Beautiful Akwa-Ibom, Efik Names and their Wonderful Meanings
CHRISTIAN NAMES AND THEIR BEAUTIFUL MEANINGS IN EFIK, IBIBIO AND ANNANG
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| Akwa-Ibom/Efik bride [source: Ibom facts (twitter)] |
A Name is a word or words that a particular person, place, animal or thing is known by or identified with. It helps to d hiistinguish an individual from a group of person.
Akwa Ibom state and the entire Efik Kingdom in Cross River state, Nigeria also have their own unique means of identity. Babies born into a family from this part of the country are often named or christened after what they believe in and other insignificant things like objects, places, celebrities and ancestors alike. Parent tend to ascribe eulogy to this things they believe in; hence, the emergence of these names.
Meanwhile, in this article; the concentration is centred only on religious (i.e. Christian) names that people in this region bears as an identity.
The names in Efik, Ibibio and Annang languages with their meanings (translations) in English language are listed below:
A
Abasiakara (Abasi-akara)
Literal Meaning: “God Reigns”
Translation: God is in charge of the situation.
Gender: Male
Abasiama (Abasi-ama)
Literal Meaning:“It is God that loves him/her”
Translation: No one loves but God does
Gender: Unisex
Abasianyanga (Abasi-aŋyaŋa)
Literal Meaning: “It's God that saves”
Translation: It is only God who can save a person.
Gender: Unisex
Abasifreke (Abasi-ifreke)
Literal Meaning: “God never forget [his people]”
Translation: God will never forget our predicament and He’ll surprise us.
Gender: Unisex
Abasiodiong (Abasi-ɔdiɔŋ)
Literal Meaning: “God has blessed”
Translation: It has already been blessed by God hence no man can curse.
Gender: Male
Abasiofiok (Abasi-ɔfiɔk)
Literal Meaning: “God Knows”
Translation: God knows best and it is at His will (either perfect or permissive) that everything happens.
Gender: Unisex
Abasiofon (Abasi-ɔfɔn)
Literal Meaning: “God is Good”
Translation: God is ever faithful even in the worst of times..
Gender: Unisex
Abasiono (Abasi-ɔnɔ)
Literal Meaning: “God giveth”
Translation: It is God who has given us this gift; hence we are grateful.
Gender: Unisex
Akam (Akam)
Literal Meaning: “Prayer"
Translation: This one was gotten through consistent labouring in prayer.
Gender: Unisex
Akanimo (Akan-imɔ)
Literal Meaning: “Greater than Wealth”
Translation: God is greater than any earthly treasures one could ever imagine. Hence, He is the only one to treasure.
Gender: Male
Akaninyene (Akan-iŋyene)
Literal Meaning: “Greater than Riches”
Translation: This gift (baby) is treasured more than earthly riches.
Gender: Unisex
Amenam (Amenam)
Literal Meaning: “You’ve done well [well-done]”
Translation: This is like saying “Daddy Jesus! Thank You very for this special gift to me. I can’t thank you enough.
Gender: Female (often)
Andikan (Andikan)
Literal Meaning: “Victor/Conqueror”
Translation: God has made me victorious despite the oppositions and adversaries. I am a Winner!
Gender: Unisex
Aniedo/Aniedi [Abasi](Aniedi-Abasi)
Literal Meaning: “Who is [God]”
Translation: Who is God or can assume the position of God. Only God has the final say.
Gender: Unisex
Aniefiok (Aniefiɔk)
Literal Meaning: “Who Knows”
Translation: Who can foretell or predict what may happen next? Only God knows it all.
Gender: Unisex
Aniekan (Aniekan)
Literal Meaning: “Who is greater than [God]”
Translation: After everything, who can try his or her power with our Living God?
Gender: Male
Aniekeme (Aniekeme)
Literal Meaning: “Who is Able?”
Translation: They didn’t expect it to happen but brought it to come to pass. Hence, they believe only God is able to do everything!
Gender: Unisex
Aniema (Aniema)
Literal Meaning: “ Who Loves”
Translation: Who has a genuine lWhoove so magnanimous as to have given the precious gift (baby)? Only God!
Gender: Unisex
Anwanga (Aŋwaŋa)
Literal Meaning: “It is known to God”
Translation: It is only God that understand and knows why it all happened the way happened. God knows best!
