135 Nigerian Last Names or Surnames & Their Meanings

Did you know that there were no Nigerian surnames in most parts of Nigeria before colonisation? Surprising, right? Nigeria, officially called the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa with more than 250 ethnic groups and over 500 spoken languages. Like the rest of Africa’s 54 countries, its naming traditions are incredibly diverse, influenced by tribal, colonial, cultural, and linguistic factors. Before the arrival of colonialists in the 1860s, most Nigerians did not use surnames. Instead, names functioned differently until colonizers introduced the practice.

As a result, many given names in local languages were adopted as Nigerian family names. Over time, these became the foundation of what we now recognize as Nigerian last names. With the spread of African communities worldwide, especially through the slave trade, these names reached the United States and Europe, where they remain a vital part of cultural identity.

Common Nigerian Surnames or Family Names

This compilation of common Nigerian last names with relevant meanings will come to your aid when you’re looking for a suitable surname for your little one.

1. Abara

2. Abdullah

This surname of Arabic origin means ‘the one who follows God’ or ‘the servant of God’.

3. Abiola

Abiola has a Yoruba origin, and it means ‘born in honour and wealth’.

4. Abimbola

This surname of Yoruba origin means ‘to be born wealthy’.

5. Abubakar

This is one of the popular last names of Yoruba origin; it means ‘noble’.

6. Adebayo

This Yoruba surname means ‘the crown meets joy’.

7. Abdullahi

A variation of the Arabic personal name Abdullah, this last name means ‘the servant of God’.

8. Adesina

This surname of Yoruba origin is apt for a long-awaited child. It means ‘crown opens the way’.

9. Aguta

This surname of Igbo origin meaning “laughter” and symbolizing joy and resilience.

10. Aku

11. Bolaji

Bolaji is a Yoruba surname meaning “Wake up with wealth,” symbolizing prosperity, good fortune, and a hopeful start to life.

12. Balogun

13. Babangida

This Nigerian surname means ‘The master of the house’ or ‘firstborn son’.

14. Bello

Derived from Latin Bellus, this surname of Spanish origin means ‘handsome’.

15. Bankole

Derived from Yoruba origin, the name means ‘help build my house’.

16. Baba

Baba is an honorific term of Persian origin, and it means ‘father, grandfather, wise old man, sir’. It also means ‘the first born’.

17. Bennet

This is an Anglo-Norman English surname with Norman roots. Bennet comes from Benedict that is derived from Latin Benedictus, meaning ‘blessed’.

18. Bassey

The surname Bassey is of Efik/Ibibio origin from southern Nigeria and means “God’s gift” or “one who is blessed by God.”

19. Chris

The name has a Greek origin, and it means ‘bearing Christ’.

20. Chukwu

This surname of Igbo Origin means ‘God’, ‘spiritual being’, and ‘great’.

21. Dambe

The name “Dambe” derives from the word boxe, and appears in Bole language as Dembe. It is a form of martial art of the Hausa people from West Africa.

22. Danjuma

Used mainly by the African-Hausatribe, this surname means ‘son of Friday’.

23. Dauda

This West African surname creates a mind that is ‘beloved’.

24. Ejiofor

Derived from the Igbo tribe, this surname means ‘one who acts in good faith’.

25. Etienam

Originating from the Calabar and Alwa Ibom regions of southeastern Nigeria, Etienam means ‘a doer of good’ or ‘benevolent’.

26. Eesuola

This surname of Yoruba origin means ‘to have a lot of wealth’.

27. Egbe

28. Emem

29. Eze

This surname of Igbo origin is a title of respect. It means ‘King’.

30. Falade

This is one of the unique African surnames of Yoruba origin, and it means ‘Oracle is the crown’.

31. Folorunsho

This surname of Yoruba origin means ‘under God’s protection’.

32. Gbadamosi

This name of Nigerian origin surname means ‘Introspective and philosophical’.

33. Guh

This surname of Hebrew origin means ‘Gift of God’.

34. Hassan

This surname of Arabic origin means ‘handsome’ or ‘strong and manly’.

35. Ibeh

This surname of Igbo origin means ‘In one’s relation as a friend, family or acquaintance’.

36. Igwe

Derived from Edoid language, Igwe means ‘Sky or heaven.’ It is a title of honour.

37. Igbinedion

This surname of Benin origin means ‘seeking refuge in elder’s protection’.

38. Ihejirika

This Igbo surname means ‘the one that I have is greater’.

39. Ikande

40. Ibrahim

The surname Ibrahim is of Arabic origin, meaning “father of many” or “Abraham”, widely used in Muslim communities.

