Discover the beauty and significance of Nigerian female names that start with the letter “Y.” From the Yoruba culture’s Yewande, meaning “Mother comes home,” to the Igbo Yagazie, expressing gratitude, these names hold deep cultural meanings.
Explore the rich heritage and symbolism embedded in these names, honoring the strength and grace of Nigerian women.
| Yoruba Names | Igbo Names | Hausa Names |
| Yewande | Yejide | Yahanasu |
| Yinka | Yemisi | Yakasai |
| Yomi | Yenni | Yalo |
| Yewande | Yejide | Yakasai |
| Yemi | Yenni | Yalo |
1. Yaa – (Akan) meaning “Thursday-born child.”
2. Yaba – (Yoruba) meaning “to be born on a Sunday.”
3. Yagazie – (Igbo) meaning “let’s give thanks.”
4. Yajie – (Efik) meaning “mother is patient.”
5. Yalaka – (Hausa) meaning “beautiful.”
6. Yaleng – (Jukun) meaning “a gift from God.”
7. Yalwa – (Hausa) meaning “beauty.”
8. Yaminu – (Fulani) meaning “right hand.”
9. Yanaye – (Ijaw) meaning “God’s gift.”
10. Yana’ – (Tiv) meaning “begging.”
11. Yanche – (Nupe) meaning “abundance.”
12. Yangi – (Hausa) meaning “new.”
13. Yankin – (Berom) meaning “a new beginning.”
14. Yanturu – (Tarok) meaning “a gift from the sky.”
15. Yanzar – (Mambila) meaning “a precious jewel.”
16. Yaro – (Hausa) meaning “firstborn.”
17. Yarshe – (Mumuye) meaning “a gift from the gods.”
18. Yasmina – (Arabic) meaning “jasmine flower.”
19. Yatu – (Hausa) meaning “let’s give thanks.”
20. Yawa – (Hausa) meaning “beautiful.”
21. Yayi – (Yoruba) meaning “mother.”
22. Yejide – (Yoruba) meaning “mother is patient.”
23. Yemisi – (Yoruba) meaning “mother is worthy of praise.”
24. Yetunde – (Yoruba) meaning “mother has returned home.”
25. Yewande – (Yoruba) meaning “mother comes home.”
26. Yimika – (Yoruba) meaning “what God has written, no one can erase.”
27. Yinka – (Yoruba) meaning “mother’s wealth.”
28. Yisira – (Yoruba) meaning “easy-going.”
29. Yolande – (French) meaning “violet flower.”
30. Yomi – (Yoruba) meaning “born at night.”
31. Yommie – (Yoruba) meaning “my joy.”
32. Yonda – (Igbo) meaning “to praise.”
33. Yori – (Fulani) meaning “leader.”
34. Yoriyo – (Fulani) meaning “God’s will.”
35. Yosefa – (Hausa) meaning “God will add.”
36. Yosi – (Hausa) meaning “happy.”
37. Yufina – (Hausa) meaning “God’s gift.”
38. Yusha’u – (Hausa) meaning “Jesus.”
39. Yusufatu – (Hausa) meaning “the one who is righteous.”
40. Yusrah – (Arabic) meaning “easy.”
Nigerian Female Names That Start With Y
Yoruba Names
Yoruba names are a rich and diverse part of Nigerian culture. They often have special meanings and are chosen to reflect the child’s personality or family history.
Some popular Yoruba names for girls include Yinka, Yetunde, and Yewande.
Yewande: “Mother comes home”
Yewande, meaning “Mother comes home,” is a beautiful Nigerian female name that exudes warmth and affection.
It reflects the joy and love associated with a mother’s return, symbolizing family unity and the enduring bond between mother and child.
Yemisi: “Mother is worthy of praise”
Yemisi, a beautiful Nigerian female name, holds a special meaning.
Derived from the Yoruba language, it translates to “mother is worthy of praise.” This name is a testament to the deep respect and admiration for mothers in Nigerian culture, celebrating their nurturing and selfless love.
Yetunde: “Mother has returned home”
Yetunde, meaning “mother has returned home,” embodies the joy and blessing of a mother’s presence. With a name rooted in familial love and reunion, Yetunde carries the warmth of home and the strength of family ties.