Gender: Unisex
Ayakem (Ayakem)
Literal Meaning: “It will be sufficient”
Translation: This gift will be sufficient unto me
Gender: Unisex
B
Bokime (Bɔ-kime)
Literal Meaning: “Receive with Patience”
Translation: I receive him or her with great deal of patience and agony.
Gender: Unisex
D
Daramfon (Dara-mfon)
Literal Meaning: “Celebrate Goodness [of God]”
Translation: I celebrate the Goodness of God in my life for adding this bundle of joy
Gender: Unisex
E
Edidem (Edidem)
Literal Meaning: “Lord”
Translation: Jesus is Lord over every battle. It also means a royal child
Gender: Male
Edidiong (Edidiɔŋ)
Literal Meaning: “Blessing”
Translation: This is a great blessing from God Almighty
Gender: Unisex
Edifofon (Edifɔfɔn)
Literal Meaning: “It shall be well”
Translation: This is a great blessing from God Almighty
Gender: Unisex
Edima (Edima)
Literal Meaning: “Beloved”
Translation: This is a very beloved and dearchild.
Gender: Unisex
Edinyanga (Edinyaŋa)
Literal Meaning: “Blessing”
Translation: This baby is a great blessing from God Almighty
Gender: Unisex
Ediomo (Ediomo)
Literal Meaning: “Covenant”
Translation: This baby is a covenant between the parent and God
Gender: Unisex
Ediye (Ediye)
Literal Meaning: “Beauty”
Origin: Efik
Translation: A beautiful child indeed
Gender: Unisex
Eduwem (Eduwem)
Literal Meaning: “Character/Conduct”
Translation: Good character and right living is a great necessity.
Gender: Unisex
Efiok (Efiɔk)
Literal Meaning: “Know”
Translation: Know God as a person for He is everything.
Gender: Male
EkeAbasi (Eke-Abasi)
Literal Meaning: “God’s own”
Translation: This baby is solely dedicated to God and belongs to Him alone.
Gender: Male
Ekikere (Ekikere)
Literal Meaning: “Thought”
Translation: The thought of God is different from the thought of men.
Gender: Unisex
Ekom (Ekɔm)
Variants: Ekomobong, EkomAbasi
Literal Meaning: “Thanks”
Translation: The parent is giving thanks to God for the gift of the child.
Gender: Unisex
Ekemini (Ekem-ini)
Literal Meaning: “Appointed Time”
Translation: It is God’s appointed time for it manifest and here it is. This is referring to the child bearing this name.
Explanation: Oftentimes, it may happen that the baby took long to come or the mother has been barren for several years and all of a sudden when all hope was lost then comes the child.
Gender: Unisex (Usually for Male)
Ekpedeme (Ekpedeme)
Literal Meaning: “If it were to shared”
Translation: God gives to anyone without prejudice. He can decide to surprise anyone with a precious thing.
Explanation: The parent in this context is thanking God for giving something beyond what they expected unlike what would have obtainable if a man was the giver of the baby of life. Their position is that “Man is discriminatory in nature but God gives liberally without fear of favour.”
Gender: Male
Emaediong (Ema-ediɔŋ)
Literal Meaning: “has been blessed”
Variants: Emediong (Emediɔŋ)
Translation: The child has already blessed by God and will be a source of blessing to the family.
Gender: Unisex
Emem (Emem)
Literal Meaning: “Peace”
Variants: EmemObong, EmemAbasi
Translation: This baby has brought peace and tranquility to the family.
Explanation: In a family where there is no issue, and then the baby comes to unite the husband and wife. It is also belief that where there is peace, the presence of God is there.
Gender: Unisex (usually For Females)
Eno = Enɔ
Literal Meaning: “God’s Gift”
Variants: Enobong, Enoobong, EnoAbasi
Translation: The child is a precious gift from God.
Gender: Unisex
Enomfon (Enɔ-mfɔn)
Literal Meaning: “Gift of Grace”
Translation: A child given as free gift and by the grace.
Gender: Female
Enwongo (Enwɔŋɔ)
Literal Meaning: “Promise”
Translation: The child is a child of Promise from God.