41. Iwuchukwu

This Christian surname of Igbo tribe means ‘God’s covenant is unwavering’.

42. Jacob

Derived from Late Latin Jacobus, from Greek Iakovos, from Hebrew (Yaʿqob), Jacob means ‘seizing by the heel’, ‘supplanting’.

43. Jimoh

Derived from African Swahili, Jimoh is a form of Jumah, which means ‘born on Friday’ or ‘the congregation’.

44. Konkwo

Konkwo means ‘born on Nkwo’ in Igbo, as Nkwo is one of the days of the Igbo week.

45. Kalu

46. Kikelomo

This surname of Yoruba origin means ‘a child who should be pampered or cherished’.

47. Kazah

48. Kanye

This surname belonging to the Igbo tribe means ‘let’s give’ or ‘to give honour or tribute’. It is also a Yoruba surname referring to ‘next in line in chieftaincy’.

49. Kporaro

Kpo is ‘Go’, Ra means ‘Of’, and Aro means ‘Front’, so this Nigerian surname means ‘The person at the front’.

50. Kolawole

Found in Atlantic-Niger Africa region, Kolawole means ‘wealth’.

51. Lawal

52. Musa

Musa is a name of Arabic or Turkish origin based on the name Moses. It means ‘saved from the water’.

53. Mohammed

This surname has Arabic origins, and it means ‘praised’, ‘commendable’, ‘laudable’.

54. Mmeremikwu

This surname of Igbo origin means ‘to be better’ or ‘to be higher’

55. Mustapha

This Arabic surname means ‘The chosen one’. It is one of the nicknames of Prophet Muhammad.

56. Matins

This name is derived from a personal name based on the Arabic name Matin, meaning ‘strong’ or ‘powerful’. It also comes from Al-Matin, meaning ‘the Almighty’ is an attribute of Allah.

57. Manuel

Originating in the Hebrew name Immanu’el, Manuel means ‘God with us’ or ‘The son of Emanuel’.

58. Njoku

Njoku Ji is the guardian deity of the yam for the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria.

59. Nnadi

This surname of Igbo origin means ‘my God is alive’ or ‘my father lives’.

60. Nwadike

This surname of Igbo origin means ‘this person is strong’ or ‘son of the hero’.

61. Nwaeze

62. Nwaigbo

This surname of Igbo origin means ‘child of the Igbo people’.

63. Nnachi

Originated from the Igbo ethnic group of eastern Nigeria, Nnachi means ‘God father’.

64. Nwabili

A variant of Nabili, Nwabila has an Arabic origin meaning ‘honourable’ or ‘noble’.

65. Okoro

This surname of Igbo origin means ‘Greatness’ or ‘Child of the free-born man’.

66. Onyema

Onyema is an Igbo surname meaning ‘Who can predict the mind of God?’

67. Obianagha

The surname Obianagha is of Igbo origin and means “one who has come to share wealth” or “a person who brings prosperity to the family.”

68. Okpara

69. Okusanya

This surname of Yoruba origin symbolizes the belief ‘God has rewarded me for my sufferings’.

70. Oladoyinbo

This surname of Igbo origin means ‘honour surrounds him’.

71. Okon

This surname of African origin refers to someone ‘Born in the night’.

72. Ojo

This Yoruba surname means ‘Splendour’, ‘shine’, or ‘vigour’.

73. Okeke

This surname refers to someone ‘Born on Eke’, which is one of the days of the Igbo week.

74. Owayale

This surname in Yoruba means ‘the river goddess came home’.

75. Odoemene

Derived from Igbo tribe, Odoemene means ‘yellow reluctance’.

76. Popoola

This surname of Yoruba origin means ‘Intelligent people love God’.

77. Peter

Derived from Greek Petros, meaning ‘stone’, ‘rock’, Peter refers to ‘the son of Peter’.

78. Prest

Derived from the Old English word preost, which means priest, Prest is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain.

79. Rabiu

This Hausa given name or surname means ‘meaningful’.

80. Rafiu

This name of Arabic origin is one of the names of God in Islam and Gods of Networking. It stems from the Arabic verb rafa, meaning ‘to lift or to raise’. Rafiu means ‘noble’.

81. Razzaq

This surname of Arabic, Persian and Urdu origin is one of the names of God in Islam, and it means ‘provider’ or ‘sustained’.

82. Raheem

This surname is one of the names of Allah in Islam. A short for Abdu r-Raḥīm, it means ‘Servant of the Merciful’.

83. Sanusi

Sanusi was the name of the Lybian dynasty until the 1969 coup and means ‘the one who comes from the Senouss’.

