Names are extremely important in Igbo culture, particularly in southeastern Nigeria, where the naming of children is a significant event often marked by specific ceremonies. Igbo names, whether for baby boys, girls, or twins, serve as vessels for parents’ hopes and aspirations for their offspring. These names frequently convey a story, symbolise a prayer, or honour a family legacy.
The practice of using names to express parental aspirations is not unique to the Igbo people; names throughout Nigeria carry similar meanings, stemming from a strong belief in the power of spoken words. In Igboland, names may express gratitude and reverence to a higher power, which is why we often see Igbo names with the words Chi or Chukwu, serving as a testament to the parents’ faith. Others may be inspired by familial lineage, community identity, or the circumstances of birth.
Let’s look at some unique examples of these names, such as Otitochukwu (meaning “In God’s Praise”) to Olisabinaigwe (meaning “God in heaven”), to see what stories they tell.
| No. | Name | Meaning |
| 1. | Otitochukwu | In God’s Praise |
| 2. | Otutuchukwu | Chant for God |
| 3. | Ezeafakaego | A good name is better than riches |
| 4. | Soromtochukwu | Follow me and Praise God |
| 5. | Chikodiri | It’s left for God |
| 6. | Chikamso | It’s God I follow |
| 7. | Chukwu Dalu/ Chidalu | God I Thank you |
| 8. | Afaoma | Good Heart |
| 9. | Adaugo | First Daughter of an Eagle |
| 10. | Chukwu Debelu | It’s God that Kept him |
| 11. | Deberechi | Put Your Trust in God |
| 12. | Chukwuka Dibia | God Is greater than a Native Doctor |
| 13. | Chimamanda | My God will not fail |
| 14. | Yadera | His word is final |
| 15. | Nwakaego | Child is better than money or child is supreme |
| 16. | Chinweike | God Owns power |
| 17. | Kambili | Let me live or peace |
| 18. | Nkemakolam | I won’t lack |
| 19. | Chibundu | God is life |
| 20. | Chizitere | God sent |
| 21. | Sochikaima | It’s only God we know |
| 22. | Adaku | One who brings a silver spoon to her home |
| 23. | Adaolisa | God’s daughter |
| 24. | Afamefuna | My name will not be lost |
| 25. | Akunna | Father’s wealth |
| 26. | Chimdindu | My God is alive |
| 27. | Amadi | Free man |
| 28. | Amobi | Who knows the heart of man |
| 29. | Anwulika | My joy is great |
| 30. | Obiora | Everyone’s heart |
| 31. | Chetachi/Chetachukwu | One who always remembers God |
| 32. | Amaechi | Who knows tomorrow |
| 33. | Nkiruka | The best is still to come |
| 34. | Jidenna | Hold on to your father |
| 35. | Akachi | The hand of God |
| 36. | Akuchi | God’s wealth |
| 37. | Añuli/Anulika | Joy/Joy is greater |
| 38. | Azubuike | The past is your strength |
| 39. | Somnazu/Somnazu Chukwu | Walk behind me |
| 40. | Kaitochukwu | Let’s praise God |
| 41. | Lotachukwu | Remember God, Remember the Father |
| 42. | Kammarachukwu | Let me know God |
| 43. | Olisabinaigwe | God in Heaven |
Written by Grace Bisina, Edited by Chisom Akuakonam
Cover Image source: Ibo-bryllup Jeremy Weate, Lisens: CC BY NC 2.0
Image: The all-maiden Egwu Tochi cultural Igbo dance at Queens School, Enugu, Nigeria.[ukpuru.com]