Explanation: Perhaps, God might made a promise that he bless them with a child and after several years of waiting, the promise becomes a reality.
Gender: Unisex
Enyeama (Enyeama)
Literal Meaning: “He Loves”
Translation: Here, He refers to God. They mean God is the one who loves to give the child.
Gender: Male
Eti (Eti)
Literal Meaning: “Good/Righteous”
Translation: God is a good God. He is faithful to His word.
Gender: Unisex
Etimbuk (Eti-mbuk)
Literal Meaning: “Good News”
Translation: This is the Good news of Christ (Gospel).
Gender: Unisex
Etop (Etop)
Literal Meaning: “Message/Report”
Variants: Etop-obong, Etop-Abasi
Translation: The child born is a hidden message from God.
Gender: Male
F
Fenno (Fen-nnɔ)
Literal Meaning: “Forgive Me”
Translation: A plea for forgiveness by the parent to God perhaps after doubting Gods’ capabilities to give them a child or for their past deeds.
Gender: Unisex
I
Iberedem (Iberedem)
Literal Meaning: “Comforter”
Translation: A child to expected to turn the fortune of the family around for good.
Gender: Unisex
Iboro [Akam]= (Ibɔrɔ-akam)
Literal Meaning: “Reply/Answers”
Translation: The child is perceived to have been born prior to constant plea and prayers offered.
Gender: Unisex
Idara (Idara)
Literal Meaning: “Joy”
Translation: A child that brings bundle of joy to both the parent and others.
Gender: Unisex (Mostly for Females)
Idongesit (Idɔŋesit)
Literal Meaning: “Comfort”
Translation: The child was born after the mother (and the father) had lost of having any issue.
Gender: Unisex
Idorenyin (Idorenyiŋ)
Literal Meaning: “Hope”
Variant: Idotenyin
Translation: The child is what they’ve been hoping for in a long time.
Gender: Unisex
Ifiok (Ifiɔk)
Literal Meaning: “Wisdom”
Translation: The wisdom of God brought about the transformation.
Gender: Unisex (Mostly for Male)
Ifure (Ifure)
Literal Meaning: “Safety/Tranquility”
Translation: The beginning of tranquility and rest of mind.
Gender: Unisex
Iko-Obong (Ikɔ-Ɔbɔŋ)
Literal Meaning: “The Word of God”
Translation: This is the Good news of Christ (Gospel).
Gender: Unisex
Ikouwem (Ikɔ-uwem)
Literal Meaning: “Word of Life”
Translation: This is the Good news of Christ (Gospel).
Gender: Unisex (Mostly for Male)
ImaObong (Ima-Ɔbɔŋ)
Literal Meaning: “God’s Love”
Variant: Imabong, Ima-Abasi
Translation: The love of God has brought about the coming of the child bearing this name.
Gender: Females
Ime (Ime)
Literal Meaning: “Patience”
Variants: Imeh, Imebong, Ime-Abasi
Translation: After much patience and perseverance, the child was born.
Gender: Unisex (Mostly for Male)
Imidara (Imidara)
Literal Meaning: “We have rejoice”
Translation: The parent and the family are publicly making known their appreciation and acknowledging God for giving them the baby.
Gender: Unisex
Imoh (Imɔh)
Literal Meaning: “Wealth”
Translation: The child is belief to be a huge wealth given by God to the family.
Gender: Unisex (Mostly for Male)
Inameti (Inameti)
Literal Meaning: “Good Doing”
Translation: A child born as a result of a perceived good deed either to God or Mankind.
Gender: Unisex
Inemesit (Inemesit)
Literal Meaning: “Happiness/Sweetness”
Variant: Inem
Translation: A gift that brings happiness and gladdens the heart of everyone.
Gender: Unisex
Inibehe (Ini-ibehe)
Literal Meaning: “Time has not elapsed”
Translation: The timing of God never elapsed though it may tarry.
Explanation: Basically, this name oftentimes arise when the baby doesn’t show forth after several years of expectations or perhaps when the baby stays longer in the womb beyond the conventional 9-months of birth delivery.
Gender: Male
Inimfon (Ini-mfɔn)
Literal Meaning: “Time of Grace”
Translation: The time of grace has come especially for the family in which the baby is born into.
