filled the home; the Lord has filled the home"

Olúwakúnlé

Yoruba name meaning "God has filled the home"

Omíkúnlé

Yoruba name meaning "Water has filled the home"

Owókúnlé

Yoruba name meaning "Money fills the house"

Oyèékúnlé

Yoruba name meaning "Honor has filled the home"

Ọbákúnlé

Yoruba name meaning "The King has filled the home; Obaluaye has filled the home"

Ọdẹ́kúnlé

Yoruba name meaning "Hunters have filled the house"

Ọlọ́rúnkúnlé

Yoruba name meaning "God has filled the me"

Ọmọ́kúnlé

Yoruba name meaning "The child has filled the home; The Home is filled with children"

Ọyákúnlé

Yoruba name meaning "Oya has filled the home"

Ọ̀jẹ́kúnlé

Yoruba name meaning "Egúngún has filled the home

Ọ̀pákúnlé

Yoruba name meaning "Worship of Orisaoko has filled me"

Ọ̀ṣúnkúnlé

Yoruba name meaning "Osun has filled the home"

Ṣàngókúnlé

Yoruba name meaning "Sango has filled the home"

Ṣókúnlé

Yoruba name meaning "Orisaoko has filled the home; The sorcerer has filled the home"

Àyánkúnlé

Yoruba name meaning "The deity of drumming has filled the home"

Ìbíkúnlé

Yoruba name meaning "Birth has filled the home"

Òbíkúnlé

Yoruba name meaning "Parents are aplenty in (our) home (to care for this child)

Ògúnkúnlé

Yoruba name meaning "Ogun has filled the home"

Òkékúnlé

Yoruba name meaning "The hill deity has filled the home"


Bankẹ

From bá (“together, with”) + mi (“me”) + kẹ́ (“to care for”) + ilé, literally “Help me take care of (the child)”

a unisex given name meaning “Help me take care (of the child”, it is a shortened form or nickname for much longer names, ex. Adébánkẹ́ and Ọlákúnlé, see below for more longer names. It is a traditionally female name, but may be used in a unisex form

Adébánkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "Royalty will help me care of them"

Awóbánkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "Ifa worship will help me take care of them"

Ayọ̀bánkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "Joy will help me take care of them"

Ejíbánkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "Rain will help me take care of them"

Ẹfúnbánkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "Purity will help me take care of them

Ifábánkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "Ifa will help me take care of them"

Jésùbánkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "Jesus will help me take care of them"

Olúbánkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "The warrior will help me take care of them; the Lord will help me take care of them"

Olúwabánkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "God will help me care of them"

Oyèébánkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "Honor will help me take care of them"

Ọdẹ́bánkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "The deity of hunting will help me take care of them"

Ọlábánkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "Honor will help me care of them"

Ọ̀jẹ́bánkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "Egúngún will help me take care of them

Ọ̀ṣúnbánkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "Osun will help me take care of them"

Ṣàngóbánkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "Sango will help me take care of them"

Ṣóbánkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "Orisaoko will help me take care of them; The sorcerer will help me take care of them"

Àyánbánkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "The deity of drumming will help me take care of them"

Ìbíbánkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "Family will help me take care of them"

Ògúnbánkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "Ogun will help me take care of them"

Òkébánkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "The hill deity will help me take care of them"


Okudi

(Ekiti) a large rock in the traditional land of the people of Iyìn

(Ekiti) the ancestral earth deity or spirit (ụmọlẹ̀) believed to reside inside the Okudì rock, it is regarded as a deity of protection and peace.

(Ekiti, by extension) a traditional festival held in July or August in honor of the deity Okudì


Eyemọtẹ

Folk etymology states it comes from the phrase èyé (“mother”) + mọ́ (“don't”) + tẹ́ (“to be be put to shame”), believed to be a play on what was her original birth name Ifájẹ́mitẹ́ (literally “Ifa did not allow me to be put to shame”), which was later shortened with the word èyé (a term used as a title for older women or highly regarded women or priestesses) to become Èyémọ̀tẹ́.

