200+ Beautiful Urhobo Names for Boys and Girls with Meanings (2025)

Are you looking for the perfect Urhobo name for your baby? You’ve come to the right place. The Urhobo people believe that a child’s destiny is strongly tied to their name; if you name a child “wealthy,” they believe the child will grow up to be prosperous.

This comprehensive guide features over 200 authentic Urhobo names with their meanings, organized into categories to help you find that perfect name for your little one.

Understanding Urhobo Names and Their Deep Significance

The Urhobo people are the major ethnic group in Delta State, southern Nigeria, with a population of approximately two million. In Urhobo tradition, naming a child is a sacred responsibility that shapes the child’s entire destiny.

According to Urhobo traditional beliefs, every person is made up of two beings: the physical body (Ugboma) and the spiritual body or spirit man (Erhi). The Erhi decides a person’s destiny before they are born and controls their overall wellbeing (ufuoma). These spiritual beliefs are deeply reflected in Urhobo names.

Key Features of Urhobo Naming Culture:

• No formal naming ceremony: Unlike some Nigerian ethnic groups, Urhobos traditionally don’t have elaborate naming ceremonies
• Grandparents’ privilege: Grandparents and older relatives often have the honor of naming newborns
• Three-month tradition: Parents traditionally kept newborns hidden from outsiders until three months of age
• No counting of children: Urhobo culture forbids parents from counting their children, they use fingers to represent the number instead

Urhobo Names Starting with “Oghene” (God)

Oghene” is the Urhobo word for the Almighty God. Names containing Oghene are among the most popular and reflect the deep spiritual connection Urhobo people have with their Creator.

Urhobo Names Related to “Erhi” (Spirit/Destiny)

The Erhi is the spiritual body that determines destiny. These names reflect spiritual significance:

Popular Urhobo Names for Boys

Popular Urhobo Names for Girls

Urhobo Names About Wealth and Prosperity

The Urhobo are known as hardworking people who value honestly acquired wealth. Many names reflect this:

Urhobo Names About Life (Akpo)

Urhobo Names About Children (Omo/Emo)

Urhobo Names About Peace, Love & Goodness

Urhobo Names About Praise, Gratitude & Faith

Urhobo Names About Wisdom & Philosophy

Urhobo Names About Contentment & Sufficiency

Urhobo Names About Challenges & Strength

Urhobo Names Based on Days & Events

Urhobo Names Based on Weather & Seasons

Urhobo Names Based on Colors

Urhobo Names Based on Places of Birth

Urhobo Names Based on Nature & Animals

How to Choose the Right Urhobo Name

When selecting an Urhobo name for your child, consider these tips:

1. Understand the full meaning: Every Urhobo name carries deep significance. Make sure you fully understand what the name represents.
2. Consider the pet name: Most Urhobo names have shorter versions (pet names) that will be used daily. Check that you like both versions.
3. Think about pronunciation: Choose a name that flows well and is easy to pronounce, especially if you live outside Nigeria.
4. Respect tradition: Grandparents traditionally have the privilege of naming children. Consider involving them in the decision.
5. Reflect on circumstances: Some families choose names based on events surrounding the child’s birth, the day of the week, or prayers answered during pregnancy.
6. Avoid negative meanings: Urhobos believe children live up to their names. Avoid names with negative connotations.

The 24 Urhobo Clans

The Urhobo nation is made up of 24 sub-groups, with Okpe being the largest. Other major clans include Agbarha, Agbon, Abraka, Effurun, Ughelli, Orogun, and Sapele. While names are largely similar across clans, some variations exist in spelling and pronunciation.

Difference Between Urhobo and Isoko Names

Urhobo and Isoko share cultural and linguistic similarities, which led missionaries to erroneously label both groups as “Sobo.” While many names overlap, there are differences:

• Urhobo uses “Oghenekevwe” (God gave me), while Isoko uses “Oghenekome
• Some pronunciations and spellings differ between the two languages
• Isoko was granted autonomy from the Urhobo nation in the late 1950s

Final Thoughts

Naming your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. In Urhobo culture, it’s more than identification, it’s a declaration of destiny, a prayer, and a blessing spoken over your child’s life every time their name is called.

Whether you choose a name that honors God (Oghene), celebrates wealth and prosperity (Efe), or expresses your hopes for your child’s future, every Urhobo name carries the rich heritage and spiritual depth of the Urhobo people.

Did we miss any Urhobo name? Drop your favorite Urhobo names and their meanings in the comments section below, and we’ll add them to this list!

Share this article with other parents looking for beautiful Urhobo names for their babies.

Urhobo waado!

Last Updated: November 2025