Gender: Unisex (Mostly for Female)
Iniobong (Ini-ɔbɔŋ)
Literal Meaning: “God’s Time”
Translation: The child came at a time no one expected and hence they credit it to happen at the right timing of God.
Gender: Unisex
Iniso (Ini-iso)
Literal Meaning: “Future”
Translation: The name of a child destined to be great in the future.
Gender: Male
Inyene (Inyene)
Literal Meaning: “Riches”
Translation: The child is a great asset from God even more than worldly riches.
Gender: Unisex
Itoro (Itoro)
Literal Meaning: “Praise”
Translation: This is the Good news of Christ (Gospel).
Gender: Unisex
K
Kemfon (Ke-mfɔn)
Literal Meaning: “Out of Goodness/ By Grace”
Translation: It was given out of God’s goodness or by God’s grace.
Gender: Unisex
Kubiat (Ku-biat)
Literal Meaning: “Don’t Condemn [God]”
Translation: The parent name the child so as to encourage others not to condemn God for whatever ordeal or ugly situation they might have passed through in life.
Gender: Unisex
Kufre (Ku-fre)
Literal Meaning: “Don’t Forget [God]”
Variants: KufreObong, KufreAbasi
Translation: A charge never to forget God in anytime in marital or other endeavour in life.
Gender: Male
Kuyik (Ku-yik)
Literal Meaning: “Don’t Doubt [God]”
Variants: KuyikObong, KuyikAbasi
Translation: With the coming of the baby, the family have seen reasons not to doubt God but to keep faith in Him.
Gender: Unisex (Mostly for Male)
M
Mbetobong (Mbet-Ɔbɔŋ)
Literal Meaning: “I wait upon God”
Variants: Mbet, MbetAbasi
Translation: Our hope rest in you oh Lord. The child’s parent waited upon the Lord and were not ashamed.
Gender: Unisex
Mbom (Mbɔm)
Literal Meaning: “Mercy”
Translation: The mercy of the Lord intervened and brought victory to them through the birth of the child.
Gender: Unisex
Mbuotidem (Mbuɔt-idem)
Literal Meaning: “Faith”
Translation: I have faith in God and it paid off.
Gender: Unisex
Mfon (Mfɔn)
Literal Meaning: “Goodness/Grace”
Translation: The grace of God has been sufficient to us through this childbirth.
Gender: Unisex
Mfoniso (Mfɔniso)
Literal Meaning: “Good Luck/Fortune”
Translation: The child that brings good luck in different dimension to the family.
Gender: Unisex
Mfonmma (Mfɔn-mma)
Literal Meaning: “Perfect”
Translation: God is being ascribed here as the only “Perfect Being” for giving them heart desire at the right time.
Explanation: This name is used when the child comes at the right or the right gender as being expected by parent and family members.
Gender: Unisex
Mfreke (Mfreke)
Literal Meaning: “I’ve not Forgotten [God]”
Variants: MfrekeAbasi, MfrekeObong
Translation: They still have not given up or forgotten their Maker.
Explanation: Perhaps the parents have given up on God to bless them with a baby all of sudden the baby is conceive and born successfully. The parent uses the opportunity to reaffirm their stand and trust in God.
Gender: Unisex
Mkpouto (Mkpɔ-uto)
Literal Meaning: “Precious”
Translation: The child bearing this name is highly treasured and important in the family.
Gender: Unisex
Mkpoikana/Mkpoikanke (Mkpɔ-ikana/Mkpɔ-ikanke)
Literal Meaning: “Nothing Conquers [God]”
Translation: The child bears the sequel to the victory recorded during childbirth despite various spiritual attacks against the mother, family or even the baby’s life.
Gender: Unisex
Mmedara (Mme-dara)
Literal Meaning: “I celebrate [God]”
Translation: The family celebrate God for the gift of the child.
Gender: Unisex
Mmenyene (Mme-nyene)
Literal Meaning: “I have [God]”
Translation: There child born further reaffirm the parent that there is still God.
Gender: Unisex
Mokutmfon (Mokut-mfɔn)
Literal Meaning: “I’ve seen the Goodness of God”
Translation: Out of an appreciative heart, the name is coined to express their feeling over the precious gift God gave them.