(Ekiti) a legendary female leader, healer, seer and advisor of the town of Iyìn. Originally known by the name of Ifájẹ́mitẹ́, she was deified as an ancestral deity upon her death. She is regarded as a deity of protection and fertility, able to end famine and bring rain


Ojido

(Ekiti) a fertility deity of the town of Adó, associated with the new yam harvest. It is traditionally worshipped every nine days by its priestess

(Ekiti) a large market in Adó-Èkìtì, which houses the shrine of Ojìdó

(Ekiti, by extension) a traditional festival celebrating the deity Ojìdó in Adó-Èkìtì


Bukayọ

From Blend of bù (“to scoop”) + kún (“to fill”) + ayọ̀ (“joy”), literally “That which adds to fill joy”

blend

a unisex given name meaning “Add to fill (my) joy”, it is a shortened form or nickname for much longer names, ex. Olúwabùkáyọ̀


Ọlọfịn

/ɔ̄.lɔ́.ꜜfɪ̃̄/

Ọlọ́fịndípẹ̀

Yoruba name, "Ọlọ́fin paid my request, Ọlọ́fin paid me back"

Ọlọ́fịnlụ́à

Yoruba name, "Ọlọ́fin has good character"

Ọlọ́fị́ndáhunsi

Yoruba name, "Ọlọ́fin has answered my prayers'"

(Ekiti) a legendary king and warrior from Ifẹ̀ who founded many Ekiti towns, he is worshipped as an ancestral deity (ụmọlẹ̀) as well as a fertility deity. He is sometimes regarded as being the deified form of the mythical king Odùduwà. He is associated with ọdún Ìjẹṣu and the yam harvest

(Ekiti) a unisex given name, used by worshippers of Ọlọ́fịn. It also serves as a prefix for or shortening for longer given names, ex. Ọlọ́fịnmẹ̀yẹ


Logboṣẹẹ

/ló.ɡ͡bò.ʃɛ́ɛ́/

From Edo Ológbòṣẹ́rẹ́, compare with Itsekiri Ológbòṣẹ́rẹ́, likely brought to Yorubaland by descendants of Edo settlers.

bor

Ológbòṣẹ́rẹ́

cog

Ológbòṣẹ́rẹ́

(Ondo) Alternative form of Ológbòṣẹ́rẹ́ (“a traditional chieftaincy title in various Eastern Yoruba kingdoms (such as Àkúrẹ́ and Ọ̀wọ̀) that were under the control of the Benin empire”)


Ọlayinminu

From ọlá (“honor”) + à (“did not”) + yìnnù (“to ignore”) + mí (“me”), literally “Honor did not ignore me”

compound

(Ekiti) a unisex given name meaning “Honor did not ignore”, largely used as a female name

(Ekiti) a surname, from the given name Ọláyìnmínù


Agbajọ awọn Orilẹ-ede Aṣọkan

Àgbájọ àwọn Orílẹ̀-èdè Aṣọ̀kan (canonical)

/à.ɡ͡bá.d͡ʒɔ̄ à.wɔ̃̄ ō.ɾí.lɛ̀.è.dè ā.ʃɔ̀.kã̄/

From àgbájọ (“community, collected”) + àwọn (“third person plural”) + orílẹ̀-èdè (“country”) + a- (“agent prefix”) + ṣọ̀kan (“to be one; to be united”)


Ṣẹgilọla

/ʃɛ̀.ɡí.lɔ̄.lá/

From ṣẹ̀gi (“blue coral beads that are a symbol of royalty”) + ni (“is”) + ọlá (“honor”)

compound

a female given name meaning “Ṣẹ̀gi beads are honorable”

Iyùnadé

Yoruba given name meaning "Red coral beads of royalty"

Aríyùnkẹ́

Yoruba name meaning "We have seen coral beads to cherish"


Agbadarigi

→ English: Badagry

/à.ɡ͡bá.dá.ɾì.ɡì/

Possibly from Gun Gbagli. Doublet of Bàdágìrì.

one of Lagos State's 20 local government areas


Malọmọ

From má (“do not”) + lọ (“to go”) + mọ́ (“again”)

a female given name meaning “Don't leave again”, an orúkọ àbíkú given to an àbíkú child


