150 Popular Nigerian Last Names or Surnames & Their Meanings

Nigerian last names are more than just identifiers; they carry deep cultural significance, history, and ancestral pride. Whether derived from occupations, personal traits, or lineage, these surnames tell stories of heritage, values, and identity.

In this post, we’ll explore 150 common Nigerian surnames, categorized by their ethnic origins (Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Edo, and more), along with their meanings. Let’s dive in!

Yoruba Surnames & Meanings

The Yoruba people, primarily from Southwestern Nigeria, have surnames often tied to family history, religion, or personal attributes.

1. Adeboye – “The crown meets joy”
2. Adesina – “The crown opens the way”
3. Adewale – “The crown has come home”
4. Adeyemi – “The crown befits me”
5. Afolayan – “One who walks with pride”
6. Agboola – “The one who makes wealth”
7. Ajayi – “Born face-down (a reference to childbirth)”
8. Akinwunmi – “Valor is attractive to me”
9. Akintola – “Bravery is the worth of wealth”
10. Alade – “The crowned one”
11. Babalola – “Father is wealth”
12. Balogun – “Warlord” or “Leader of warriors”
13. Fagbemi – “Ifa (divinity) gave me”
14. Fasola – “Ifa makes honor”
15. Ige – “Born feet-first”
16. Ojo – “Born on Ojo (a Yoruba day)”
17. Oke – “Hill” or “High place”
18. Okeke – “Born on Eke market day”
19. Olanrewaju – “Wealth is moving forward”
20. Olatunji – “Wealth awakens again”
21. Oluwaseyi – “God has done this”
22. Ogunlesi – “Ogun (god of iron) is victorious”
23. Oyedele – “Honor has come home”
24. Oyinlola – “Wealth is sweet”
25. Taiwo – “First twin to taste the world”
26. Kehinde – “Second-born twin”

Igbo Surnames & Meanings

Igbo surnames often reflect personal achievements, circumstances of birth, or ancestral connections.

27. Achebe – “The goddess protects”
28. Anyanwu – “Eye of the sun” (symbolizing brightness)
29. Chukwu – “God” (short for Chukwuemeka)
30. Eze – “King”
31. Ezeudu – “King’s way”
32. Ihejirika – “What is valued is greater”
33. Iwuoha – “Goodwill of the people”
34. Maduako – “I am not alone”
35. Nwachukwu – “Child of God”
36. Nwadike – “Son of a hero”
37. Nwankwo – “Born on Nkwo market day”
38. Nwaobi – “Child is important”
39. Nwosu – “Child of the leopard”
40. Obi – “Heart” or “Family”
41. Obioma – “Good heart”
42. Okafor – “Born on Afor market day”
43. Okeke – “Born on Eke market day”
44. Okonkwo – “Born on Nkwo day”
45. Okorie – “Son of the great one”
46. Okoye – “Son of Oye (a title)”
47. Onyema – “Who knows tomorrow?”
48. Onyeocha – “Fair-skinned person”
49. Uche – “Will” or “Mind”
50. Uchendu – “Thought of life”

Hausa Surnames & Meanings

Hausa surnames, common in Northern Nigeria, often reflect Islamic influence, occupations, or lineage.

51. Abubakar – From the first Caliph after Prophet Muhammad
52. Adamu – “Adam” (Biblical/Islamic origin)
53. Bello – “Helper” or “Supporter”
54. Danjuma – “Son of Friday”
55. Dantata – “Son of Tatta” (a historical figure)
56. Garba – “Born on Wednesday”
57. Hassan – “Handsome” or “Good”
58. Ibrahim – “Father of nations” (Abraham)
59. Idris – “Interpreter” or “Scholar”
60. Jibril – “Angel Gabriel”
61. Kabiru – “Great” or “Noble”
62. Mohammed – “Praised one” (Prophet Muhammad)
63. Musa – “Moses”
64. Sani – “Praiseworthy”
65. Shehu – “Leader” or “Scholar”
66. Suleiman – “Solomon” (wise king)
67. Tanko – “Born after many sons”
68. Umar – “Long-lived” or “Flourishing”
69. Usman – “Baby bustard (bird)” or “Companion of Prophet Muhammad”
70. Yakubu – “Jacob”

Edo (Benin) Surnames & Meanings

Edo surnames often reflect royalty, strength, and ancestral heritage.