Gender: Unisex
N
Ndifreke (Ndi-freke)
Literal Meaning: “I won’t forget [God]”
Translation: This is coming straight from the heart that since God has been able to this; they will never forget Him.
Gender: Unisex
Nkereuwem (Nkere-uwem)
Literal Meaning: “I bear/answer Life”
Translation: Perhaps the child has been dead (before, during or after childbirth; this name is like a reassurance that the said child will not die but live to his rightful age.
Gender: Male
NseAbasi (Nse-Abasi)
Literal Meaning: “I Look [unto God]”
Variant: Nseobong
Translation: During the childbirth, all hope was fixed on God to perform His miracle as usual and He did prove himself. Hence, the name.
Gender: Unisex (Mostly for Female)
Nsidibe (Nsidibe)
Literal Meaning: “What is hidden? [From God]”
Translation: The secret desire and prayer which was not made known to men was provided by God.
Gender: Unisex (Mostly for Female)
Nsikak (Nsi-kak)
Literal Meaning: “What is too burdensome [to God]?”
Translation: Obviously, the challenges of the family which seem somewhat impossible was made quite possible and easier by God.
Gender: Unisex
Nsikan (Nsi-kan)
Literal Meaning: “What is greater [than God]?”
Variants: Nsikanobong, NsikakAbasi
Translation: The parent believes wholly that nothing is greater than God if the baby bearing the name can be conceived and put to bed successfully.
Gender: Unisex
Nsisong (Nsi-sɔŋ)
Literal Meaning: “What is too difficult for God?”
Translation: This is similar to Nsikan where the parent believes God can do anything if the baby in question can make it against all odds.
Gender: Unisex
Nsongurua (Nsɔŋ-urua)
Literal Meaning: “Costly/Expensive”
Translation: This child is very dear to the family and is considered a precious gem.
Gender: Unisex
NtietAbasi (NtietAbasi)
Literal Meaning: “I eulogize God”
Translation: God is eulogized for the goodness and faithfulness towards the successfully delivery of the child.
Gender: Unisex
Nyaknno (Nyak-nnɔ)
Literal Meaning: “I surrender to God”
Translation: After much failed attemptsat getting what they wanted, they finally surrender to God who still gave them a joy despite their misdeeds.
Gender: Unisex
O
Ofofon (Ɔfɔfɔn)
Literal Meaning: “Beatitude/Blessedness”
Translation: The baby is named after the Beatitudes as contained in the Bible. It involves expected to exhibited by genuine Christians.
Gender: Unisex (Mostly for Female)
Okimmong (Okimmɔŋ)
Literal Meaning: “Mine”
Origin: Efik
Translation: The baby is alluded to have belong to God.
Gender: Unisex
Oku (Oku)
Literal Meaning: “Priest”
Translation: The child is foreseen to become a servant of God in life.
Gender: Male
OtoAbasi (Oto-Abasi)
Literal Meaning: “It’s from God”
Translation: The child here is believed to have directly come from God to the family.
Gender: Unisex
Owoidighe (Owo-idighe)
Literal Meaning: “Man is not God”
Translation: Many negative words has been proclaimedby people concerning the child but yet God’s will still prevail.
Gender: Unisex
S
Sifon (Sifɔn)
Literal Meaning: “What Pleases [God]”
Variants: SifonAbasi, SifonObong
Translation: It pleases God to visit the family in such a way that amazes everyone.
Gender: Unisex (Mostly for Male)
T
Timi (Ti-mi)
Literal Meaning: “Remember Me”
Translation: God is exalted in the life of the baby for remembering the family for Good.
Gender: Unisex
Toiyo (Toiyo)
Literal Meaning: “Remember”
Translation: This is a plea by the parent or family asking God to remember the family for good using the child as a point of contact.
Origin: Ibibio
Gender: Unisex
U
Ubiere (Ubiere)
Literal Meaning: “Decision/Determination”
Translation: The final decision of God stood and the miracle was made visible.
Gender: Male
Uboho (Ubɔhɔ)
Literal Meaning: “Freedom/Liberty”
Translation: He or she as an agent of freedom given liberally from God.
Gender: Unisex (Mostly for Male)
Ubong (Ubɔŋ)
Literal Meaning: “Glory [of God]”
Translation: The glory of God has descended through the birth of the child.
