180+ Popular Nigerian Surnames: Igbo, Yoruba, & More

Nigeria is home to more than 250 ethnic groups, so it’s full of vibrant cultures and traditions. This culture can also be seen in the variety of surnames used by Nigerian citizens. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common and unique Nigerian surnames, including those from Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa cultures. We’ll also provide an overview of the naming conventions in Nigeria.

Common Nigerian Surnames

The most common Nigerian surnames come from the Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa languages, and they often reflect religion, occupation, or place of origin. Here are some popular Nigerian last names:

Abdullahi (“servant of God”)
Adeyemi (“the crown suits me”)
Chukwu (“the great God or spirit”)
Eze (“king”)
Olumide (“my God has come”)

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Popular Nigerian Last Names

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Some Nigerian surnames are widely recognized both within Nigeria and across the diaspora. The most popular Nigerian surnames are either Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa in origin, as these are the 3 most common ethnic groups found in Nigeria. Here are some of the most popular Nigerian last names:
- Abdullahi (“servant of God”)
- Abiola (“born with wealth or honor”)
- Abubakar (“father of a young camel”)
- Adamu (“first man”)
- Adeoye (“crown prince”)
- Adeyemi (“the crown suits me”)
- Ahmed (“most praised”)
- Bassey (“God or king”)
- Bello (“handsome”)
- Chukwu (“the great God or spirit”)
- Eze (“king”)
- Hassan (“handsome”)
- Ibeh (“relation to a friend or family member”)
- Ibrahim (“father of multitudes”)
- Igwe (“title of honor”)
- Johnson (“son of John”)
- Mohammed (“praised one”)
- Njoku (“guardian deity of the yam”)
- Obi (“heart”)
- Okafor (“born on Afor market day”)
- Okoro (“greatness”)
- Okpara (“firstborn”)
- Olumide (“my God has come”)
- Olusegun (“God has conquered”)
- Taiwo (“first twin to taste the world”)
- Tinubu (“wealth”)
- Tyjani (“gift”)
- Unigwe (“heaven”)
- Williams (“son of William”)
- Zabu (“gold”)

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Yoruba Last Names

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The Yoruba people are a major West African ethnic group who primarily inhabit southwestern Nigeria, Benin, and Togo and practice a blend of traditional beliefs, Christianity, and Islam. Their surnames often include prefixes that reflect royalty (Ade-), honor (Ola-), or divinity (Olu-). Here are some of the most common Yoruba last names:
- Abayomi (“my enemies tried to mock me, but God didn’t allow them”)
- Abimbola (“born with wealth”)
- Adarabioyo (“as beautiful/good as Oyo town/people”)
- Adebayo (“crown meets joy”)
- Adebutu (“the crown has gained prosperity”)
- Adedeji (“the crown has become two”)
- Adedibu (“the crown has become an ocean”)
- Adefemi (“the crown loves me”)
- Adesina (“royal pathway, opportunity”)
- Bamidele (“invitation to family, belonging”)
- Bankole (“build my house for me”)
- Ogundipe (honors the Yoruba god of war and iron)
- Olayinka (“surrounded by wealth, abundance”)
- Oni (“born on holy ground”)
- Salami (“wishes for peace, harmony”)

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Igbo Last Names

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The Igbo are a major, predominantly Christian ethnic group in southeastern Nigeria. Their surnames often reflect religious devotion by incorporating Chi for God. They may also reflect family circumstances or the market day of birth. Here are some popular Igbo surnames:
- Achike (“give praise to the Lord”)
- Acholonu (“the courage of my father”)
- Amaechi (“who knows tomorrow”)
- Aneke (“plurality, abundance”)
- Anozie (“we are now settled”)
- Anyadike (“eyes of the warrior”)
- Anyanwu (“eye of the sun”)
- Anyiam (“eye that sees”)
- Arinze (“thanks to”)
- Asagwara (“unreliable”)
- Chibueze (“God is king”)
- Chibuike (“God is great”)
- Chilaka (“God is supreme”)
- Chinedu (“God leads”)
- Dozie (“God is my strength”)
- Duru (“master of a homestead”)
- Ikechukwu (“power of God”)
- Kalu (“Igbo god of thunder and lightning”)
- Okeke (“born on Eke day”)
- Okonkwo (“born on Nkwo market day”)
- Ugochukwu (“eagle of God”)