Arojojoye

/ā.ɾó.d͡ʒò.d͡ʒō.jè/

From a- (“agent prefix”) + rí (“to see”) + òjò (“rain”) + joyè (“to receive a chieftaincy title or honor”)

af

Arójòjoyè a délé tejiteji

a nickname or regnal name used by a king coronated on a rainy day


Ọmọlarere

Ọmọlárèré (canonical)
Ọmọlárèrè (canonical)

/ɔ̄.mɔ̃̄.lá.ɾè.ɾé/

/ɔ̄.mɔ̃̄.lá.ɾè.ɾè/

Folk etymology states it comes from ọmọ (“child”) + tó (“that”) + lọ (“to go”) + àrè (“far place”) + rèé (“is here”), literally “The child who has gone to a far place is here”

compound

a large figurine consisting of four long poles wrapped in straw matting to represent the deity Ẹ̀là during the Edì festival, commemorating the legendary heroine Mọ́remí Àjàṣorò who sacrificed her son (Ẹ̀là) to save the Ifẹ̀ kingdom. The figurine is carried by one of the messengers of the Ọọ̀ni (ẹmẹ̀sẹ̀).


Ẹlẹsinjẹ

/ɛ̄.lɛ́.sĩ̀.d͡ʒɛ́/

His role is occupied by Ọ̀sanyìn in most Yoruba settlements

(Ifẹ) a deity associated with herbal medicine, plants, and healing. He is regarded as one of the oldest deities among the original settlers of Ifẹ̀, predating Odùduwà and Ọbàtálá's rise in prominence.


Alafẹrẹ

/ā.lá.fɛ̄.ɾɛ́/

From oní- (“one who has”) + afẹrẹ́ (“wind, breeze, cold weather”), literally “Owner of the wind”. Afẹrẹ́ is a term for wind in the Northeast and Central Yoruba dialects. Alafere's role as a female wind deity and female equivalent to a male fire deity takes the form of the deity Ọya in most other Yorùbá towns. Ọya may have developed from Aláfẹrẹ́ worship. In modern times, she is often celebrated simultaneously with Ọya and Ìjùgbẹ̀

af

(Ifẹ) a female deity associated with wind, rainfall, and thunder, and a daughter of the fire deity Ọ̀ràm̀fẹ̀. She is worshipped in Ifẹ̀. She is also closely associated with Ọbaresé the Ife chief deity of rainfall.


ọdun Ijẹṣu

/ɔ̄.dṹ ì.d͡ʒɛ̄.ʃū/

From ọdún (“festival, holiday”) + ì- (“nominalizing prefix”) + jẹ (“to eat”) + iṣu (“yam”)

(Àkúrẹ́) a festival celebrating the yam harvest and fertility deities, it is often the most important festival in a Yorùbá town, especially Eastern Yorùbá towns. It is usually held at the end of August or beginning of September. Citizens are traditionally forbidden from eating any yams until the rites of the festival are completed.


Atan

a female river deity worshipped by several mainly Eastern Yorùbá speaking towns, including Ọ̀wọ̀, Ìjàrẹ́ and Ijù. Atan in southern Èkìtì traditions is often regarded as the senior wife (ìyáálé) of the supreme sky deity, Àbarị̀ṣà.

Atánbíyìí

a Yoruba name meaning "Atan gave birth to this child"

Atándáre

a Yoruba name meaning "Atan has vindicated me"

Atánlògùn

a Yoruba name meaning "Atan has medicinal powers"

Atánlúsì

a Yoruba name meaning "Atan has notability"

Atánṣuyì

a Yoruba name meaning "Atan has made honor"

Atánṣèlú

a Yoruba name meaning "Atan has populated the town"

Atántúndé

a Yoruba name meaning "Atan has returned again"


Atannẹyẹ

/ā.tã́.ꜜnɛ̃́.jɛ̄/

From Blend of Atan (“Yoruba water deity”) + ní (“to have”) + ẹ̀yẹ (“notability, prestige”), literally “Atan has honor”, given to a child who's mother was an Atan priestess.

