Languages are fascinating, and Yoruba – one of Nigeria’s major languages – proves this beautifully. Yoruba names often carry deep meanings, rich cultural history, and spiritual significance. But here’s something even more interesting: some Yoruba names, when written, look just like English words!
These names may confuse non-Yoruba speakers who assume they have English meanings. However, in reality, they carry unique Yoruba interpretations and are proudly worn by those who bear them.
Here’s a list of Yoruba names that look like English words, but have very different meanings.
20+ Yoruba Names That Look Like English Words
1. Arise
In English, arise means “to stand up” or “begin.” But in Yoruba, Arise (pronounced Ah-ree-sheh) often means “born to give birth to great things.”
2. Are
While are in English is just a verb, in Yoruba, Are (pronounced Ah-ray) can mean “a blessing” or “goodness.”
3. Ore
In English, ore is a mineral rock. But in Yoruba, Ore (pronounced Oh-ray) means “friend” or “goodwill.”
4. Shade
In English, shade means “cover from the sun.” In Yoruba, Shade (Sha-deh) is a short form of Folashade – meaning “honour confers a crown.”
5. Desire
This English word speaks of yearning for something. In Yoruba, Desire may be used as an Anglicized form of Adesire (Ah-deh-see-ray), meaning “the crown has chosen.”
6. Kola
To English speakers, Kola might remind them of Coca-Cola. In Yoruba, Kola (Koh-lah) is short for Kolawole – meaning “he who brings wealth.”
7. Wale
In English, wale is a rare word for a welt on the skin. In Yoruba, Wale (Wah-leh) means “come home.” It’s often part of longer names like Adewale (“The crown has come home”).
8. Akin
In English, akin means “similar to.” In Yoruba, Akin means “brave one” or “warrior.”
9. Ale
To English speakers, ale is an alcoholic drink. In Yoruba, Ale (Ah-leh) means “evening” or “night.”
10. Dupe
In English, dupe means to deceive someone. But in Yoruba, Dupe (Doo-peh) means “to be thankful” – often used as short for Modupe (“I give thanks”).
11. Jade
English speakers see Jade as a green gemstone. In Yoruba, Jade (pronounced Jah-day) means “come out.”
12. Dare
In English, dare means “to challenge.” In Yoruba, Dare (pronounced Dah-ray) means “justify” or “vindicate.”
13. Made
In English, made is the past tense of make. In Yoruba, Made (Mah-day) is short for Olamide – meaning “my wealth has arrived.”
14. Joke
In English, joke means something funny. In Yoruba, Joke (Jow-keh) is short for Folajoke – meaning “honour has brought joy.”
15. More
In English, more means “extra.” In Yoruba, More (Moh-ray) is short for Olamore – meaning “my wealth has been seen.”
16. Bare
In English, bare means naked. In Yoruba, Bare (Bah-ray) means “follow me” – often part of longer names like Oluwabare.
17. Bade
English speakers know bade as the past tense of bid. In Yoruba, Bade (Bah-day) is short for Babatunde or Olabade – meaning “the crown has met me.”
18. Awe
In English, awe means wonder or amazement. In Yoruba, Awe (Ah-weh) means “friendship” or “kinship.”
19. Mope
In English, mope means to sulk or be sad. In Yoruba, Mope (Moh-peh) is short for Oluwamope – meaning “I give thanks to God.”
20. Desire (again?)
This name might be duplicated in your list, but Yoruba has similar-sounding names like Adesire and Oluwaseyi, which have royal and divine meanings.
Why These Names Fascinate Non-Yoruba Speakers
What makes these names unique is the dual identity they seem to carry. To an English speaker, Dupe, Dare, or Joke might sound amusing or even misleading. But to a Yoruba speaker, they are rich, powerful, and meaningful names tied to heritage, blessings, and hope.
This cultural twist makes these names conversation starters and a beautiful reminder of the richness of Yoruba culture.
Do You Know More Yoruba Names That Look Like English Words?
This list is just the beginning! Yoruba is full of names that might confuse English speakers at first glance.
Do you know any more Yoruba names that look like English words?
Share them in the comments — let’s make this list longer and celebrate the beauty of Yoruba names!
