Tiv names

Tiv Names and Their Meanings

288 entries

All 288 Tiv names in the archive, in alphabetical order, with their English meanings and whether each is given to boys, girls or both. Where the archive records it, each name also carries a note on what it expresses, the story behind it and the occasions when it is given.

Afa

God

Female

Ahemen

God should lead

Female

Angbiandoo

A brother / sister is an asset

Unisex

About the name
Names Showing Kinship Ties
Origin
Angbian + doo
When it is used
Sibling kinship name; celebrates fraternal bonds.

Aniorapuu

Daughter of Iorapuu

Female

About the name
Patronymic Names
Origin
An + Iorapuu
When it is used
An- is a variant patronymic prefix for daughter.

Antorkunde

Daughter of Torkunde

Female

About the name
Patronymic Names
Origin
An + Torkunde
When it is used
An- is a variant patronymic prefix for daughter.

Aondoaver

May God bless

Unisex

About the name
Sentence-Like Personal Names
Origin
Aôndo + a + ver
When it is used
Sentence-prayer name invoking divine blessing.

Aondohemba

None is as powerful / helpful as God

Unisex

About the name
Divine Names: Aôndo, Ter, Tor, Usha
Origin
Aôndo + hemba
When it is used
God wins / God is supreme; compound divine name.

Aôndosoo

God loves

Male

About the name
Expressing Gratitude.

Aondowase

Helped / assisted by God

Unisex

About the name
Divine Names: Aôndo, Ter, Tor, Usha
Origin
Aôndo + wase
When it is used
Aôndo is the Tiv name for God; expresses divine assistance.

Aondoyima

Saved / delivered by God

Unisex

About the name
Divine Names: Aôndo, Ter, Tor, Usha
Origin
Aôndo + yima
When it is used
Expresses divine deliverance.

Awase

Let Him (God) help

Female

Bem

Peace

Male

Bemgba

Peace has reigned

Male

Bemshima

Peace / tender heart

Unisex

About the name
Names Expressing Human Virtues
Origin
Bem + shima
When it is used
Cherished societal value; gentleness and peace.

Civir

Give respect or honour, worship

Male

Devaan

Stop crying

Unisex

About the name
Sentence-Like Personal Names
Origin
De + vaan
When it is used
Full-sentence name; a plea for comfort.

Dezamber

Stop begging

Unisex

About the name
Sentence-Like Personal Names
Origin
De + zamber
When it is used
Full-sentence name; a plea for dignity.

Dondo

Last of twins to be born

Unisex

About the name
Circumstances of Birth or Family History
When it is used
Twin name; complement to Hemen (first of twins).

Dooamoshazwa

Only pays lip service; the heart is far away from me

Unisex

About the name
Philosophy of Life, Attitude, and Life Experience
When it is used
Pet-style / proverbial usage; expresses betrayal or insincerity.

Doochivir

It is good to worship/honour

Female

Doofan

It is good to know the Lord

Female

Dookeghen

It is good to wait on the Lord

Female

Doolumun

it is good to accept the Lord

Female

Doose

we are happy/pleased

Female

Dooshima

God's love/Beautiful heart/Fine heart

Female

About the name
Names Expressing Human Virtues
Origin
Doo + shima
When it is used
Cherished societal value; expresses love.

Doosuur

it is good to trust the Lord

Female

Doowuese

it is good to praise the Lord

Female

Dooyum

very fine, very good

Female

Erdoo

He (God) has done well

Female

Famimi

know the truth

Female

Fanan

well given

Unisex

Fater

know the Lord

Male

Gbande

Drum

Unisex

About the name
Simple Personal Names
When it is used
Single-root name; simple structure.

Gbenda

Road

Unisex

About the name
Simple Personal Names
When it is used
Single-root name; simple structure.

Hemen

lead on, leadership

Male

About the name
Circumstances of Birth or Family History
When it is used
Twin name; first of twins to appear.

Iember

joy, joyfullness, delight, happiness

Female

Igbadoo

Mother's kinsmen are a great asset

Unisex

About the name
Cultural Beliefs: Maternal and Paternal Kinsmen
Origin
Igba + doo
When it is used
Celebrates the value of the maternal lineage.

Igbahemba

None is as powerful / helpful as maternal kinsmen

Unisex

About the name
Cultural Beliefs: Maternal and Paternal Kinsmen
Origin
Igba + hemba
When it is used
Celebrates the supreme importance of maternal kin.

Igbawase

Helped / assisted by maternal kinsmen

Unisex

About the name
Cultural Beliefs: Maternal and Paternal Kinsmen
Origin
Igba + wase
When it is used
Honours the mother's lineage; Igba = maternal kin group.

