Find out how popular the first name Nigeria has been for the last 48 years (from 1975 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nigeria by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Nigeria is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 10 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Nigeria.

The history of the first name Nigeria

The name Nigeria is a modern name derived from the Niger River, which flows through several countries in West Africa, including Nigeria. The name itself is not of ancient origin, but rather a relatively recent coinage.

The name Nigeria was first proposed by British journalist Flora Shaw in an 1898 article in The Times, where she suggested that the territories around the Niger River should be collectively known as "Nigeria." The name was officially adopted in 1914 when the British colonial territories of the Niger Coast Protectorate and the Protectorate of Northern Nigeria were merged to form the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.

While the name Nigeria itself does not have a long historical tradition, the Niger River has been an important geographic feature in West Africa for centuries. The river's name is derived from the Latin word "niger," meaning "black," which was likely used by ancient Roman writers to refer to the dark-skinned people living along its banks.

As for famous individuals named Nigeria, it is important to note that the name is primarily used as a place name and is not commonly given as a personal name. However, there are a few exceptions, such as Nigerian-American writer and activist Nigeria Natalie Noel Isibor, who was born in 1990.

Additionally, some individuals have adopted the name Nigeria as a symbolic gesture or to express their connection to the country. For instance, Nigerian-American writer and activist Nigeria Noel, who was born in 1932, changed her name from Ruby Noel to Nigeria Noel as a way of embracing her African heritage.

Another notable figure is Nigerian-American artist Nigeria A. Mbanefo, who was born in 1950 and is known for her vibrant paintings and sculptures that celebrate African culture and identity.

It is worth mentioning that while the name Nigeria itself is not ancient, the region that now bears this name has a rich cultural and historical heritage, dating back to the powerful empires of the Nok, Kanem-Bornu, and Oyo, among others.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Nigeria was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Nigeria, please contact us.

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