Gender: Unisex
Udeme (Udeme)
Literal Meaning: “Portion/Inheritance/Share”
Translation: The Child is perceived to be an inheritance or portion from God to the parent as well as the family.
Gender: Male
Uduak (Uduak)
Literal Meaning: “The Will [of God]”
Translation: It could only have been possible except by the will of the Almighty God. In other words, contrary to speculations, God’s will prevailed over anything.
Gender: Unisex
Ufok (Ufɔk)
Literal Meaning: “House [of God]”
Translation: The house of God here signifies God’s presence been sufficient to see to the successful delivery of the baby.
Gender: Unisex
Ukara (Ukara)
Literal Meaning: “Reign/Government”
Translation: God showed Himself as the King who reigns over all especially in the life of the child.
Gender: Male
Ukeme (Ukeme)
Literal Meaning: “God’s Ability”
Variants: Ukemeobong, UkemeAbasi
Translation: The strength of God prevailed mightily and shamed all critics and adversaries.
Gender: Unisex (Mostly for Male)
Uko (Uko)
Literal Meaning: “Courage/Confidence”
Variants: UkoAbasi, Uko-Obong
Translation: The child showed up at a very difficult time and hence he’s considered to be a brave and courageous person that will do exploits in life.
Gender: Male
Ukpono (Ukpono)
Literal Meaning: “Honour/Respect”
Translation: God has decided to honour the family with a honourable child.
Gender: Unisex
Ukpuho (Ukpuhɔ)
Literal Meaning: “Change”
Translation: Prior to the coming of this baby, there has been relative changes noticeable to virtually everyone.
Gender: Unisex
Unwana (Uŋwana)
Literal Meaning: “Bright”
Variants: UnwanaAbasi, Unwanaobong
Translation: The long awaited ‘Light’ that will turn around the fortune of the family has arrived.
Gender: Unisex
Unyime (Unyime)
Literal Meaning: “Agreement”
Translation: It is the sole agreement of God that the baby in question should come to grace this world. Not man’s doing.
Gender: Unisex
Usen (Usen)
Literal Meaning: “Day”
Variants: Usenobong, UsenAbasi, Usen-mfon
Translation: Perhaps the child was born on the Lord’s day and hence the emergence of the name.
Gender: Male
Usung (Usuŋ)
Literal Meaning: “The Way”
Translation: The child is perceived to be the way out by God for the way out for the family to make it in life
Gender: Unisex
Utenge (Uteŋe)
Literal Meaning: “Dignity/Integrity”
Translation: For been so faithful and keeping to His Word; God is highly reverenced here.
Gender: Unisex
Utibe (Utibe)
Literal Meaning: “Wonders”
Translation: When God does something in a wonderful way that even the parent could not comprehend that such a thing can be possible, this kind of names comes to bear.
Gender: Unisex
Utip (Utip)
Literal Meaning: “Reward”
Variants: Utipobong, UtipAbasi
Translation: The parent might have believed their service to God and humanity would have brought them the gift of the baby child.
Gender: Unisex
Utitofon (Utit-ɔfɔn)
Literal Meaning: “The End is Better-of”
Variant: Utifofonidara(The end is better-off celebrated)
Translation: In a case, where such a child has been regarded as an ill-luck to the family or won’t make it beyond delivery stage and on the long runs it turns out on a positive note.
Gender: Unisex
Uwakmfon (Uwakmfɔn)
Literal Meaning: “Numerous Goodness”
Translation: This is more like extolling the goodness of God.
Gender: Unisex (Mostly for Female)
Uwem (Uwem)
Literal Meaning: “Life”
Translation: For a child who may regarded as sickler or an epileptic; this name suit them. Oftentimes, they these children later become healthier physically and otherwise as against the initial presumption.
Gender: Unisex
 |
| Akwa-Ibom/Efik bride [source: Ibom facts (twitter)] |
Literal Meaning: “Voice [of God]”
Translation: It is simply reaffirming the pronouncement of God upon such as a child and it has come to pass.
Explanation: Sometimes, this name is usually given to a child perceive to become a prophet or seer or better a mouth-piece in God’s vineyard.
Gender: Unisex (Mostly for Male)
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