Nigerian Last Names: A Collection of Common Surnames

Exploring the fascinating world of Nigerian last names, we embark on a journey to uncover the rich tapestry of surnames that have shaped this diverse nation. From ancient origins to modern adaptations, these names offer a glimpse into the cultural heritage and traditions of Nigeria. Let's delve into the captivating world of Nigerian last names and discover the stories they hold.
1. **Adebayo:** Meaning "wealth comes to the home", Adebayo reflects the importance of prosperity and family in Yoruba culture.
2. **Adebola:** A name signifying "wealth has come", Adebola emphasizes the arrival of good fortune and signifies a blessing.
3. **Ademola:** Derived from the Yoruba words "Ade" (crown) and "mola" (the king), Ademola means "the king's crown" and carries royal connotations.
4. **Adeniyi:** This Yoruba name, meaning "the crown is mine", speaks to the importance of leadership and responsibility within a family or community.
5. **Adetunji:** Meaning "the crown returns", Adetunji signifies a return to tradition, legacy, and the importance of ancestry.
6. **Ajayi:** A Yoruba name, Ajayi is derived from "Aj" (a Yoruba deity) and "ayi" (life), translating to "life of the deity". It often carries a sense of resilience and divine protection.
7. **Akpan:** A common name among the Ibibio people of Nigeria, Akpan means "born on a Friday".
8. **Akintola:** A name derived from the Yoruba word "Akint" (a type of tree), Akintola denotes strength and resilience.
9. **Alabi:** A Yoruba name that means "the owner of wealth", Alabi reflects the importance of financial well-being and prosperity.
10. **Alagbe:** A name derived from the Yoruba word "Alag" (meaning "wise"), Alagbe signifies wisdom and intelligence.
11. **Akindele:** Meaning "the crown has come back", Akindele signifies a return to traditional values, leadership, and a sense of heritage.
12. **Akinloye:** This name, derived from the Yoruba word "Akint" (a type of tree) and "loye" (a royal title), meaning "the crown of the king," carries connotations of royal lineage and authority.
13. **Akinnuoye:** A name meaning "the crown is new", Akinnuoye signifies the dawn of a new era, a fresh start, and a sense of innovation.
14. **Akinsanya:** This name is derived from the Yoruba word "Akint" (a type of tree) and "sanya" (to place), meaning "the crown is placed". It signifies leadership, authority, and a sense of responsibility.
15. **Alabi:** A name derived from the Yoruba word "Ala" (owner) and "bi" (wealth), meaning "owner of wealth", Alabi symbolizes financial success and abundance.
16. **Alayande:** This name means "the crown has been given", signifying the bestowal of leadership, responsibility, and a sense of honor.
17. **Alabi:** A Yoruba name that means "the owner of wealth", Alabi reflects the importance of financial well-being and prosperity.
18. **Alagbe:** A name derived from the Yoruba word "Alag" (meaning "wise"), Alagbe signifies wisdom and intelligence.
19. **Akinsanya:** This name is derived from the Yoruba word "Akint" (a type of tree) and "sanya" (to place), meaning "the crown is placed". It signifies leadership, authority, and a sense of responsibility.
20. **Alayande:** This name means "the crown has been given", signifying the bestowal of leadership, responsibility, and a sense of honor.
21. **Amara:** A name of Igbo origin, Amara means "grace" or "beauty" and signifies gracefulness and elegance.
22. **Ani:** This Igbo name means "earth" or "ground". It signifies a connection to nature and a grounding in reality.
23. **Chigozie:** This Igbo name means "God is my strength". It signifies reliance on divine power and resilience.
24. **Chukwuma:** This Igbo name means "God has done great things". It signifies a sense of gratitude and appreciation for divine intervention.
25. **Ebere:** This Igbo name means "goodness", signifying kindness and compassion.
26. **Edet:** A name common among the Efik people, Edet means "the first born".
27. **Ekong:** An Efik name meaning "a big house", Ekong denotes a sense of family, lineage, and community.
28. **Etim:** This Efik name means "the first born". It signifies seniority and responsibility within a family.
29. **Efe:** This Urhobo name means "love" or "kindness". It signifies affection and caring.
30. **Ejiro:** A name of Urhobo origin, Ejiro means "light" or "brightness" and signifies illumination and hope.
