150+ Names Of God In Yoruba Language and Their Meaning

You’ve heard about Yoruba names of God before, but do you know how many there actually are? Turns out there are at least 250 different names for God in the Yoruba language, each revealing an important attribute of the Almighty. As a Yoruba person or someone interested in the rich culture, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with these powerful names.

In this article, we will give you over 150 Names Of God In Yoruba Language and Their Meaning. Some names praise God’s character, while others speak of His power and majesty over all creation. The variety and depth of these names highlight the importance of God in Yoruba culture. So get ready to be inspired as you explore 150+ magnificent names of God in Yoruba and their powerful meanings.

Overview of the Yoruba Tribe

The Yoruba people are one of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa, with over 40 million members. Located primarily in Nigeria, the Yoruba have a vibrant culture and speak the Yoruba language.

The Yoruba religion recognizes a supreme god called Olodumare, as well as many lesser deities known as Irunmole or Orisa. Olodumare is considered the creator of the universe and everything in it. Below Olodumare are the Irunmole, divine messengers that carry out tasks to maintain law and order. The Yoruba believe that spiritual forces influence every aspect of human life, and interaction with the Irunmole is critical to maintaining harmony and balance.

The Yoruba language is a Niger-Congo language spoken by around 40 million people, mainly in Nigeria. It is written with a Latin alphabet and has an extensive body of literature. Yoruba is widely studied as a second language in schools and is used in some radio and TV broadcasting.

With a rich culture, compelling religion, and popular language, the Yoruba have made an indelible impact on West Africa. Their traditions and beliefs provide meaning and shape identity for millions of people.

Different Yoruba gods

The Yoruba people of West Africa worship a supreme being called Olodumare or Olorun. He is the creator of all things; in the past, most Yoruba people worship Olodumare through a variety of orisa, or divinities.

Some of the most important orisa include:

• Obatala, the creator of human bodies and souls. Obatala is considered the father of all orisa.
• Ogun, the god of iron and metallurgy. Ogun is the patron of blacksmiths and is associated with warfare, hunting, and civilization.
• Sango or Shango, the god of thunder and lightning. Shango is a popular and powerful orisa associated with magic, fertility, and dance.
• Yemoja, the mother goddess and queen of the rivers and lakes. Yemoja is considered the mother of most of the orisa pantheon.
• Esu or Eshu, the trickster god and messenger between the human and divine realms. Eshu is an important orisa and is always honored at the beginning of ceremonies.

The orisa each have their personalities, likes and dislikes, and areas of influence. By honoring them through rituals, songs, offerings, and daily actions, Yoruba people maintain a close connection with the divine forces that shape the world.

150+ Names Of God In Yoruba Language & Their Meaning

The Yoruba people believe God has many attributes and characteristics, so they use these diverse names to capture the different aspects of His power, might, and relationship with humanity. By understanding the meanings behind these names, you’ll gain insight into how the Yoruba people view and worship God.

Popular Yoruba Names of God and Their Meanings

The Yoruba people of western Nigeria have many names for God, reflecting the diversity of his attributes and roles. Here are some of the most well-known Yoruba names for God and their meanings:

• Olorun Baba, Olorun Omo, Olorun Emi Mimo: Means God the Father, God the son, God the Holy Spirit.
• Alawo tele orun: Full of light.
• Olodumare: The Supreme Creator, the Almighty God. Owner of heaven and earth.
• Olorun: The Owner of Heaven, ruler of heaven and earth.
• Aribirabata: The Great Lord.
• Olorun ayo: The one who gives joy
• Eleda: Creator, maker of all things.
• Aduro tini bi akoni eleru: The faithful God
• Oba: King, ruler, controller.
• Oba t’o ju gbogbo orisa lo: The almighty God
• Olowogbogboro: The one with long, outstretched arms (denoting power protection)
• Oba ti nti t’enikan o lesi: He who closes, and no one can open
• Atorise: The God who can turn bad situations into good ones
• Akoda aye, Asheda orun: He who created heaven and earth
• Oba t’o mo wa: He who knows us
• Olubukun: Blessed
• Alatilehin: Our assistance
• Oluwa Wa: Our Lord
• Onimajemu: The covenant-keeping God.
• Eleti gbo aroye: Her who listens
• Araba ti ki ku: Eternal Oak.
• Oba ti ko ni pin ogo Re pel’enikankan: The God who does not share his glory with any man
• Oba ti mbe nibi gbogbo nigba gbogbo: The omnipresent God
• Atogbokanle: The trustworthy God
• Arugbo ojo: The one from ancient days
• Oba ti nyoni kuro ninu ofin aye: The God who rescues us from the dungeon
• Onise nla: Means Great God
• Alaabo: Our keeper
• Oba t’o n dahun adura pelu ina: The one who answered by fire
• Metalokan: The trinity
• Oluranlowo: Means our helper
• Arinu r’ode: The one who sees the visible and the invisible
• Olorun Awon Olorun: Means the God of all other gods
• Oludariji: The God who forgives
• Oba onise nla: The great worker of good
• Oba t’o pin okun pupa n’iya: God who parted the red sea
• As’ore kiiri: He who goes about doing good
• Olutoju wa: Means Our Keeper
• Oluso: Means our guard
• Adagba ma paaro oye / Olorun ti o yipada: God who does not change.
• Kabiyesi: The King
• Olorun awon olorun: The Lord of lords
• Olutunu: Our comforter
• Olorun owu: The jealous God

