Nigeria has over 200 ethnic groups with the Igbo being one of the largest, making up approximately 18 percent of the population. Igbo people have a rich language (Igbo), a unique history and a fascinating culture, and Igbo names are no different. Most Igbo names have very deep meanings and can hold many secrets. Names in Igboland can reveal your ancestral background, or what they did for a living, and some even tell very short stories. While there are many traditional names inspired by religion (both Odinani and Christianity), some names are also inspired by the nature and circumstances surrounding the birth of a child. Here are 22 beautiful Igbo names and their meanings.
To reflect faith and religion, most Igbo Christian parents choose traditional names for their children that include the name of God (Chukwu or Chi). In Igbo language, Chukwu or Chi means God. Whereas Nna means father and Nne means mother.
1. Chukwuma
Chukwuma is a boy’s name, its meaning is “God knows.” A variant of Chima using Chukwu (Chi-Ukwu), meaning “The Most High,” as the first element, which is the extended form of Chi meaning “God”.
2. Nneamaka (Amaka)
A beautiful name for a girl, meaning; mother is beautiful.
3. Nnamdi
An Igbo name for a boy, meaning; my father lives. Traditionally, it is usual a name given to a grandson who is believed to be incarnate of a late father.
4. Obianuju (Ujunwa)
Obianuju is an Igbo name for girls. A name given to girl child born in the mist of abundance of wealth, health, and all things positive.
5. Chimamanda
Chimamanda is a girl’s name of Igbo origin meaning “my God will never fail”. A noble girl name in Nigeria, and amongst them is the famous Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Watch Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie reveal how the name ‘Chimamanda’, came about.
6. Adaeze
Adaeze is a girl’s name, it means the king’s first daughter.
7. Ozoemena
The name Ozoemena means may another one not happen. Usually a name given in circumstances where death has occurred in a family.
8. Ifeyinwa
A female name famous in Igboland, which means nothing can be compared to a child.
9. Chibuzo
The name means God comes first or God is the ultimate. The real name of the famous Nigerian rapper, songwriter and record producer, Phyno, is Chibuzo Nelson Azubuike.
10. Ikechukwu
Meaning the power of God, Ikechukwu is a popular Igbo name for boys.
11. Nneka
Nneka is beautiful Igbo name for girls, which means mothers are the greatest.
12. Chukwuebuka
Chukwuebuka is a given name for males. Its meaning is “God Is Mighty or God is the greatest.”
13. Oluchi
Oluchi is a given name for females. Its meaning is “God’s handiwork or God’s creation.”
14. Ngozi
Ngozi is a female given Igbo name. It means “blessing.” The Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, is among the famous Nigerians named Ngozi.
15. Adaego
Adaego is a beautiful Igbo female given name, which means the first daughter that brings riches and wealth.
16. Ebubedike
Ebubedike is a name for boys. In this case, the meaning is “the glory of a hero,” it’s usually a given name to son of a warrior or great man.
17. Chijindu
Chijindu is a name for boys. The meaning is “God is the holder of life,” in most cases, it’s given to a male child who almost died at birth or whose family has recently lost someone to death.
18. Ogechi
Ogechi is a simple and pretty feminine Igbo given name, which means God’s time.
19. Ifunanya
Ifunanya is a beautiful Igbo name for females. Its meaning is “love.”
20. Chioma
Chioma is a name for girls. It means “good God” or “good luck.”
21. Nnenna
Nnenna, Igbo name for girls, which means father’s mother – given to a girl who is incarnate of his dead mother of her father or grandfather.
22. Nnanna
Nnanna, Igbo name for boys, which means father’s father – given to a boy who is believe incarnate of his dead father or grandfather.
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