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Hausa Last Names

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The Hausa are a predominantly Muslim ethnic group living primarily in northern Nigeria and southern Niger. Hausa surnames often reflect Islamic heritage, occupations, or geographical origins. Here are some common Hausa last names:
- Abdullahi (“servant of Allah”)
- Aliyu (“exalted”)
- Babangida (“master of the house”)
- Bako (“a male child who was born after the arrival of visitors in a household”)
- Balarabe (“son of the prophet”)
- Danjuma (“born on Friday”)
- Dantata (“son of Tata”)
- Garba (“old man”)
- Harouna (“high mountain, messenger”)
- Maigari (“leader of the town”)
- Musa (“drawn from water”)
- Rabiu (“springtime”)
- Usman (“baby bird”)
- Yar’ Adua (“child of Adua”)

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Traditional Nigerian Last Names

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Many Nigerian surnames are related to cultural traditions, practices, and festivals that date back centuries. These names have likely been passed down for centuries and reflect a family’s long history in Nigeria. Here are some examples:
- Abiodun (“born during war”)
- Babatunde (“father has returned”)
- Chukwuemeka (“God has done great things”)
- Emeka (“great deeds”)
- Funmilayo (“give me joy”)
- Ifeanyi (“nothing is impossible with God”)
- Ngozi (“blessing”)
- Nkechi (“gift of God”)
- Nneka (“mother is supreme”)
- Obiora (“heart of the people”)
- Ogunleye (“the warrior has honor”)
- Oluwaseun (“God be praised”)
- Omotola (“child is as precious as riches”)
- Temitope (“mine is worthy of thanks”)
- Titilayo (“eternal joy”)

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Historical & Ancient Nigerian Last Names

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Pre-colonial Nigeria was home to many powerful kingdoms and empires. Many modern Nigerian surnames reflect these historical communities, keeping their culture alive. Here are some examples of some of the oldest Nigerian surnames:
- Ajibola (“wakes up to meet wealth”)
- Alabi (“born to wealth”)
- Bamgbose (“help me carry the load”)
- Daramola (“good luck has come”)
- Ekundayo (“sorrow has turned to joy”)
- Fadipe (“the Ifa priest has spoken”)
- Gbadamosi (“big masquerade has arrived”)
- Ibikunle (“born in the midst of war”)
- Jaiyeoba (“enjoy and rule”)
- Lawal (“child born after a father’s return”)

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Unique & Rare Nigerian Last Names

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Because surnames in Nigeria didn’t exist until the country was colonized, many Nigerian families chose unique surnames to differentiate themselves from other families. These unique names stand out for their unique meanings and rarity:
- Adunni (“sweet to have”)
- Aghogho (“happiness and joy”)
- Ayodeji (“joy has doubled”)
- Damilola (“crown me with wealth”)
- Folake (“cared for with wealth”)
- Folashade (“honor has created a crown”)
- Gbeminiyi (“carry me with honor”)
- Gbemisola (“carry me to wealth”)
- Ibukunoluwa (“blessing of God”)
- Ifeoma (“beautiful thing”)
- Ifekandu (“nothing is greater than love”)
- Jumoke (“everyone loves the child”)
- Kehinde (“second-born twin”)
- Lola (“wealth”)
- Modupe (“I am grateful”)
- Omolara (“child is family”)
- Toluwani (“belongs to God”)

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Strong & Powerful Nigerian Last Names