84. Sami

This surname of Arabic origin means ‘prominent, exalted’.

85. Sulaimom

Originating from Hebrew, Sulaimon means ‘man of peace’. It corresponds to the English name Solomon who was a Muslim prophet and King of Israel.

86. Samuel

This surname of Hebrew origin means either ‘name of God’. Samuel was the last of the ruling judges in the Old Testament.

87. Tyjani

This Nigerian surname means ‘unmatched greatness’ or ‘Gift’.

88. Tersoo

Commonly found among the Tiv people of Nigeria, this surname means ‘father’s love’.

89. Taiwo

This surname of Yoruba origin means ‘the first twin to taste the world’. Taye and Taiye are the variants of this surname.

90. Ugochukwu

This Igbo surname means ‘God’s Eagle’, ‘Crown of God’ or ‘Glory of God’.

91. Uba

92. Uthman

This surname of Arabic origin means ‘wise’, ‘most powerful’, and ‘intuitive’. This mythological surname belonged to Uthman, Prophet Muhammad’s companion.

93. Unigwe

The surname Unigwe is of Igbo origin and means “heaven” or “sky,” symbolizing elevation, greatness, and divine connection.

94. Ukpabi

This frequently used surname of Igbo origin refers to ‘the name of a deity.’

95. Uche

Common among the Igbo people, Uche means ‘intention’, ‘will’, ‘mind’, or ‘sense’.  Uchechukwu is its variant, which means ‘God’s will’ or ‘God’s intention’.

96. Umaru

Umaru originates from Urdu or the ancient Arabic word umr meaning ‘life’.

97. Umunna

Umunna is a form of patrilineage maintained by the Igbo tribe. It means ‘children of the father’.

98. Uchenna

99. Yakubu

A variant of Jacob, Yakubu means ‘Supplanter’ and is of Swahili origin.

100. Yusuf

This Arabic, Aramaic, Turkish and Persian name means ‘God increases’ in Hebrew.

Popular Nigerian Last Names

Here are some most popular Nigerian last names or surnames that are known by people worldwide. Scroll the names to find if your name is in the category and learn what it means and its origins.

1. Adeoye

Adeoye is a common Nigerian family name. In Yoruba, the last name stands for ‘crown prince’.

2. Adeyemi

This interesting-sounding Yorubian surname means ‘worthy of being a king’.

3. Agbani

Agbani is a popular surname amongst the families of the Yoruba tribe. It means ‘praise the lord’.

4. Akerele

Another family name of Yoruba origin, Akerele is a well-known surname meaning ‘small but strong’.

5. Akpabio

A powerful last name, Akpabio, is a Nigerian surname of the Ibibio ethnic African group. Akpabio is used to denote a prime or a leader of the group.

6. Alana

Alana is used as a female name as well as a Nigerian family name.

7. Alaneme

Alaneme comes from the Igbo people of Africa. This family name is a combination name, made from Ala meaning ‘land’ and neme meaning ‘doing something’.

8. Ali

Ali is a common surname of Arabic origin that is popular and used worldwide among several Islamic groups. The name means ‘champion’.

9. Amaechi

Amaechi is a Nigerian last name with Igbo roots. The surname refers to ‘someone who can predict tomorrow’.

10. Anenih

Anenih is a powerful and well-known last name of Yoruba origin. It refers to a God-bearing surname.

11. Asaju

Asaju is another bold Nigerian surname, which refers to ‘leader’ or ‘head of warriors’.

12. Attah

A surname of the Igala tribe of Africa, Attah is a memorable Nigerian family name. The meaning of this surname is ‘father of everyone’.

13. Chidubem

Chibudem is a well-respected family name in Nigeria, also thanks to its beautiful meaning. The name refers to ‘a person who God always guides’.

14. Nwaike

Originating in the ethnic clans of Africa, this Igbo name is a well-respected Nigerian family name. Certain families that have a strong lineage bear this surname.

15. Obi

The surname Obi is of Igbo origin and means “heart” or “king”, often symbolizing leadership, strength, and compassion within the community

16. Obiaka

Obiaka is a humble Nigerian surname borne by the Igbo people of Africa. The surname refers to the thought that every home is the greatest.

17. Obiakaeze

Obiakaeze is a historical family name of Igbo origin. The name stands for ‘the King is greater than home’.

18. Obiakpani

Obiakpani is a humble surname of Igbo origin which means ‘end of suspense, the heart rests now’.

19. Okoturo

Okoturo is a well-known Nigerian family name of Igbo origin. The meaning of this surname is unknown.

20. Olanrewaju

A surname of Yoruba origin, Olanrewaju is synonymous with ‘the growth of fortune in future’.

