West African Baby Names and Meanings

West African baby names are an important ritual in the life of Africans with far-reaching implications. In a society where the meaning of a person’s name is said to have a bearing on the character or fate of the individual, it becomes necessary to give children names that can build their lives. In addition to that, many rules govern how children are named. Some common criteria include the gender of the baby, time of the year the baby was born, and season. Other people consider notable occurrences during that time like the death of a relative or leader and the future role of the child in society.

A name provides the primary way of identifying a person in Africa. It not only show heritage but is also essential in identifying the family tree. If you are keen enough, a name will probably give you the time frame which a person was born and the place. This is because African names are usually given according to seasons, and it is common to have people of the same age group sharing names. It is obvious therefore that a name links a person to a family, tribe or society. African boy names meanings usually depict strength and power as opposed to those of girls that tend to focus on beauty and agility. Below are West African baby names and their meanings.

1. Abayomi

This is a unisex name that has its origins in the Yoruba people of Nigeria. It means ‘born to bring me joy’. It is one of the most common baby names, given that children bring joy to their families. Many families feel the need to name their children so that they are reminded of their significance.

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2. Abimbola

Abimbola is a girl name among the Yoruba of West Africa, Nigeria. It means ‘born to be wealthy’. Who wouldn’t want their children to be wealthy? The name is given to children whose future riches can be seen from the present such as those born of royalty.