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Historically, Nigeria has been home to many fierce warriors and leaders, so many surnames reflect these noble occupations. Here are some common Nigerian surnames that have strong and powerful meanings:
- Ajayi (“born face-down”)
- Akinola (“warrior with honor”)
- Akinyemi (“fated to be a warrior”)
- Balogun (“warlord”)
- Chukwuma (“God knows”)
- Efosa (“God has added more blessings”)
- Kemi (“care for me”)
- Nnamdi (“my father lives”)
- Nwadike (“son of the brave”)
- Obinna (“heart of the father”)
- Olumuyiwa (“God brought this; divine intervention”)
- Segun (“conqueror”)
- Tunde (“has come again”)
- Uche (“thought or wisdom”)
- Udeh (“strength”)
- Uzoma (“good path”)
- Yakubu (“supplanter”)
- Yemi (“befit me”)

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Modern Nigerian Last Names

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Some Nigerian families have more modern last names that blend traditional meanings with modern influences. Here are some of the newer Nigerian surnames:
- Adaora (“daughter of the people”)
- Adejoke (“crown has shared”)
- Amara (“grace”)
- Ayomide (“my joy has come”)
- Bolaji (“honor awakens”)
- Boluwatife (“as God wishes”)
- Chioma (“good God”)
- Damilare (“crown me with goodness”)
- Eniolaoluwa (“rich person of God”)
- Fadeke (“use love as a crown”)
- Kelechi (“thank God”)
- Kosisochukwu (“as God wills”)
- Nkem (“mine”)
- Somto (“join me in worship”)
- Tifeoluwa (“it is God’s will”)
- Uchechi (“God’s will”)
- Zainab (“beautiful”)

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Biblical Nigerian Last Names

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Christianity is one of the two most common religions in Nigeria (the other being Islam), so many Nigerians have surnames that are inspired by the Bible. Here are some of the most common Biblical names you may hear:
- Abraham (“father of nations”)
- Daniel (“God is my judge”)
- David (“beloved”)
- Emmanuel (“God with us”)
- Isaac (“laughter”)
- Jacob (“supplanter”)
- Joseph (“he will add”)
- Michael (“who is like God”)
- Moses (“drawn from water”)
- Samuel (“heard by God”)

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Famous Nigerian Last Names

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Some Nigerian surnames are well-known internationally, even though you may not realize they’re Nigerian! From authors and political figures to athletes, many celebrities and public figures have made these surnames famous:
- Achebe (“protector”; after author Chinua Achebe)
- Adeleke (“crown has come home”; after the Adeleke family, known in politics and entertainment)
- Adesanya (“crown opens the path”; after UFC champion Israel Adesanya)
- Adichie (“one in whom God is present”; after author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie)
- Awolowo (“path to wealth”; after nationalist leader Obafemi Awolowo)
- Azikiwe (“full of brilliance”; after Nigeria’s first president, Nnamdi Azikiwe)
- Babangida (“father of the nation”; a historical name connected to Ibrahim Babangida, a former military ruler)
- Danfo (“urban identity”; tied to Lagos’s vibrant transport culture)
- Fashola (“divination produces honor”; after former Lagos State governor Babatunde Fashola)
- Fela (“warrior”; after Afrobeat music pioneer Fela Kuti)
- Kanu (“son of the earth”; after football legend Nwankwo Kanu and activist Nnamdi Kanu)
- Obasanjo (“the king has chosen”; after former President of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo)
- Soyinka (“surrounded by the spirit”; after Nobel Prize-winning writer Wole Soyinka)
- Tinubu (“to be blessed”; after President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu)

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Nigerian Naming Conventions

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Nigerian surnames often reflect occupation, place of origin, or religion. While Nigeria is home to over 250 ethnic groups, the 3 most common are the Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa, which is why most Nigerian surnames come from one of those 3 languages.^{[1]
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Research source} Surnames are used to reflect a person’s identity and help them connect with other people, which is why they’re often related to occupation, clan, or even physical appearance.
- Surnames didn’t exist in Nigeria until the country was colonized. Afterward, some Nigerians adopted their given names as last names.
- Because Islam and Christianity are the two main religions in Nigeria, many Nigerian surnames have Arabic or Hebrew origins.
- Some Nigerian surnames are also patrilineal, meaning a father’s first name will become their child’s surname.