349+ Nigerian Last Names (BEST Compilation for You!)

ByBest Of All Mom Team Reading Time: 6 minutes
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Nigerian last names are deeply rooted in the country’s diverse ethnic groups and cultures. With over 250 different ethnic groups in Nigeria, each group has unique naming conventions and meanings behind their surnames. As you explore the rich history intertwined with Nigerian last names, you’ll discover that they often serve as a reflection of the family’s ancestry, profession, or values.

A family crest with the names Adewale, Okafor, and Onyekachi displayed on a traditional Nigerian shield

Some popular Nigerian last names among the Yoruba ethnic group include Adeyemi, Adebayo, and Ogunlade. Among the Igbo people, you might encounter surnames like Nwankwo, Okoye, and Eze. The Hausa and Fulani groups have names such as Yusuf, Bello, and Abubakar.

When researching Nigerian names and their meanings, look out for variations in spellings and pronunciations due to regional and linguistic differences. As you delve into the fascinating world of Nigerian surnames, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage and the unique identity of each name.

Best Names

1-25 Best Names

Let’s dive into some beautiful Nigerian last names. Here are 1-25 of the best names that showcase Nigeria’s rich culture and history.

  1. Abara
  2. Abdullahi
  3. Adeoye
  4. Adepoju
  5. Adesina
  6. Adewale
  7. Afolayan
  8. Agboola
  9. Akpabio
  10. Alakija
  11. Amadi
  12. Anozie
  13. Atoyebi
  14. Ayinde
  15. Azubuike
  16. Balogun
  17. Bankole
  18. Banwo
  19. Bello
  20. Chibueze
  21. Chidolue
  22. Chukwuma
  23. Dada
  24. Danjuma
  25. Dosunmu

26-50 Best Names

Moving on to the 26-50 best Nigerian last names, you’ll find names that reflect spirituality, strength, and honor.

  1. Eke
  2. Ekwueme
  3. Eleazar
  4. Enyinnaya
  5. Eze
  6. Ezigbo
  7. Fadeyi
  8. Fajuyi
  9. Fani-Kayode
  10. Fatoyinbo
  11. Gbenga
  12. Gbolahan
  13. Ibadin
  14. Ibrahim
  15. Idowu
  16. Ifejika
  17. Igbokwe
  18. Ige
  19. Ikedia
  20. Ikhine
  21. Inyama
  22. Isichei
  23. Iyayi
  24. Jolaoso
  25. Kalu

51-75 Best Names

If you’re looking for more Nigerian last names with divine or heavenly meanings, here are names 51-75 that fit the bill.

  1. Kamalu
  2. Kashimawo
  3. Kolade
  4. Ladele
  5. Makanjuola
  6. Maziri
  7. Mba
  8. Mbanefo
  9. Mgbokwo
  10. Momoh
  11. Ndubuisi
  12. Njoku
  13. Nkemakolam
  14. Nnadi
  15. Nwafor
  16. Nwankwo
  17. Nze
  18. Obafemi
  19. Obi
  20. Odion
  21. Odumegwu
  22. Ogbu
  23. Ogundana
  24. Ojukwu
  25. Okorafor

76-100 Best Names

Lastly, the final set of the top 100 Nigerian last names include those that convey a sense of grace, spirit, or gift.

  1. Okoronkwo
  2. Okoye
  3. Okpara
  4. Ola
  5. Olaniyi
  6. Olarewaju
  7. Olarinde
  8. Olatunji
  9. Olawale
  10. Olayiwola
  11. Olofin
  12. Oluwayemi
  13. Onochie
  14. Onyango
  15. Onyike
  16. Opaleye
  17. Oriola
  18. Orji
  19. Osagie
  20. Osakwe
  21. Osondu
  22. Owoeye
  23. Oyedele
  24. Popoola
  25. Uchendu

Good Names

In this section, we will explore 100 good Nigerian last names derived from different ethnic groups and tribes. These names often represent peace, royalty, and cultural significance. The names will be presented in four subsections, with each subsection containing 25 names.

