To the Yoruba people, a name isn’t just a word or an identity. It’s an embodiment of lineage, history, and family. As per the Yoruba custom, Yoruba kids are named in a ceremony that is held seven days after their birth. In ancient times, the names were found by divination performed by traditional Ifa priests, called Babalawo locally. But now, the names are suggested by the ranking members of the family, which include mother, father, grandparents, or relatives. A private ceremony, just for the parents and close family members, is held where the child is bestowed the name. A public ceremony, with entertainment and feasting, is held by parents to celebrate the arrival of the baby a few days after the private ceremony.

Yoruba names are classified into five categories – Oruko Amutorunwa or destiny names, Oruko Abiso or acquired names, Oruko Oriki or Panegyrics, Oruko Abiku, and Oruko Inagije or alias. Yoruba girls are named after the circumstances in which their birth took place, or as a reflection of the wealth, they bring to their family. Modern or Christian parents use Christian forms of traditional names, while Muslim Yoruba parents give Arabic names with Yoruba phonetics to their children.

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Source : momjunction.