71. Aigbe – “Wealth has arrived”
72. Aikhomu – “I am protected”
73. Egharevba – “Time will tell”
74. Edebiri – “Prayer answered”
75. Edo – “The people of Benin”
76. Egharevba – “The writer of history”
77. Eguavoen – “The world is not steady”
78. Ehizogie – “God’s time is best”
79. Ehimare – “God has done well”
80. Egharevba – “The historian”
81. Erediauwa – “The king of the world”
82. Eweka – “The dynasty founder”
83. Igbinedion – “Seeking the path of life”
84. Obaseki – “The king’s steward”
85. Ogbemudia – “The fearless one”
86. Ogiemwonyi – “The warrior”
87. Omoigui – “Child of the lion”
88. Osagie – “God’s chosen”
89. Osarenren – “God has ordained it”
90. Oshiomhole – “God is with me”

Other Nigerian Ethnic Surnames

Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups, so here are surnames from other regions:

Efik/Ibibio (South-South)

91. Akpan – “First son”
92. Ekpo – “Ghost” (ancestral reference)
93. Essien – “Warrior”
94. Etim – “Patience”
95. Udo – “Peace”

Tiv (Middle Belt)

96. Akiga – “The strong one”
97. Atsen – “Blessing”
98. Gbande – “Warrior”
99. Iorhemen – “God’s mercy”
100. Torkuma – “The brave one”

Fulani (Northern Nigeria)

101. Diallo – “Bold”
102. Jallo – “Noble”
103. Sow – “Chief”
104. Bah – “Father”
105. Baro – “Helper”

Unisex & Pan-Nigerian Surnames

Some surnames cut across ethnic lines due to intermarriage and modernization.

106. Ade – “Crown” (Yoruba)
107. Ali – “Exalted” (Arabic origin)
108. Bala – “Child” (Hausa)
109. Dike – “Strong man” (Igbo)
110. Emeka – “Great deeds” (Igbo)
111. Gabriel – “God is my strength”
112. Haruna – “Warrior” (Hausa)
113. Ibrahim – “Father of nations”
114. Johnson – Colonial influence
115. Lawal – “Born on Wednesday” (Yoruba/Hausa)
116. Okafor – “Born on Afor day” (Igbo)
117. Olu – “God” (Yoruba)
118. Samuel – “God has heard”
119. Yusuf – “God increases”
120. Zainab – “Fragrant flower”

Occupational & Descriptive Surnames

Some Nigerian surnames reflect family trades or characteristics.

121. Adebowale – “The crown meets royalty” (Yoruba)
122. Aguta – “Countless” (Igbo)
123. Akinjide – “Valor has returned” (Yoruba)
124. Alhaji – “One who has performed Hajj” (Muslim title)
125. Bakare – “One who takes care” (Yoruba)
126. Dogo – “Tall” (Hausa)
127. Ezeobi – “King of the household” (Igbo)
128. Fagbamila – “Ifa saves me” (Yoruba)
129. Gowon – “Rainmaker” (Tiv)
130. Ibe – “Merchant” (Igbo)
131. Makanjuola – “Do not fight with wealth” (Yoruba)
132. Obiakor – “Heart is supreme” (Igbo)
133. Ogundipe – “Iron is complete” (Yoruba)
134. Okafor – “Warrior” (Igbo)
135. Okoro – “Man of valor” (Igbo)
136. Olowe – “The wealthy one” (Yoruba)
137. Oni – “Born in a sacred place” (Yoruba)
138. Onyekwere – “Who gives?” (Igbo)
139. Sowunmi – “Follow the money” (Yoruba)
140. Uba – “Wealth” (Igbo)

Modern & Hybrid Surnames

With globalization, some surnames blend cultures or adopt Western influences.

141. Adeleke – “Crown achieves here” (Yoruba)
142. Bankole – “Build a house for me” (Yoruba)
143. Chidubem – “God leads me” (Igbo)
144. Ezeorah – “King of the people” (Igbo)
145. Folarin – “Walk with wealth” (Yoruba)
146. Obiakor – “Heart is supreme” (Igbo)
147. Oladipo – “Wealth becomes deep” (Yoruba)
148. Oluwande – “God has come” (Yoruba)
149. Onyekwelu – “Who is greater?” (Igbo)
150. Uzodinma – “The road is good” (Igbo)

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Final Thoughts

Nigerian surnames are a beautiful tapestry of history, language, and identity. Whether you bear one of these names or are simply curious about their meanings, each tells a story of resilience, faith, and heritage.

Do you have a Nigerian last name with a special meaning? Share it in the comments; we’d love to hear from you!

Which surname is your favorite? Let us know below!

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