1-25 Good Names

  1. Adebayo
  2. Abimbola
  3. Adeleke
  4. Ademola
  5. Adeoye
  6. Adesina
  7. Abiola
  8. Addullahi
  9. Abubakar
  10. Abara
  11. Bankole
  12. Chidiebere
  13. Chidubem
  14. Chimeremeze
  15. Chinedu
  16. Chukwuma
  17. Dada
  18. Danjuma
  19. Dimgba
  20. Diya
  21. Efun
  22. Egwu
  23. Efuntade
  24. Ekundayo
  25. Fagbure

26-50 Good Names

  1. Folarin
  2. Funlayo
  3. Gbenga
  4. Idowu
  5. Ige
  6. Igwe
  7. Ijeoma
  8. Ikenna
  9. Imoleayo
  10. Iroko
  11. Isioma
  12. Jaja
  13. Kalunta
  14. Kayode
  15. Kofo
  16. Kola
  17. Koyemi
  18. Kuforiji
  19. Mojisola
  20. Nwihim
  21. Nwokike
  22. Nwosu
  23. Obiechina
  24. Odemwingie
  25. Odidika

51-75 Good Names

  1. Ofor
  2. Ogali
  3. Ojo
  4. Okafor
  5. Okonkwo
  6. Okoye
  7. Oladele
  8. Olaniyan
  9. Olanrewaju
  10. Olatunji
  11. Oluwayanmife
  12. Omokehinde
  13. Onwukwe
  14. Osanyintolu
  15. Osunde
  16. Oyetunji
  17. Soyinka
  18. Tejuosho
  19. Ude
  20. Udoh
  21. Uduma
  22. Ugwu
  23. Ukiwe
  24. Umesi
  25. Usani

76-100 Good Names

  1. Uzoka
  2. Uzoma
  3. Wachuku
  4. Wali
  5. Wogu
  6. Yaya
  7. Yisa
  8. Zik
  9. Zubairu
  10. Durojaiye
  11. Ekeinde
  12. Elemide
  13. Eneji
  14. Enitan
  15. Etuk
  16. Fasanmi
  17. Festus
  18. Gbadamosi
  19. Idrus
  20. Ijoma
  21. Jimoh
  22. Johnbull
  23. Kalu
  24. Kanu
  25. Kazeem

These lists cover a variety of Nigerian last names, encompassing the rich history, peace, royal crowns, and diverse ethnic groups and tribes present within Nigerian culture. Embrace these names to connect with your Nigerian roots and celebrate the beauty of this unique heritage.

More Name Ideas

In this section, we will explore 100 Nigerian last names to inspire your search. We have divided the names into four subsections, each containing 25 names. The names are presented as bold text in numbered lists. Remember, this is just a starting point for your exploration of Nigerian surnames.

1-25 Name Ideas

  1. Abara
  2. Abdullahi
  3. Abiola
  4. Abubakar
  5. Adeoye
  6. Adepoju
  7. Adesina
  8. Adewale
  9. Afolayan
  10. Agboola
  11. Ajayi
  12. Akinola
  13. Akinwande
  14. Alakija
  15. Aliu
  16. Amaechi
  17. Amobi
  18. Anikulapo
  19. Anyanwu
  20. Aremu
  21. Asogwa
  22. Atanda
  23. Awolowo
  24. Ayodele
  25. Balogun

26-50 Name Ideas

  1. Bankole
  2. Bello
  3. Busari
  4. Chukwu
  5. Dada
  6. Danjuma
  7. Dike
  8. Eke
  9. Ekwueme
  10. Elechi
  11. Eniola
  12. Eze
  13. Ezenwankwo
  14. Fagbemi
  15. Fajobi
  16. Fayemi
  17. Folarin
  18. Funmilayo
  19. Gbenga
  20. Idowu
  21. Ige
  22. Ikediugwu
  23. Ikpulu
  24. Imoh
  25. Iwenjora

51-75 Name Ideas

  1. Jaiyesimi
  2. Kamalu
  3. Kolawole
  4. Lawal
  5. Mbadugha
  6. Momoh
  7. Nnamdi
  8. Nwachukwu
  9. Nwankwo
  10. Nwigwe
  11. Obafemi
  12. Obasuyi
  13. Odegbami
  14. Odiachi
  15. Odigboh
  16. Odiye
  17. Odunlami
  18. Ogungbe
  19. Ogunniyi
  20. Ohiri
  21. Okereke
  22. Okocha
  23. Olabode
  24. Olaniyan
  25. Olawande

76-100 Name Ideas

  1. Olowo
  2. Olumide
  3. Oluseyi
  4. Olusola
  5. Onye
  6. Onyeji
  7. Onyeka
  8. Onyekachi
  9. Onyewotu
  10. Oyedeji
  11. Oyewola
  12. Shonibare
  13. Sodimu
  14. Solaja
  15. Somefun
  16. Udofia
  17. Ugwala
  18. Umar
  19. Umeadi
  20. Umeh
  21. Uzodike
  22. Uzor
  23. Wokocha
  24. Yaradua
  25. Yusuf

More Name Ideas Continued

A bustling Nigerian marketplace with colorful stalls and lively vendors. Traditional clothing and vibrant fabrics on display

In this section, we will continue exploring some popular Nigerian last names for your inspiration. We have divided the list into four subsections, each featuring 25 names.