21. Olowe

Olowe is an eccentric Nigerian surname of Yoruba origin. It refers to ‘a person who can call many people for help’.

22. Oni

This Nigerian surname is synonymous with ‘one who is born on a holy ground’.

23. Onyilogwu

This Nigerian surname is commonly found among Igbo people. The meaning of the last name is ‘someone unaffected by black magic’.

24. Osondu

This family name finds its roots in the ethnic group of Igbo in Africa. It means ‘running for life’.

25. Oyinlola

Originating from Yoruba culture, Oyinlola is commonly found in the Ondo region of Nigeria. The meaning of this last name is ‘wealth is sweet’.

26. Shehu

Shehu refers to ‘a sheikh’ or ‘someone with authority’. The surname is of Arabic origin and is commonly found among Nigerians.

27. Uchce

Uchce is a common surname of Igbo origin. It means ‘thoughts of God’.

28. Umeh

Umeh is a popular family name of Igbo origin and means ‘strength’.

29. Uzoegbu

Uzoegbu originated amongst the Igbo people of Africa. It denotes ‘the safety of one who reads’.

30. Zabu

The surname Zabu is of African origin, found among Hausa-speaking communities, and it means “leader” or “chief,” symbolizing authority and respect.

Unique Nigerian Surnames

Does your always rare to you because not many have it? Maybe, it’s because it is a unique one! Let’s find out if you have a unique Nigerian surname from this list and see what it means.

1. Adunni

Adunni is a Yoruba surname that means “sweet daughter” or “pleasant one.”

2. Aghogho

The Urhobo name Aghogho translates to “joy” or “happiness,” reflecting positivity.

3. Agrinya

The interesting fact about this Nigerian surname is that it is not given to a bearer but rather earned by the bearer. Of Yala origin, the surname means ‘warrior’.

4. Akinjide

Very unique and unheard-of, Akinjide is a family name of African origin. It means ‘the strong one has returned’.

5. Ayodeji

Ayodeji, of Yoruba origin, carries the meaning “joy doubled” or “my joy has become twice.”

6. Bosede

You’ll be surprised to know that this surname is usually reserved for women. Boesede means ‘born on Sunday’.

7. Damilola

In Yoruba, Damilola signifies “blessed with wealth” or “prosperity has blessed me.”

8. Folake

The surname Folake comes from Yoruba and means “to be pampered with wealth” or “cared for with riches.”

9. Orelias

Orelias come from a mix of Italian and Venetian language. The surname means ‘golden’.

10. Otueome

Otueomoe is a rare family name which stands for ‘he says and does as he claims’.

Powerful Nigerian Names

Powerful Nigerian names carry deep cultural meanings, often reflecting strength, honor, and blessings. Rooted in diverse traditions, they symbolize identity and heritage across generations.

1. Ajayi

Ajayi is a Yoruba name often given to a child born face down, symbolizing uniqueness and destiny.

2. Akinola

The Yoruba surname Akinola blends courage and prosperity, meaning “wealth meets bravery.”

3. Chukwuma

Chukwuma, an Igbo name, carries the powerful message “God knows” or “only God understands.”

4. Efosa

From the Edo people, Efosa reflects faith and gratitude, meaning “wealth is given by God.”

5. Emeka

Emeka, short for Chukwuemeka in Igbo, expresses thankfulness: “God has done great deeds.”

6. Kemi

The Yoruba name Kemi means “pampered one” or “blessed,” often showing affection and care.

7. Nnamdi

Nnamdi, from Igbo origin, lovingly means “my father lives on,” honoring family legacy.

8. Obinna

The Igbo surname Obinna translates as “father’s heart,” a name full of warmth and connection.

9. Olumuyiwa

In Yoruba, Olumuyiwa signifies “God has brought this,” a reminder of blessings received.

10. Segun

Segun is a Yoruba name that proudly means “victory,” celebrating triumph and strength.

History Of Nigerian Last Names

The story of Nigerian last names is a reflection of the country’s diversity and resilience. Each ethnic group developed its own way of naming, often drawing from religion, nature, ancestry, or significant life events. Among the Yoruba, names could highlight destiny or blessings, while Igbo names frequently carried spiritual messages about God’s will. In northern Nigeria, many surnames were shaped by Islamic influence, linking families to faith and tradition. As generations passed, these names became powerful markers of identity, passed down to honor heritage and preserve family history. Today, Nigerian family names continue to connect people to their roots, telling stories of strength, faith, and community across centuries.

FAQs

1. Which Cultures Influence Nigerian Last Names the Most?

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