80+ Classic Nigerian Last Names with Meanings

Are you looking for some Nigerian Last Names? Don’t worry. Here, I have shortlisted 80+ Nigerian Last Names with their meanings. The Nigerian last names are mostly derived from the Yoruba, the two main ethnic groups in the Ile-Ife state, and the Igbo, which belong to the native south-central and southeastern Nigeria and some other parts of Africa. Both ethnic groups have a huge influence on the name and culture of the country. So, let’s see.

Classic Nigerian Last Names

Akinjide

Africa is the origin of the name Akinjide. Moreover, it means “the strong one has returned”.

Agrinya

Agrinya is a Yala name, which means “warrior”.

Akintola

“Being brave is as good as wealth” is the meaning of the name Akintola. Not only that, but it comes from Yoruba.

Akinyemi

“Fated to be a warrior” is the meaning of the name Akinyemi. Not only that, but it comes from Yoruba.

Akerele

Firstly, the Yoruba name Akerele refers to “small but tough”.

Bosede

Firstly, the Yoruba name Bosede refers to “born on Sunday”.

Kporaro

“Progress” is a significant word of the name Kporaro. Not only that, but it is one of the rare names in Nigeria.

Oyawale

“The river goddess came home” is the significant word of Oyawale, with its origin in the Nigerian and Yoruba roots. However, it is more popular in Yoruba.

Otueome

Otueome is a rare name in Nigeria. It implies “he says and does as he claims”.

Oyinlola

Yoruba is the origin of the name Oyinlola. It is typically a female last name. Moreover, it means “wealth is sweet”.

Famous Nigerian Last Names

Azi

Basically, Nigeria is the origin of the last name Azi. Moreover, it means “unending”.

Awolowo

Awolowo is a Yoruba name, which means “the oracle has dignity”.

Attah

“Father of all” is the meaning of the name Attah. This name is less common. Not only that, but it comes from Nigeria.

Amaechi

Firstly, the African name Amaechi refers to “who knows tomorrow”.

Aliu

“Noteworthy, remarkable, and distinctive” are the significant words of the name Aliu. However, it lies in England.

Alison

“Light” is the significant word of Alison. Moreover, it is coming from Greece.

Ali

Arab is the starting place of the name Ali. It implies “high, champion, or elevated”.

Alana

Germany is the origin of the name Alana. Moreover, it means “precious and beautiful”.

Aku

Aku is an Igbo name, which means “wealth”.

Agwuegbo

“The hardship is over” is the significant word of the name Agwuegbo. However, it lies in Africa.

Aguta

“Countless or to have many” is the significance word of Aguta. It is coming from Igbo.

Adeyemi

Africa is the starting place of name Adeyemi. This surname is famous among the Yoruba tribe. It implies ”worthy to be a king”.

Adesina

Yoruba is the origin of the name Adesina. Moreover, it means “crown opens the way”.

Abubakar

Abubakar is one of the popular last name in Yoruba, which means “noble”.

Abiola

“Born in honour and wealth” is the meaning of the name Abiola. Not only that, but it comes from Yoruba.

Abara

Firstly, the Igbo last name Abara refers to “spirit”.

Babangida

“The master of the house” is the significant word of the name Babangida. However, it lies in Hausa.

Balogun

“Warlord” is the significant word of Balogun. It is coming from Yoruba. It is a title bestowed by a family.

Bankole

Bankole is one of the rare African last names. This surname is given to sons which implies “help build our house”.

Bello

Latin is the origin of the name Bello. Moreover, it means “handsome or beautiful”. It is derived from the bellus.

Chukwu

Chukwu is Igbo’s last name, which means “God, spiritual being, and great”.

Danjuma

“Born on Friday” is the meaning of the name Danjuma. Not only that, but it comes from Yoruba.

Eesuola

Firstly, the Yoruba name Eesuola refers to “to have a lot of wealth”.

Egbe

“Kite” is a significant word of the name Egbe. However, it lies in Yoruba.

Falade

“God of divination has intermingled with royalty” is the significant word of Falade. It is coming from Yoruba. However, it is one of the unique African surnames which translates to complete sentences.

Guh

Hebrew is the starting place of the name Guh. It implies “Gift of God”.

Hassan

Arab is the origin of the name Hassan. Moreover, it means “handsome, strong and manly”.

Ibrahim

Firstly, Ibrahim is an Arabian name, which means “Father of Nations”.

Igwe

“Heaven” is the meaning of the name Igwe. Not only that, but it comes from Igbo. It is reserved for royalty.

Kazah

Firstly, the Arabian name Kazah refers to “the origin of light”.

Kikelomo

“A child who should be pampered or cherished” is the significant word of the name Kikelomo. However, it lies in Yoruba.

Lawal

“Handsome boy” is the significant word of the name Lawal.

Mohammed

Arab is the starting place of the name Mohammed. It implies “the praised one”.

Nnadi

Igbo is the origin of the name Nnadi. This is one of the hopeful surnames. Moreover, it means “my God is alive or my father lives”.

Nwaigbo

Basically, Nwaigbo is an Igbo last name, which means “child of the Igbo people”.

Obiaka

“No home is greater than another” is the meaning of the name Obiaka. Not only that, but it comes from Igbo.

Okoro

Firstly, the Igbo last name Okoro refers to “greatness”. In Igbo, the roots of this name lies in Nigeria.

Okusanya

“God has rewarded me for my suffering” is the significant word of the name Okusanya. Not only that, but it lies in Yoruba.

Olanrewaju

“My wealth is the future or my wealth is moving forward” is the significant word of Olanrewaju. It is coming from Yoruba.

Osondu

Igbo is the starting place of the last name Osondu. It implies “to run for life”.

Shehu

Shehu is an Arabian name, which means “a sheikh or someone from authority”.

Tyjani

“A gift” is the meaning of the name Tyjani. Not only that, but it comes from Hausa. It is a unisex surname.

Umeh

Firstly, the Igbo last name Umeh refers to “strength”.

Umunna

Firstly, “Children of the Father” is the meaning of the name Umunna. Not only that, but it comes from Igbo.

Uzoegbu

“The safety of the read” is the significant word of the name Uzoegbu. However, it lies in Igbo.

Zabu

Basically, “Gold” is a significant word of Zabu. It is coming from Nigeria.

Read Also: Top 84 Modern Indian Boy Names with Its Meanings

Final Thoughts

I hope you like these Nigerian last names. However, the family name or last name is a link to our past. They give us knowledge about our ancestors and where and how our home tree started. This list provides you an insight into some popular and obsolete Nigerian last names.