1-25 Name Ideas Continued

  1. Abara
  2. Abdullahi
  3. Abiola
  4. Abimbola
  5. Abubakar
  6. Adeoye
  7. Adepoju
  8. Adesina
  9. Adewale
  10. Akinjide
  11. Agrinya
  12. Akintola
  13. Banjo
  14. Bankole
  15. Bassey
  16. Chukwu
  17. Dada
  18. Danjuma
  19. Ekwueme
  20. Emenike
  21. Enwerem
  22. Eze
  23. Fayemi
  24. Gbenga
  25. Idris

26-50 Name Ideas Continued

  1. Igwe
  2. Ike
  3. Ikhimokpa
  4. Ikoku
  5. Isong
  6. Jaja
  7. Kalu
  8. Kehinde
  9. Kuforiji
  10. Kuyoro
  11. Mogaji
  12. Njoku
  13. Nwachukwu
  14. Nwankwo
  15. Nwokike
  16. Nwosu
  17. Obi
  18. Obasanjo
  19. Odanigbo
  20. Ogudo
  21. Okafor
  22. Okolie
  23. Okonkwo
  24. Okoye
  25. Olajuwon

51-75 Name Ideas Continued

  1. Olateru
  2. Olayinka
  3. Olumide
  4. Oni
  5. Onyemere
  6. Onyekwere
  7. Opata
  8. Oranye
  9. Oshodi
  10. Osondu
  11. Osunde
  12. Oyebande
  13. Oyekunle
  14. Oyelowo
  15. Oyenuga
  16. Peterside
  17. Quadri
  18. Raji
  19. Salako
  20. Sanni
  21. Sholola
  22. Solaja
  23. Soyinka
  24. Tijani
  25. Udom

76-100 Name Ideas Continued

  1. Ugwu
  2. Ukaegbu
  3. Umar
  4. Usman
  5. Utazi
  6. Uzochukwu
  7. Waziri
  8. Yar’Adua
  9. Yusuf
  10. Zik
  11. Aguda
  12. Akinlabi
  13. Akinola
  14. Akomolafe
  15. Alakija
  16. Awolowo
  17. Babalola
  18. Bello
  19. Dosunmu
  20. Ebunola
  21. Efunjoke
  22. Elemide
  23. Emina
  24. Enitan
  25. Folarin

Tips For Brainstorming The Perfect Name

A colorful brainstorming session with a list of Nigerian last names on a whiteboard, surrounded by sticky notes and pencils

When it comes to choosing a Nigerian last name, you’re not only looking for a name that sounds good but also one that represents your cultural heritage. Nigeria is a diverse country with many ethnic groups, including Igbo, Yoruba, and more. To brainstorm the perfect Nigerian surname, you can draw inspiration from various sources, such as African, Arabic, or Hebrew names.


  1. Learn about your ethnic background: Nigeria has a rich cultural history, so start by learning about your family’s origin. Igbo and Yoruba are just two of the many ethnic groups in Nigeria, each with their own unique names and traditions. Knowing the origin of your ethnic group would give you a better understanding of the name styles and their significance.



  2. Explore popular name choices: Some Nigerian names have become widely popular over time. To give you an idea of some popular surnames, here are a few examples:



    1. Igbo origin: Abara, Aliu

    2. Yoruba origin: Adeoye, Awolowo

    3. Arabic origin: Abdullahi


    These names can provide a starting point for your brainstorming process.



  3. Consider historical and cultural significance: Nigerian names often have a strong connection to their cultural history. The Yoruba people, for example, traditionally use the title “Oba” for their rulers. Including such culturally significant elements in your surname can make it unique and meaningful.



  4. Take note of naming conventions within your ethnic group: Nigerian last names can vary depending on your ethnic group. Some African names might include an Arabic or Hebrew influence, while others may be unique to a particular group. Understanding these conventions can help you come up with a surname that is both culturally and personally significant.


With these steps in mind, enjoy the process of brainstorming and finding the perfect Nigerian last name that reflects your cultural heritage and family history.

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