Names of God in Nigerian languages and meanings explained
There are over three hundred ethnic groups in Nigeria and over five hundred dialects across the country. This means that each of these languages worships God in different names. We have compiled some of the names of God in Nigerian languages and their meaning in English.
Source: UGC
There are over 525 native languages spoken in Nigeria. The major native languages are Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Efik-Ibibio, Fulfulde, Tiv, Nupe, Kakanda, Edo, Igala, Idoma, and Izon. Below are the names of God in different Nigerian languages.
Names of God in different Nigerian languages and their meaning
Nigeria is among the countries with rich traditions. It is inhabited by people from multiple communities. It has numerous ethnic communities with different cultures and traditions. Below is a list of names of God in different languages in Nigeria.
Names of God in Hausa
Hausa is commonly associated with Muslim culture. It is one of Nigeria's most widely spoken languages. Below are the various ways the Hausa people refer to their God.
- Allah Mai Girma: It means great God.
- Allah Mai Iko: Powerful God.
- Mai Taimako: It means the helper.
- Ruhun Hikima: It means spirit of wisdom.
- Sariki n Salama: Prince of peace.
- Tushen Rai: It means the author of life.
- Uba Madu Kaki: Meaning the father of glory.
- Ubangiji: It means the supreme being.
- Ubanjidi n Dunia: Meaning master of the world.
Names of God in Igbo
Source: UGC
Igbo people are chiefly found in the southeastern part of the country. However, many Igbo speakers can also be found in Cameroon, while it is a minority language in Equatorial Guinea.
- Agu n'eche mba: It means the Lion that guards the city.
- Akwakwuru: Means the unmovable God.
- Chi ne cherem: The God that thinks for me.
- Chineke: The creator of the world.
- Di nwanyi isi mpe: God is the husband of the widow.
- Dike na' gba: This name means mighty man in battle.
- Dike na'gha: It means mighty warrior.
- Ebube dike: Strong and powerful God.
- Ebube mbekumbe: Forever glorious.
- Echeta Echezo nkpa: He who takes away pain and worries.
- Ejide obi esike: God is my confidence.
- Eze ndi Eze: It means the king of kings.
- Obata obie: The God that put an end to every trouble.
- Odogwu Akataka: Fearless warrior.
- Odu ebo Judea: The Lion of the tribe of Judah.
- Oje na Mmuo: The God that works in the spirit.
- Oku n'ere ere: It means God is a consuming fire.
- Onye gara ije na enu mmiri: It means he that walked upon the sea.
- Oputa Obie: It means one who is the beginning and the end.
Names of God in Yoruba
Source: UGC
The Yoruba is one of the most populous ethnic groups in Nigeria. The Yoruba people dominate western Nigeria and other western countries such as Benin, Ghana, Togo, and Niger.
- Adagba ma paaro oye: The God who does not change no matter how old he is.
- Alagbawi Eda: The defender of man.
- Arugbo ojo: The Ancient of days.
- Asoromaye: The God that speaks and does not fail to bring it to pass.
- Atererekariaye: The one that spreads out across the earth.
- Atofarati: The God you can lean on.
- Atogbojule: The dependable one.
- Atorise: The God who can turn bad situations into good.
- Awamaridi: It means the unsearchable God.
- Awimayehun: The one that speaks and does not change his words.
- Kabiyeesi: It means King.
- Metalokan: It means the three in one God (Trinity).
- Oba awon Oba: This name means the kings of kings.
- Olodumare or Eledumare: The almighty.
- Ologojulo: It means the most glorious God.
- Olorun Awon Olorun: It means the Lords of Lords.
- Olorun: Lord
- Oludariji: It means the one that forgives our sins.
- Olugbala: It means the Saviour.
- Oluwa: Means Lord.
Names of God in Ibibio
Ibibio people are coastal people who live in southern Nigeria. They are primarily found in Akwa Ibon and the Cross River States. In addition, some of the Ibibio speakers can be found in Cameroon, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, and Trinidad and Tobago.
- Abasi: It means the director of the universe.
- Abasi Afid Abuk: It means God of all flesh.
- Abasi Mbom Mmi: Meaning God of my mercy.
- Osa Nudazi: It means the impregnable.
Names of God in Akwa Ibom language
Source: UGC
The following are some common names Akwa Ibom people use for God.
- Abasi Afid Abuk: God of all flesh.
- Abasi Enyong: The supreme one.
- Abasi Ifiok: The all-knowing God.
- Abasi Mbom Mmi: Merciful God.
- Abasi Usen Eset: Anciet of days.
- Abasi: The one who directs or controls the universe.
- Abot Idem Ikpong: Self-exiting God.
- Adong owo utom nkene nkaa: He that sends you on a journey and follows you on the journey.
- Andikpon Nkan: God who is bigger than the biggest.
- Ano owo emem: The giver of peace.
- Atang Anam Abasi: One whose words cannot be altered.
- Awana ekong ibuot ikpong: Fighter of individual battle.
- Ayanha owo Ifiok: He that surpasses the Wisdom of man.
- Itiat Nsinsi: The rock of ages.
- Ntoho ye utit Abasi: Beginning and the end.
- Obong Nme Mbong: Kings of kings.
- Obot owo ndot ukama: Creator of man and one who is capable of caring.
- Osa Nudazi: The impregnable.
- Ufan Akan Ufan: Friend above all friends.
- Unwana ke ekim: Light in the darkness.
- Utuen Ikang Ekondo: Light of the world.
- Utuenikang Ukpong mi: Lamp of my soul.
Names of God in Calabar language
The Efik language is widely spoken in Cross River State, especially in Calabar municipality, Calabar south, Biase, and Odukpani Local Government Areas. Below is a list of different names of God in the Efik language.
- Abasi Ifiok: All wise God
- Abasi mfon: God of grace
- Akara ekondo: Master of the universe
- Akara enyong ye inyang ye isong: Controller of heaven, sea and earth.
- Akwa Abasi: Almighty God
- Andikpon Nkan: Bigger than d biggest
- Ano owo emem: Giver of peace
- Atua owo mbom: Helper of man
- Ayaha Owo ke mfon: Giver of free salvation
- Eti ufan owo: Good friend of man
- Itiat Idak Isong: Foundational stone
- Itiat Nsinsi: Rock of ages
- Utuen Ikang Ekondo: Light of the world.
- Uyai Abasi: Handsome God
- Woro Nno Nduk Abasi: Sub planter
Traditional Nigerian society still heavily incorporates the names of God in local accents. These are the names of God in Nigerian languages from the major tribes in the country.
READ ALSO: Major tribes in Nigeria and their states with all the details
Legit.ng recently published an article with the major tribes in Nigeria and their states. Nigeria is a linguistically diverse country. English is the official language, and the people speak over 500 ethnic languages.
Nigeria has several ethnic groups, with multiple tribes within each group. Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and Fulani are major tribes in Nigeria, and they have the most influence on the course of development of the country. Hausa and Yoruba are the largest tribes in the country.
Source: Legit.ng