blend

(Ọwọ) a unisex given name meaning “Atan has honor”

(Ọwọ) a surname, from the given name Atánnẹ́yẹ


Ọlatẹru

/ɔ̄.lá.tɛ́.ɾù/

From ọlá (“honor”) + tó (“to be equal to, to be worthy of”) + ẹ̀rù (“fear”)

compound

a male given name meaning “Honor is worthy of commanding fear”


Oriṣakire

/ò.ɾì.ʃà.kī.ɾè/

From Òrìṣà (“Orisa (sky deity)”) + Ìkirè (“Ikire town”), literally “Orisa of Ikire”

a supreme deity of creation regarded as a form of the sky god Òrìṣàálá (Ọbàtálá), associated with the town of Ìkirè, where he is worshipped there and the surrounding area


Sẹlẹmọ

/sɛ́.lɛ̄.mɔ̃̄/

Probably related to the Èkìtì chieftaincy Ẹlẹ́mọ. Also possibly of Edo origin.

(Ondo, Ekiti) a high-ranking chieftaincy title, regarded as one of the members of the Ị̀àrẹ. In Ìlárá-Mọ̀kín, he serves as the chief priest of the town and the deity Ọlọ́fịn


ọdun Igogo

From ọdún (“festival”) + igogo (“bell”), literally “Festival of bells”, as drumming is banned during the festival, with only bells being played.

a traditional festival in the town of Ọ̀wọ̀ held in September. It celebrates the deified queen Ọ̀rọnṣẹ̀n and signifies a renewal of the devotion of the Ọlọ́wọ̀ to the people of Ọ̀wọ̀. During the festival, the king and all male chiefs dress in feminine clothings to honor Ọ̀rọnṣẹ̀n


Ọrọnṣẹn

/ɔ̀.ɾɔ̃̄.ʃɛ̃̀/

Possibly from ọ̀rọn (“heaven”) + ṣẹ̀n (“to flow from”), literally “That which came from heaven”

(Ọwọ) a legendary queen of the town of Ọ̀wọ̀ from the 14th century, married to a king known as Rẹ̀nrẹ̀ngẹjẹ̀n. After she was betrayed by the members of Rẹ̀nrẹ̀ngẹjẹ̀n's court, she left Ọ̀wọ̀, and was deified as a protector deity. As a continued devotion to her, the town of Ọ̀wọ̀ worships her during the ọdún Igogo festival, where the king and all male chiefs dress in female clothing.


Kọlawọle

From Blend of kó (“gather”) + ọlá (“honor”) + wọ (“to enter”) + ilé (“home”), literally “One who brings honor into the house”

blend

a male given name meaning “One who brings honor into the house”

a surname, from the given name Kọ́láwọlé


Ṣọnpọnnọ

Fon: Sakpata

/ʃɔ̃̀.k͡pɔ̃̀.nɔ́/

Alternative form of Ṣànpọ̀nná (“the widely feared deity associated with smallpox and other infectious diseases, known euphemistically as Ọbalúayé”)


Ogunde

/ò.ɡṹ.ŋ̀.dé/

Non-standard spelling of Ògúnǹdé, from Blend of Ògún (“The god of war Ogun”) + rìn (“to walk”) + dé (“to arrive”), literally “Ogun has walked in”

a male given name meaning “Ogun has walked in”, Alternative form of Ògúnǹdé


Idẹjọ

/ì.dɛ̀.d͡ʒɔ̄/

The Idejo, also known as white cap chiefs, are the indigenous landowning chiefs that live primarily in and around Lagos Island. In oral history, it is said that the Ìdẹ̀jọ came with Ọlọfin to Lagos. In recent times, some of these Ìdẹ̀jọ chiefs have become ọba.


