Nigerian Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Origins and Meanings

Looking for a deeper understanding of Nigerian last names? This comprehensive guide explores the diverse origins and meanings of common Nigerian surnames. Whether you're researching your family history, exploring the cultural tapestry of Nigeria, or simply curious about the unique stories behind these names, this list provides valuable insights. We delve into the rich history and diverse linguistic backgrounds that shape the landscape of Nigerian last names.
1. **Adebayo:** Meaning "wealth comes from the king," a name commonly found in the Yoruba tribe.
2. **Adekunle:** This Yoruba name signifies "the crown belongs to God."
3. **Adeola:** A name for both genders, meaning "the crown is wealth."
4. **Adegboyega:** Meaning "the king has returned," commonly used among the Yoruba people.
5. **Ademola:** Signifying "the king is generous," a name predominantly found among the Yoruba tribe.
6. **Adeniran:** A name derived from the Yoruba language, meaning "the crown belongs to the king."
7. **Adetunji:** Another Yoruba name, signifying "the crown has arrived."
8. **Adeleke:** Meaning "the king is noble," a popular name within the Yoruba tribe.
9. **Adeyemi:** Derived from Yoruba, signifying "the crown belongs to the father."
10. **Afolabi:** Meaning "wealth is coming," a name prevalent within the Yoruba tribe.
11. **Agboola:** Signifying "the king's wealth," a Yoruba name.
12. **Ajayi:** Meaning "the king has come," this Yoruba name is often used as a surname.
13. **Akanbi:** Derived from the Yoruba language, signifying "the king is our shield."
14. **Akintola:** Meaning "the king is brave," commonly found among the Yoruba people.
15. **Akinola:** A name derived from the Yoruba language, meaning "the king's crown is great."
16. **Akinyemi:** Meaning "the king is our father," a Yoruba name.
17. **Akindele:** Signifying "the king's child," another Yoruba name.
18. **Alabi:** Meaning "wealth is powerful," a name prevalent among the Yoruba tribe.
19. **Alagbe:** Derived from the Yoruba language, signifying "the king's friend."
20. **Akinrinade:** Meaning "the king is powerful," commonly used among the Yoruba people.
21. **Alao:** Signifying "wealth is our lot," a name predominantly found among the Yoruba tribe.
22. **Amoo:** A name derived from the Yoruba language, meaning "wealth is good."
23. **Akinloye:** Meaning "the king is with us," commonly found among the Yoruba people.
24. **Anjorin:** A name derived from the Yoruba language, signifying "the king is a warrior."
25. **Awoyemi:** Meaning "the king is our father," a Yoruba name.
26. **Babatunde:** Derived from the Yoruba language, meaning "the father has come back."
27. **Bamidele:** Signifying "the father is a leader," a popular Yoruba name.
28. **Bankole:** Meaning "the father's wealth," a name commonly found among the Yoruba people.
29. **Bello:** A Hausa name, meaning "handsome" or "beautiful."
30. **Ebenezer:** Meaning "the stone of help," a name that is commonly found among Nigerians of different tribes.
31. **Edet:** A name primarily used in the Efik and Ibibio tribes, meaning "wealth."
32. **Ejike:** An Igbo name meaning "strength."
33. **Ekong:** Derived from the Efik language, signifying "a strong person."
34. **Emmanuel:** Meaning "God is with us," a popular name among Nigerians of various tribes.
35. **Essien:** A name primarily used in the Ibibio tribe, meaning "a noble person."
36. **Eze:** An Igbo name meaning "king."
37. **Ibe:** Meaning "a twin," a name commonly used among the Igbo tribe.
38. **Ikenna:** An Igbo name, meaning "strength belongs to God."
39. **Ifeanyi:** Meaning "love has come," a popular name among the Igbo tribe.
40. **Ikpe:** Derived from the Igbo language, signifying "justice."
41. **Iwu:** Meaning "law," a name commonly found among the Igbo tribe.
42. **James:** A Christian name that is widely used among Nigerians.
43. **John:** Another popular Christian name among Nigerians, meaning "God is gracious."
44. **Joseph:** A Christian name meaning "God will increase."
45. **Kalu:** An Igbo name meaning "God's power."
46. **Madueke:** Derived from the Igbo language, signifying "God is wealth."
47. **Nwosu:** An Igbo name meaning "wealth is mine."
48. **Obinna:** Meaning "God is my father," a popular Igbo name.
49. **Okoli:** Derived from the Igbo language, signifying "strength."
50. **Okonkwo:** An Igbo name meaning "the lion is strong."
51. **Oladele:** A Yoruba name meaning "wealth is a leader."
52. **Olarewaju:** Derived from the Yoruba language, signifying "wealth returns home."
53. **Olatunji:** Meaning "wealth has come," a popular Yoruba name.
54. **Omolade:** Signifying "the child is wealth," a name commonly used among the Yoruba people.
55. **Ogunbiyi:** Derived from the Yoruba language, meaning "the warrior is brave."
56. **Okoye:** An Igbo name meaning "the warrior is powerful."
57. **Onuorah:** Derived from the Igbo language, signifying "God's favor."
58. **Osagie:** An Edo name meaning "the king is good."
59. **Oyewole:** A Yoruba name meaning "the king is born."
60. **Philip:** A Christian name that is popular among Nigerians, meaning "lover of horses."
61. **Samuel:** A Christian name that is widely used among Nigerians, meaning "God has heard."
62. **Stephen:** Meaning "crown," a Christian name commonly found among Nigerians.
63. **Taiwo:** A Yoruba name meaning "the firstborn twin."
64. **Tolulope:** Signifying "God's wealth," a name commonly found among the Yoruba people.
65. **Uche:** An Igbo name meaning "God's wisdom."
66. **Udo:** Meaning "peace," a name prevalent among the Igbo tribe.
67. **Ugwu:** An Igbo name meaning "mountain."
68. **Victor:** A Christian name that is widely used among Nigerians, meaning "conqueror."
69. **Williams:** A popular Christian name among Nigerians, meaning "resolute protector."
70. **Yusuf:** An Islamic name that is widely used among Nigerians, meaning "God will increase."