Igbawua

Killed by maternal kinsmen

Unisex

About the name
Cultural Beliefs: Maternal and Paternal Kinsmen
Origin
Igba + wua
When it is used
Records a difficult family history involving maternal kin.

Igbayima

Saved / delivered by maternal kinsmen

Unisex

About the name
Cultural Beliefs: Maternal and Paternal Kinsmen
Origin
Igba + yima
When it is used
Honours the mother's lineage.

Ikyo

Forest

Unisex

About the name
Simple Personal Names
When it is used
Single-root name; also rendered Ikyô.

Iorveyaakaave

They should take what belongs to them

Unisex

About the name
Philosophy of Life, Attitude, and Life Experience
When it is used
Pet-style / proverbial usage; assertion of rights and boundaries.

Iorzua

People converge.

Male

Ishima

Heart

Unisex

About the name
Simple Personal Names
When it is used
Single-root name; simple structure.

Ishimataver

Determination

Unisex

About the name
Names Expressing Human Virtues
Origin
Ishima + taver
When it is used
Cherished societal value; inner strength and resolve.

Iti

Name

Unisex

About the name
Iti means name

Ityavwua

Reminds the family that a member was killed during war

Unisex

About the name
Circumstances of Birth or Family History
When it is used
Historical family event name; preserves memory of loss.

Ityohemba

None is as powerful / helpful as paternal kinsmen

Unisex

About the name
Cultural Beliefs: Maternal and Paternal Kinsmen
Origin
Ityo + hemba
When it is used
Celebrates the supreme importance of paternal kin.

Ityowase

Helped / assisted by paternal kinsmen

Unisex

About the name
Cultural Beliefs: Maternal and Paternal Kinsmen
Origin
Ityo + wase
When it is used
Honours the father's lineage; Ityo = paternal kin group.

Ityoyima

Saved / delivered by paternal kinsmen

Unisex

About the name
Cultural Beliefs: Maternal and Paternal Kinsmen
Origin
Ityo + yima
When it is used
Honours the father's lineage.

Iyangedue

The sunrise

Unisex

About the name
Relationship with the Creator
When it is used
Links the individual to God as the source of light and new beginnings.

Jubu

Socks

Unisex

About the name
Simple Personal Names
When it is used
Single-root name; simple structure.

Kator

King designate

Male

About the name
Female-Specific and Male-Specific Reference Names
When it is used
Royal title/name.

Kumakaven

it is high time to understand

Unisex

Kumawuese

it is time to praise/appreciate God

Female

Kwaghlaade

Let that thing stop

Unisex

About the name
Sentence-Like Personal Names
Origin
Kwagh + la + a + de
When it is used
Full-sentence name; a prayer for an end to hardship.

Kwaghlaaer

Let that thing happen / come to pass

Unisex

About the name
Sentence-Like Personal Names
Origin
Kwagh + la + a + er
When it is used
Full-sentence name; a prayer for fulfilment.

Kwaghsaanga

Truth must be revealed

Unisex

About the name
Compound Personal Names
Origin
Kwagh + saan + ga
When it is used
Tri-morpheme compound name; assertion of truth.

Lubem

live in peace, be peaceful

Male

Mailumo

It could have been me / I wish I were the one

Unisex

About the name
Sentence-Like Personal Names
Origin
Ma + i + lu + mo
When it is used
Full-sentence name; expresses empathy or longing.

Member

I am glad, I rejoice

Female

Mesuur

I will trust the Lord

Female

Mhoonom

Compassion

Unisex

About the name
Names Expressing Human Virtues
When it is used
Cherished societal value; also rendered Mhôônom.

Mkāv

enlightenment

Male

Mkav

I have now understood

Male

Mkegh

I have waited

Male

Mlumun

I have accepted

Female

Mluwamkuman

I am contented the way I am

Unisex

About the name
Philosophy of Life, Attitude, and Life Experience
When it is used
Expresses contentment with one's condition.

Mmem

I rested / I refrain

Unisex

About the name
Sentence-Like Personal Names
Origin
M + mem
When it is used
Full-sentence name structure; expresses withdrawal or rest.

Mnguanyi

What do I have?

Unisex

About the name
Sentence-Like Personal Names
Origin
M + ngu + a + nyi
When it is used
Full-sentence name structure; expresses poverty or humility.

Mnguaorga

I have no helper

Unisex

About the name
Philosophy of Life, Attitude, and Life Experience
When it is used
Expresses hardship and independence from external help.

Movihinze

None is so bad as to be rejected

Unisex

About the name
Sentence-Like Personal Names
Origin
Mô + vihin + ze
When it is used
Full-sentence name; expresses universal worth and inclusion.