Igisanrin

/ī.ɡí.sã̄.ɾĩ́/

Alternative form of Gísanrín (“a unisex given name, an orúkọ àmútọ̀runwá given to a child born with a coiled or twisted umbilical cord (ìwọ́)”)


Gisanrin

/ɡí.sã̄.ɾĩ́/

a unisex given name, an orúkọ àmútọ̀runwá given to a child born with a coiled or twisted umbilical cord (ìwọ́)


Amuṣan-an

/ā.mṹ.ʃã̀ã́/

From a- (“agent prefix”) + mú (“to hold, to grap”) + ìṣán (“whip”)

af

a male given name, an orúkọ àmútọ̀runwá given to a child born into an Egúngún family, and a child born with either a membrane covering his head (resembling an Egúngún figure), or born holding a umbilical cord, resembling holding a whip

a surname, from the given name Amúṣàn-án


Ogunoye

From Ògún (“the deity Ogun”) + oyè (“honor, chieftaincy title”), literally “Ogun of honor”

compound

a male given name meaning “Ogun of honor”


Ogundele

From Blend of Ògún (“the deity Ogun”) + dé (“to arrive”) + ilé (“home”), literally “Ògún has arrived home”

blend

a male given name meaning “Ògún has arrived home”


Ogundare

/ò.ɡṹ.dá.ɾē/

From Blend of Ògún (“the deity Ogun”) + dáre (“to vindicate”), literally “Ògún vindicates”

a male given name meaning “Ògún vindicates”


Oguntuyi

From Blend of Ògún (“the deity Ogun”) + tú (“to be worthy of”) + uyì (“uyì”), literally “Ògún is worthy of honor”

(Ekiti) a male given name meaning “Ògún is worthy of honor”

(Ekiti) a surname, from the given name Ògúntúyì


Ogunyẹmi

/ò.ɡṹ.jɛ̄.mĩ́/

From Blend of Ògún (“the deity Ogun”) + yẹ (“to befit”) + mí (“me”), literally “Ògún befits me”

a unisex given name meaning “Ògún befits me”


Ogunlẹyẹ

/ò.ɡṹ.lɛ́.ꜜjɛ̄/

From Blend of Ògún (“the deity Ogun”) + ní (“to have”) + ẹ̀yẹ (“honor, prestige”), literally “Ògún has honor; the worship of Ogun is honorable”

a unisex given name meaning “Ògún has honor; the worship of Ogun is honorable”

a surname, from the given name Ògúnlẹ́yẹ


Ogunṣuyi

/ò.ɡṹ.ʃū.jì/

From Blend of Ògún (“the deity Ogun”) + ṣe (“to make”) + uyì (“honor, notability”), literally “Ògún has made honor”

(Ekiti) a male given name meaning “Ògún has made honor”

(Ekiti) a surname, from the given name Ògúnṣuyì


Ọṣuntuyi

From Blend of Ọ̀ṣun (“the river goddess Osun”) + tó (“to be worthy of”) + uyì (“honor”), literally “Osun is worthy of honor”

(Ekiti) a unisex given name meaning “Ọ̀ṣun is worthy of honor”

(Ekiti) a surname, from the given name Ọ̀ṣúntúyì


Ọṣuntokun

/ɔ̀.ʃṹ.tó.ꜜkũ̄/

From Blend of Ọ̀ṣun (“the river goddess Osun”) + tó (“to be equal to”) + òkun (“uyì”), literally “Osun is as powerful as the ocean”

a unisex given name meaning “Ọ̀ṣun is as powerful as the ocean”

a surname, from the given name Ọ̀ṣúntókun


Ogboo

Probably a deletion of the /w/ from an unattested term, Ògbòwó

Ògbòó bùṣà sè, ó relé àlè é rẹ̀
Ogboo puts the pot of food on the stove, and then visits the home of her lover (praise song of Ògbòó)

a female river deity association with fertility, worshipped by several southern Èkìtì speaking towns, including Èró, Ìjàrẹ́, Àkúrẹ́, Ọ̀bà-Ilé, Ìbulẹ̀-Ṣọ́rọ̀, and Ijù. Ògbòó in southern Èkìtì traditions is often regarded as the youngest and favorite wife of the supreme sky deity, Àbarị̀ṣà, and thus a sister wife of Ọ̀ṣun, Atan, and Olókun.


