Love, they say, makes us do the sweetest — and sometimes cheesiest — things. When you’re in love, you don’t care who’s watching or what anyone thinks about your “over-the-top” pet names. For many couples, those cute names become an intimate language of their own — a way of saying, “You’re mine” without even needing to say it outright.
Instead of sticking to overused names like “my love” or “bae,” many lovers now embrace more creative and culturally rich terms of endearment. And if you’re Yoruba (or just in love with Yoruba culture), calling your boyfriend by a Yoruba pet name adds a special magic to your relationship.
Yoruba is one of Nigeria’s most expressive languages, and its romantic phrases are as smooth as a love song. Imagine whispering “Onítemi” (my only one) or “Ayanfẹ́ mi” (my chosen love) — it’s enough to make hearts flutter!
In this article, we’ll explore 50+ sweet Yoruba names you can call your boyfriend, along with their meanings and why they’re so perfect.
Why Use Yoruba Names to Call Your Boyfriend?
There’s a certain charm in using a local language for your pet names.
It feels intimate. Your boyfriend will feel like he has a “special name” that only you call him.
It’s culturally rich. Yoruba expressions carry deep, poetic meanings that English nicknames can’t fully capture.
It’s playful and romantic. Some Yoruba names are flirty, some are passionate — and they all make love feel more alive.
Mind-Blowing Yoruba Names to Call Your Boyfriend (and What They Mean)
1. Onítemi – My Only One
This one says it all. It means “the one for me” or “my only”. Imagine your boyfriend upset and you softly call him, “Onítemi…” — instant calm.
2. Ìdùnnúmi – My Happiness
He’s the reason you smile. Simple. Sweet. Perfect.
3. Adúmàdán mi – My Black & Shine
For the dark-skinned kings! This nickname praises his melanin glow and boosts his confidence.
4. Ayanfẹ́ mi – My Chosen Love
The romantic weight of this name is powerful — you chose him above all others.
5. Olámí – My Wealth
Not every kind of wealth is money. Calling him this means “as long as I have you, I’m rich.”
6. Adémi – My Crown
A king is nothing without his crown. This says he completes your royalty.
7. Òkàn mi – My Heart
Pure love. Pure cheesiness. And yes, that’s the point.
8. Ẹni bí Òkàn mi – The One After My Heart
It doesn’t get more romantic (or cheesier!) than this.
9. Ayanmó mi – My Soulmate
Not everyone finds their soulmate — but if you did, why not say it every day?
10. Iyọ́ Ayé mi – Salt of My Life
He adds flavor, meaning, and joy to your life.
More Sweet Yoruba Names to Call Your Boyfriend (With Meaning)
Here’s a longer list you can mix and match to keep things fun and personal:
- Ayò — Joy (he’s your source of happiness)
- Ọkọ mi — My Husband (even before marriage, it’s romantic)
- Ọrẹ mi — My Friend (because friendship is the base of love)
- Adéọlá — Crown of Wealth (he makes you feel rich with love)
- Olólùfẹ́ — Beloved (a poetic way of saying “my love”)
- Tífémí — The One I Love
- Òrékèré — Special Friend (he’s more than “just a friend”)
- Ìfé mi — My Love (the classic that never gets old)
- Adéwálé — The Crown Has Come Home (perfect for a man who feels like destiny)
- Ọmọlúwàbí — A Man of Honor (a deep compliment to his character)
- Ọmọ mi — My Own (possessive but oh-so-romantic)
- Temidayo — Mine Has Turned to Joy (he’s your happy ending)
- Adúrà mi — My Prayer Answered (you prayed, God sent him)
- Oluwadàmílolá — The Lord Blessed Me With Wealth
- Ọrẹ ọkàn — Friend of My Heart
- Ajíbọlá — One Born Into Wealth
- Ọdò mi — My Lover
- Kòfẹ́ mi — My Heart’s Desire
- Ìfé Ayé mi — Love of My Life
- Ọmọ Ayò — Child of Joy
- Olúwatóbi — God Is Great (gratitude for his love)
- Temisire — Mine Is Good Fortune
- Ìkan mi — My Only One
- Olóòótọ́ mi — My Honest One (praises his loyalty)
- Òjó Ọkàn mi — Treasure of My Heart
- Fèmi — Love Me (playful and flirty)
- Olálékan — Wealth Is Numerous
- Ọlówó mi — My Wealthy Man (for your “big spender”)
- Ọkùnrin mi — My Man (simple but powerful)
- Ìfé Ọkàn mi — Love of My Heart
- Olúmọ̀tọ́ mi — My Precious One
- Ayà mi — My Soul (he completes you)
- Ọlówó orí mi — My Financial Backbone (teasing or genuine praise)
- Bàbá Ayò mi — Father of My Joy (sweet for serious relationships)
- Temigbade — Mine Wears the Crown (royalty vibes)
…and so many more!
Why You Should Use These Names Often
Pet names aren’t just “cute.” Studies show couples who use nicknames or endearments have stronger emotional bonds. In Yoruba culture, names carry power — calling your boyfriend Olámí (my wealth) or Ayanfẹ́ mi (my chosen one) reinforces the way you see him and how he feels about himself.
Plus, it’s romantic, personal, and fun — and it’s something that’s yours and his alone.
Conclusion
Love is all about the little things: a random text, a warm smile, and yes — a special name only you call him. These 50+ Yoruba names for your boyfriend aren’t just translations, they’re expressions of love, admiration, and pride.
So, go ahead — call him Onítemi when he’s upset, whisper Òkàn mi when you’re cuddling, and laugh as you tease him with Ọlówó orí mi when he pays for lunch.
Because in the end, the best love stories are written not just in actions, but in the words we choose to call each other. ❤️