31. **Ekwueme:** This Igbo name means "the promise is fulfilled". It signifies the fulfillment of promises and the reliability of one's word.
32. **Emeka:** This Igbo name means "who is like God?". It signifies greatness and divine favor.
33. **Emmanuel:** A name with both Hebrew and Christian origins, Emmanuel means "God is with us", signifying divine presence and guidance.
34. **Eze:** A name common among the Igbo people, Eze means "king" and carries royal connotations.
35. **Ife:** This Igbo name means "love" or "affection", signifying fondness and compassion.
36. **Ikenna:** This Igbo name means "the strength of God", signifying divine power and resilience.
37. **Ijeoma:** This Igbo name means "my journey is good", signifying a smooth and successful journey through life.
38. **Ikpe:** A name of Igbo origin, Ikpe means "justice" and signifies a sense of fairness and righteousness.
39. **Ikwunne:** This Igbo name means "one who is known", signifying fame, reputation, and recognition.
40. **Iniobong:** This Efik name means "God is great". It signifies gratitude and reverence for divine power.
41. **Iroha:** An Edo name that means "a wise person", Iroha signifies wisdom, intelligence, and understanding.
42. **Isaac:** This name of Hebrew origin means "he will laugh". It signifies joy, happiness, and laughter.
43. **John:** A name of Hebrew origin, meaning "God is gracious", John signifies divine favor and kindness.
44. **Joseph:** A name of Hebrew origin, meaning "God will increase", Joseph signifies growth, prosperity, and abundance.
45. **Kenneth:** A name of Scottish origin, Kenneth means "handsome" and signifies attractiveness and charm.
46. **Kola:** This Yoruba name means "wealth" or "prosperity". It signifies financial success and abundance.
47. **Lami:** This name of Hausa origin means "beautiful" and signifies attractiveness and grace.
48. **Moses:** A name of Hebrew origin, Moses means "drawn out of the water". It signifies a sense of liberation and a new beginning.
49. **Ndidi:** This Igbo name means "patience" and signifies perseverance and endurance.
50. **Nduka:** A name of Igbo origin, Nduka means "strength" or "power" and signifies resilience and determination.
51. **Ngozi:** This Igbo name means "blessing" and signifies good fortune and divine favor.
52. **Nkechi:** A name of Igbo origin, Nkechi means "God's grace" and signifies divine favor and protection.
53. **Obinna:** This Igbo name means "the heart is strong". It signifies courage, resilience, and unwavering determination.
54. **Ogochukwu:** This Igbo name means "God's glory". It signifies a sense of awe and admiration for divine power.
55. **Okechukwu:** This Igbo name means "God's strength". It signifies reliance on divine power and resilience.
56. **Okon:** This name common among the Efik people means "the first born". It signifies seniority and responsibility within a family.
57. **Okoye:** A name common among the Igbo people, Okoye means "wealth" or "prosperity".
58. **Olamide:** This name means "wealth of God", signifying abundance and divine favor.
59. **Olalekan:** A name meaning "God's riches are great", Olalekan signifies wealth, prosperity, and divine favor.
60. **Olawale:** This name means "wealth has returned", signifying a return to prosperity, abundance, and good fortune.
61. **Oluwatoyin:** A name meaning "God is merciful", Oluwatoyin signifies divine compassion and kindness.
62. **Omobola:** This name means "wealth has come to us", signifying the arrival of good fortune and a blessing.
63. **Omotoyin:** A name meaning "the wealth of our mother", Omotoyin reflects the importance of the mother's contribution to the family's prosperity.
64. **Peter:** A name of Greek origin, meaning "rock" or "stone", Peter signifies strength and resilience.
65. **Samuel:** A name of Hebrew origin, meaning "God has heard", Samuel signifies divine attention and guidance.
66. **Sunday:** A name of English origin, Sunday signifies the day of the week, often associated with a sense of rest and renewal.
67. **Uche:** This Igbo name means "wisdom" and signifies intelligence and understanding.
68. **Ujunwa:** A name of Igbo origin, Ujunwa means "beauty" and signifies attractiveness and grace.
69. **Victor:** A name of Latin origin, meaning "conqueror" or "victorious", Victor signifies triumph and success.
70. **Williams:** A name of English origin, meaning "protector", Williams signifies guardianship and defense.
71. **Zik:** A name of Igbo origin, meaning "God is powerful", Zik signifies divine power and authority.