Nollywood actor Gideon Okeke has sparked conversation on social media after sharing his thoughts on the contrasting reasons Igbo and Yoruba parents give their children’s names.
In his post, Okeke suggested that Yoruba parents often name their children with aspirations and hope for the child’s future, reflecting dreams of prosperity, greatness, or divine favor.
In contrast, he argued that Igbo parents typically choose names rooted in personal or family experiences—especially moments of pain, hardship, or survival—leading up to the child’s birth.
Read Gideon Okeke’s post below:
*“Yoruba people name their children based on expectations for the child’s future. Hope. Promise. Anticipation.
Igbo people name their children based on the experiences, pains, or battles they endured before the child arrived. You’ll hear names like ‘Ozoemena’ (May this not happen again), or ‘Chukwuebuka’ (God is great) after surviving hardship. Our names are like war trophies.”*
His post quickly went viral, sparking debates in the comments section. While some users agreed, others defended the diversity and richness of the naming traditions of both ethnic groups.