Yinka: “Mother’s wealth”
Yinka, a melodious Nigerian female name, holds a profound meaning, “Mother’s wealth.” It signifies the preciousness and value a mother brings to her family, symbolizing her love, care, and unwavering support as the foundation of a prosperous and harmonious household.
Yejide: “Mother is patient”
Yejide, a beautiful Nigerian female name, holds a profound meaning.
Derived from the Yoruba language, it translates to “mother is patient.” This name embodies the virtues of patience, understanding, and nurturing love, reflecting the deep respect and appreciation for mothers in Nigerian culture.
Igbo Names
Igbo names, originating from the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria, possess rich cultural significance. They often carry meanings related to personal attributes, aspirations, or family history.
Igbo names are melodious and diverse, reflecting the vibrant heritage of the Igbo culture.
Yagazie: “Let’s give thanks”
Yagazie, meaning “let’s give thanks,” is a Nigerian female name typically given to express gratitude and show thank for blessings received, often with a sense of reverence.
Yimika: “What God has written, no one can erase”
Yimika, a beautiful Nigerian female name, carries a profound meaning: “What God has written, no one can erase.” It conveys the belief in the unalterable nature of divine destiny, emphasizing God’s sovereignty and the permanence of His plans.
Yejide: “Mother is patient”
Yejide is a beautiful Nigerian female name that embodies the virtue of patience.
It signifies a mother’s unwavering love and understanding, as she patiently guides and supports her children through life’s challenges.
Yejide is a name that reflects the strength and resilience of mothers, who are the pillars of their families.
Yinka: “Mother’s wealth”
Yinka, a melodious Nigerian female name, carries the sweet essence of “Mother’s wealth.” It signifies the abundant blessings, love, and prosperity that a mother bestows upon her child, making it a cherished name symbolizing the enduring bond between mother and child.
Yemi: “Mother is worthy of praise”
Yemi, a beautiful Nigerian female name, signifies the honor and respect accorded to mothers. It is a testament to the immense love and appreciation for the nurturing and sacrifices made by mothers in Nigerian society.
Hausa Names
Hausa names, commonly used in northern Nigeria, hold cultural significance and often carry meanings related to beauty, strength, and virtues.
These names reflect the rich heritage and traditions of the Hausa people.
Yafatu: “Let’s give thanks”
Yafatu, a melodious Nigerian female name, embodies the spirit of gratitude.
Its meaning, “Let’s give thanks,” reflects a heart filled with appreciation and a desire to express thankfulness for life’s blessings.
Yamatuta: “We have gathered”
Yamatuta, a Nigerian female name rich in meaning, signifies unity and togetherness.
It beautifully captures the essence of gathering and coming together, symbolizing the bonds of family, community, and shared experiences.
Yarinya: “Little girl”
Yarinya, meaning “little girl,” is a name given to Nigerian females.
It signifies endearment and affection, reflecting the cherished status of young girls in Nigerian society.
This name is a reminder of the value placed on nurturing and protecting the girl child.
Yelwa: “Beauty”
Yelwa, a name of Nigerian origin, embodies the essence of beauty and charm.
Its gentle pronunciation evokes a sense of grace and elegance, making it a popular choice for parents seeking a name that reflects their daughter’s delicate nature and radiant spirit.
Yarima: “Firstborn daughter”
Yarima, a melodious Hausa name, holds a special place in Nigerian culture.
It signifies the arrival of a precious firstborn daughter, a symbol of joy and pride for her family.
Final Verdict
In the tapestry of Nigerian culture, female names that start with the letter “Y” hold a significant place, reflecting a rich blend of tradition, heritage, and diverse ethnic identities. These names, rooted in the Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa languages, celebrate the virtues of motherhood, divine blessings, and the beauty and strength of women.
From the Yoruba “Yewande,” meaning “mother comes home,” to the Igbo “Yagazie,” expressing gratitude, and the Hausa “Yelwa,” symbolizing beauty, these names encapsulate the essence of Nigerian womanhood.
They serve as a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of Nigerian women, whose contributions to society and culture continue to shape the nation’s identity.