Unique Yoruba Names of God and Their Meanings

Some unique Yoruba names for God and their meanings:

• Alaanu: Means one who shows mercy
• Olorun kan lailai: The one and only God
• Oba ti ntu won ka nibi ti won nti da’na iro: He who confuses the camp of the enemy.
• Olorun awon omo ogun: The great warrior
• Ibi isadi wa: Our refugee
• Awiiro alaafia: The Prince of peace.
• Oloruko nla: He whose name is great
• Ologojulo: He whose glory belongs to
• Oba t’o mu iji dake roro: The one who commands the storm to be still
• Olodumare: He who is mighty
• Oba t’o yan wa fe: The God who has predestined us
• Atofarati bi oke: Our defence and support
• Aduro gboingboin lehin asotito: Protector of the truthful
• Oba aseyiowu: The unquestionable God
• Olorun Baba: Our Lord, our father
• Olotito, Olododo: The source of truth
• Gbongbo idile Jesse: The root of the tribe of Jesse
• Agbo ma te ni o: He who is ancient but has never become weka
• Olorun t’o tobi ju gbogbo aye lo: Means the God who is greater than all the nations of the earth
• Olorun ti kii s’enia ti yio paro: The one whom no man can change
• Emi ni ti nje Emi ni: I am the I am
• Oba to joko soke orun to f’ile aye se itise Re: He who makes the heaven his seat and the earth his foot stool
• Aseda orun: The one who established the heavens
• Oba ti gbobo oba nt’owo Re gb’ase: The one from whom kings take directives
• Asorodayo: The Lord who brings joy
• Oba to ni owa t’owa: The Lord who commands
• Olorun Abrahamu: The God of Abraham
• Eru jeje l’eti okun pupa: The Most powerful by the red sea
• Adunbarin: The one who is worthy to walk with
• Onise iyanu: Means miracle worker
• Ikan lana: The one who is the same as yesterday
• Atogbojule: The highly dependable God
• Adajo ma fi t’enikan se: The ever-just Judge
• Olufe okan wa: Means our lover
• Olupese: Means Our provider
• Abiyamo ode orun: The great mother of heaven
• Iye: The resurrected one
• Oloore ofe: The ever-gracious God
• Olorun Isaki: The God of Isaac
• Oba t’o mo ohun gbogbo: The all-knowing God
• Atererekariaye: He that spreads out across the earth

Traditional Yoruba Names of God and Their Meanings

Some of the most well-known traditional Yoruba names for God are:

• Oba alade Alafia: The Prince of peace
• Oba t’o n dahun adura: The prayer-answering God
• Oba t’oni gbogbo ope: He who deserves all praise
• Olorun t’oni gbogbo iyin: He who deserves all honour on earth
• Olutusile: Means the God of freedom
• Olorun Jakobu: The God of Jacob
• Alagbara l’orun ati l’aye: Mighty in heaven and on the earth
• Eleeda ohun gbogbo: He who created all things
• Abetilukara bi ajere: Means the God who is all ears
• Onise ara: Means the wonderful God
• Imole ninu okunkun aye: The bringer of light in the darkness
• Olorun Ti o Yipada: Means the unchanging/unchangeable God
• Oludamoran: Means the great adviser
• Arewa ti n be lorun, oba waa, oba woo, oba wawa wowo: The overseer of the entire galaxies.
• Olorun ayo: He who brings joy
• Oluwosan: Means the great healer of the sick
• Oba ti o ma wa nigba t’aye o ni si mo: He who will remain at the end of all things
• Alagbada ina: He who covers himself with a fire-branded robe
• Oba t’o fi’di aye s’ole s’ori omi: He who established the earth on waters
• Adunbalo: He who is worth following.
• Oba to ti o gbe oro Re ga ju Oruko Re lo: He who exalts his word more that his name
• Oba ti kii s’ojusaju: The ever just God
• As’oloriburuku d’olorire: The God who can remove the inadequacies from one’s life
• Olorun t’ape t’o n je: Means He who answers whenever we call
• Oba t’o da monamona fun ojo: He who creates lightning for the rain
• Eleda: The eternal creator
• Ogbagba ti ngb’ara adugbo: The protector
• Oba t’o bi odi Jeriko wo: He who brought down the walls of Jericho
• Asoku d’alaye: The God who can bring the dead back to life.
• Alagbawi eda: Defender
• Olorun t’o kolu Egipiti l’ara awon akobi re: Means the God who killed all the firstborns of the Egyptians
• Oba t’o mo wa: The potter
• Aabo wa: The Lord, our protector
• Oba t’o mu’ banuje tan: The God who puts an end to sorrow
• Oba ti n p’ojo iku da: The God who can change appointment with death
• Ajasegun: The conqueror
• Elewu oye: He who is clothed in royalty.
• Oba t’oni olo, t’olo: The God who commands
• Olorun ajinde: Means The one who resurrected others
• Eleburu ike: whose care for us is endless
• Olumoranokan eda: Means the one who sees the intent of the heart of every man