Wuraọla

From wúrà (“gold”) + ọlá (“honor, nobility”)

a female given name meaning “The glistening part of honor”


Sunkanmi

From sún (“move”) + kàn (“to touch”) + mí (“me”)

compound

a unisex given name meaning “Move towards me”, usually a shortened form of a name such as Fásúnkànmí or Ọlásúnkànmí

Ọlásúnkànmí

Yoruba name meaning "Honor has moved towards me"

Fásúnkànmí

Yoruba name meaning "Ifa has moved towards me"

Adésúnkànmí

Yoruba name meaning "Royalty has moved towards me"

Olúwasúnkànmí

Yoruba name meaning "God has moved towards me"


Adedẹwẹ

From adé (“royalty, crown”) + dì (“to become”) + ẹ̀wẹ́ (“small, thin”), literally “The crown has become small”, or a- (“agent prefix”) + dé (“to arrive”) + dì (“small, thin”) + ẹ̀wẹ́, literally “The one arrives in a small form”

af

a unisex given name meaning “The crown has taken a small thin form” or "The one arrives in a small form."


Adeṣina

Either adé (“royalty, crown”) + ṣí (“to open”) + ọ̀nà (“path, road”), literally “Royalty has opened the way” or a- (“agent prefix”) + dé (“to arrive”) + ṣí (“to meet”) + ọ̀nà (“joy”), literally “The one who comes and opens the way”, usually given to the first child born to a family (who "opens" the way for more children to follow).

af

a male given name meaning “Royalty has opened the way or One who comes and opens the way”


Alayerẹ

Ọmọ Èyé Aláyèrẹ́ kọ́ momi aládòdó
The child of Aláyèrẹ́ that drinks the river that provides children

a chief river goddess, worshipped in the towns of Ìgbàrà-òkè and Ìgbàrà-odò, she is known for giving children (especially twins).


Adejuyigbe

/ā.déè.d͡ʒū.jì.ɡ͡bé/

From Blend of adé (“crown, royalty”) + è (“negation prefix”) + jẹ (“to allow”) + uyì (“honor”) + gbé (“perish”), literally “The crown did not allow honor to perish”

blend

(SEY, CY, NEY) a male given name meaning “The crown did not allow honor to perish”

(SEY, CY, NEY) a surname, from the given name Adéjuyìgbé


Elegiri

/ē.lé.ɡì.ɾì/

(Ekiti) a senior chieftaincy title in parts of Oǹdó or Èkìtì that serves as the leader of the Ègìrì warrior clan or class, and in some places, the leader of the Elérègè festival.


Adejugbe

/ā.dé.d͡ʒù.ɡ͡bé/

From Blend of adé (“royalty, crown”) + jù (“does not, cannot be”) + gbé (“taken with force, snatch”)

(Ondo, Ekiti) a male given name meaning “Royalty does not perish”

(Ondo) a surname, from the given name Adéjùgbé


Aladesanmi

From Blend of aládé (“royalty, crown”) + san (“suit, fit”) + mí (“me”)

a male given name meaning “Royalty fits me”

a surname, from the given name Aládésanmí


Alaụjọ

/ā.lá.ʊ̄.d͡ʒɔ̄/

ọmọ Aláụjọ lọ́tún-ùn, ọmọ Àpàrìkàn lósì
The child of Aláụjọ on the right side, and the child of Aparikan on the left side (oríkì of the town of Ọ̀dá)

(Ekiti) an ancestral fertility deity worshipped in the town of Ọ̀dá, near Àkúrẹ́


Falọdun

From clipping of Ifálọdún, from Blend of Ifá (“Ifa”) + li (“to be”) + ọdún (“year, celebration, festival”), literally “Ifa is celebration”

a male given name meaning “Ifa is celebration”


Bayọ

a diminutive of the male given name Adébáyọ̀.


Nẹdalandi

Kingdom of the Netherlands
Kingdom of the Netherlands#English

constituent countries
constituent country

Netherlands (The main constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located primarily in Western Europe bordering Germany and Belgium)

Netherlands, Kingdom of the Netherlands (a country in Western Europe, consisting of four constituent countries: the Netherlands per se, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten)


Ọlátúnjí

a male given name meaning “nobility/wealth has resurrected”