Mrumun

I agree

Unisex

About the name
Sentence-Like Personal Names
Origin
M + rumun
When it is used
Full-sentence name structure; expresses consent.

Msonter

I request of the Lord

Male

Msughter

I thank God

Male

About the name
Expressing Gratitude & Faith

Msuur

I have trusted

Female

Mtagherornyi

In what way am I a hindrance to anybody?

Unisex

About the name
Sentence-Like Personal Names
Origin
M + tagher + or + nyi
When it is used
Full-sentence name structure; expresses innocence.

Mven

his arrival

Female

Mvendaga

I have no objection

Unisex

About the name
Sentence-Like Personal Names
Origin
M + venda + ga
When it is used
Full-sentence name structure; expresses compliance.

Mwar

I have survived

Female

Myom

salvation

Male

Ngodoo

A mother is an asset

Female

About the name
Female-Specific and Male-Specific Reference Names
Origin
Ngô + doo
When it is used
Celebrates the value of motherhood.

Ngohemba

None is greater than a mother

Female

About the name
Female-Specific and Male-Specific Reference Names
Origin
Ngô + hemba
When it is used
Honours the mother; Ngô = mother in Tiv.

Ngoundu

Left by the mother

Female

About the name
Female-Specific and Male-Specific Reference Names
Origin
Ngô + undu
When it is used
Records the circumstance of maternal loss.

Nguamo

He (God) is with me

Female

Ngubem

He (God) is peaceful

Male

Ngufan

He (God) is knowing

Female

Nguher

He (God) is still there

Female

Ngukoson

He (God) is sustaining

Female

Ngukuran

He (God) is protecting

Female

Ngulianga

Easily identifiable

Unisex

About the name
Compound Personal Names
Origin
Ngu + lian + ga
When it is used
Tri-morpheme compound name.

Ngumimi

truly He is, He is truthful

Female

Ngutor

He (God) is King

Male

Nguuma

He (God) is alive

Male

Nguvan

He (God) is coming

Female

Nguyesen

He (God) is raising up

Female

Nugan

He (God) gives

Female

Orfega

Nobody knows / nobody knows tomorrow

Unisex

About the name
Sentence-Like Personal Names
Origin
Or + fe + ga
When it is used
Full-sentence name; philosophical acceptance of uncertainty.

Oriyou

Be concerned about your affairs, not those of others

Unisex

About the name
Philosophy of Life, Attitude, and Life Experience
When it is used
Pet-style / proverbial usage; counsel against meddling.

Orkainya

Man is dust

Male

About the name
Relationship with the Creator
When it is used
Expresses human frailty and dependence on the divine.

Orkaishima

The heart makes a man

Male

About the name
Philosophy of Life, Attitude, and Life Experience
When it is used
Philosophy of human worth; character over appearance.

Orkpeikyandega

Emaciation does not necessarily mean you are going to die

Unisex

About the name
Philosophy of Life, Attitude, and Life Experience
When it is used
Pet-style / proverbial usage; resilience and hope.

Ortserga

No one lasts forever (often about suffering).

Male

Oryina

human being is short of the Glory of God and is bound to sin

Male

Pasem

reveal to me

Male

Sedoo

we are loved (by God)

Female

Sekav

we understand (God's works)

Male

Sekegh

we have waited (on the Lord)

Male

Selumun

we have accepted (what God has given)

Male

Semem

we have rested

Female

Sengohol

we have received (what God has given)

Female

Sewuese

we are filled with praise

Female

Shagbaor

Man of means

Male

About the name
Female-Specific and Male-Specific Reference Names
When it is used
Wealth / status name; expresses prosperity.

Shiana

he has given again

Female

Sonter

request from the Lord

Male

Suur

trust on the Lord

Male

Targema

The world has changed

Unisex

About the name
Relationship with the Creator
When it is used
Reflects divine transformation of circumstances.

Tavershima

Determination; be determined; unwavering

Unisex

About the name
Names Expressing Human Virtues
Origin
Taver + shima
When it is used
Cherished societal value; perseverance and resolve.

Terande

the Lord has appeared

Male

Terdoo

the Lord is good

Male

About the name
Names Showing Kinship Ties
Origin
Ter + doo
When it is used
Kinship name; a father is an asset.

Terdue

the Lord has appeared

Male

Terese

the Lord has wiped my tears

Male

Terfa

the Lord knows

Male

Terhemba

None is as powerful / helpful as God the Father

Unisex

About the name
Divine Names: Aôndo, Ter, Tor, Usha
Origin
Ter + hemba
When it is used
God the Father wins / is supreme.