Modern names of God in Yoruba and Their Meanings

Some common modern names of God in Yoruba include:

• Odi wa: Our shield
• Adunkepe: The one you can call on
• Alakoso orun at’aye: The Lord of heaven and earth
• Olorun Abrahamu, Olorun Isaki, Olorun Jakobu: The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob
• Akoda aye: The first among everything
• Ogbeni ja k’eru o ba onija: He who fights for the defenseless
• Olorun awon omo ogun: Means the great warrior
• Oba t’o san gbogbo’ gbese wa: The God who pays the price for our sins
• Atofokante: He who we can confide in.
• Okan titi aye ainipekun: The one who remains the same forever
• Ikan loni: The one who is the same today
• Adakedajo: He who Judges silently
• Oba alaya funfun: The immaculate God
• Oba t’enikan o le pe l’ejo: He who cannot be judged
• Oba ti ki sun, ti ki togbe: The king who neither sleeps nor slumbers
• Olorun ajinde: The resurrected Lord
• Apata wa: The rock of ages
• Ireti wa: Our hope
• Eletigb’aroye: He who hears all over the world
• Oba t’oni k’omasi, ti o si si mo: He who can close a door and no man can open
• Oba ti nsi t’enikan o leti: He who creates a path no one can shut
• Oba awon oba: King of kings
• Olorun t’o n gbo adura: Means the one who hears prayers
• Gbanigbani ni’jo ogun le: Means our defense in time of war
• Awamaridi: The unsearchable God
• A dani wa ye: He who created us and put us on this planet.
• Olododo: The truthful one
• Oba t’ao ri, sugbon t’ari ise owo Re: The unseen God whose impact we can feel
• Oluwa Awon Oluwa: Means the Lord of lords, the king of kings.
• Oba tii s’agan d’olomo: He who opens the womb of the barren
• Oba t’oni k’owa, t’owa: The God who commands
• Olorun kan lai-lai: Means The only God
• Olusegun, Ajasegun: Means the conqueror
• Aleselewi: He who can act and speak
• Baba mimo, Omo mimo, Emi mimo: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
• Oludande: Means our deliverer
• Adanimagbagbe: The creator who never forgets the created
• Oba t’o f’oro da ile aye: He who created all things by his spoken word
• Jagunjagun ode orun: The great warrior of heaven
• Atofarati: Our unshakeable defence

These are just a few of the numerous names used to describe God’s power, might, sovereignty and eternal nature in Yoruba spirituality. The Yoruba recognize God as the sole creator and sustainer of all life, with limitless ability and authority over the universe.

How do People praise God in Yoruba?

Yoruba people praise God in many ways:

• They sing: Yoruba praise God through singing hymns, choruses and worship songs. They believe singing is a way to pour out their heart in worship to God.
• They pray: Yorubas pray to God for various reasons to thank Him, ask for forgiveness, request for needs, intercede for others etc. They pray with reverence and honor to God.
• They give offerings: As a way to honor God, Yorubas give offerings like money, food items, animals etc. They believe giving is a form of worship.
• They fast: Some Yorubas fast as a way to humble themselves before God. They believe fasting helps them focus on God.
• They give names: Yorubas give names that praise God by referring to His attributes and characteristics. Names like Oluwaseun (God did this), Olusegun (God is victorious) are common.
• They attend religious gatherings: Yorubas attend church services, crusades, revivals and other religious gatherings as a way to praise and worship God collectively.
• They follow religious practices: Some Yorubas practice certain religious rites like baptism, holy communion etc. as part of worshiping God.

In all, Yorubas deeply revere God and express it in diverse ways that are culturally relevant to them. Their rich praise and worship culture is quite admirable.

Why are there so many Names of God?

The numerous names of God in Yoruba reflect the many attributes, qualities and characteristics of God. The Yoruba recognize that no single name can fully capture the essence and nature of God, so multiple names are used to paint a fuller picture of who God is. The variety of names also allows people to call upon God based on their current needs or situation.

Do the Names Have Power or Special Meaning?

The names of God are very powerful and important in Yoruba culture. Calling upon God by name is a way to invoke His presence, connect with Him, and tap into the attribute or characteristic that the particular name represents. The names are sacred and are used in worship, prayer, praise and divination.

Conclusion

So there you have it, an extensive list of the names of God in Yoruba and their meanings. The Yoruba people clearly revere God and have developed a rich vocabulary to describe His power, might, and characteristics. With over 150 names, you now have a glimpse into the depth and beauty of Yoruba theology and spirituality. May these names inspire you to reflect more deeply on who God is and draw you into a closer relationship with Him. The names are a reminder that God is beyond our full comprehension yet cares intimately for each one of us. Use this resource to enrich your prayer life, gain insight into Yoruba culture, and expand your understanding of who God is.