Terhide

the Lord has returned, reincarnated

Male

Terhimbi

the Lord has paid back the lost

Male

Terkaa

the Lord has said

Male

Terkende

deserted by the Lord, forsaken

Male

Terkimbir

the Lord has repeated (same gift)

Male

Terkuma

the Lord is sufficient

Male

Terpase

the Lord has revealed

Male

Tersor

the Lord has visited

Male

Terumbur

the Lord has remembered

Female

Terundu

the Lord has deserted, forsaken

Female

Terungwa

the Lord has heard (my prayer)

Female

Terwase

the Lord has helped

Male

About the name
Divine Names: Aôndo, Ter, Tor, Usha
Origin
Ter + wase
When it is used
Divine name; helped / assisted by God the Father.

Teryange

the Lord has rebuked/prevented

Male

Teryese

the Lord has brought up

Male

Teryima

Saved / delivered by God the Father

Unisex

About the name
Divine Names: Aôndo, Ter, Tor, Usha
Origin
Ter + yima
When it is used
Expresses divine deliverance by God the Father.

Tor-kumá

Worthy to be king (wealth/status).

Male

About the name
This name is categorized under Tiv names that depict wealth, affluence, and status, representing a hope for dignity and a high standing in society. It is often used to signify that the child is destined for greatness or is worthy of honor.

Tordue

A king has emerged / king designate

Male

About the name
Female-Specific and Male-Specific Reference Names
Origin
Tor + due
When it is used
Royal title name; Tor = king in Tiv.

Torhemba

None is as powerful / helpful as God the King of kings

Unisex

About the name
Divine Names: Aôndo, Ter, Tor, Usha
Origin
Tor + hemba
When it is used
God the King wins / is supreme.

Torvenda

Prohibited by the king

Male

About the name
Female-Specific and Male-Specific Reference Names
Origin
Tor + venda
When it is used
Royal name expressing royal authority.

Torwase

Helped / assisted by God the King of kings

Unisex

About the name
Divine Names: Aôndo, Ter, Tor, Usha
Origin
Tor + wase
When it is used
Tor = King of kings; expresses divine assistance.

Toryima

Saved / delivered by God the King of kings

Unisex

About the name
Divine Names: Aôndo, Ter, Tor, Usha
Origin
Tor + yima
When it is used
Expresses divine deliverance.

Tsavhemba

None is as powerful / helpful as tsav

Unisex

About the name
Names Influenced by Tsav
Origin
Tsav + hemba
When it is used
Affirms the supremacy of tsav power.

Tsavwase

Helped / assisted by tsav

Unisex

About the name
Names Influenced by Tsav
Origin
Tsav + wase
When it is used
Tsav is a Tiv concept of mystical power held in the heart.

Tsavyima

Saved / delivered by tsav

Unisex

About the name
Names Influenced by Tsav
Origin
Tsav + yima
When it is used
Expresses deliverance through mystical tsav power.

Uma

life

Male

Usha

the heavenly one

Male

Ushafa

the heavenly one knows

Male

Ushahemba

the heavenly one is great

Male

About the name
Divine Names: Aôndo, Ter, Tor, Usha
Origin
Usha + hemba
When it is used
Divine name; none is as powerful as God the Most High.

Ushanengen

The Most High sees

Unisex

About the name
Relationship with the Creator
Origin
Usha + nengen
When it is used
Affirms divine omniscience; Usha = Most High.

Ushawase

Helped / assisted by God the Most High

Unisex

About the name
Divine Names: Aôndo, Ter, Tor, Usha
Origin
Usha + wase
When it is used
Usha = Most High; expresses divine assistance.

Ushayima

Saved / delivered by God the Most High

Unisex

About the name
Divine Names: Aôndo, Ter, Tor, Usha
Origin
Usha + yima
When it is used
Expresses divine deliverance.

Viashima

Unrelenting; self-willed

Unisex

About the name
Names Expressing Human Virtues
Origin
Via + shima
When it is used
Expresses tenacity and strong personal will.

Wandoo

Child is good

Female

About the name
Name Indicating Goodness or Blessing

Wandoo

A son / daughter is an asset

Unisex

About the name
Names Showing Kinship Ties
Origin
Wan + doo
When it is used
Child kinship name; celebrates the value of offspring.

Waniorapuu

Daughter of Iorapuu

Female

About the name
Patronymic Names
Origin
Wan + Iorapuu
When it is used
Wan- prefix marks a daughter in Tiv patronymic naming.

Wantorkunde

Daughter of Torkunde

Female

About the name
Patronymic Names
Origin
Wan + Torkunde
When it is used
Wan- prefix marks a daughter in Tiv patronymic naming.

Zungwem

pity me, have mercy on me

Male

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