Omotola
OH-MOH-TOH-LAH
Omotola is a Yoruba name from Nigeria meaning a child is as precious as wealth, combining omo meaning child and tola, a shortened form of ola meaning wealth or honour. The name is a declaration that a child's arrival is the greatest of riches, elevating the birth of a daughter to an act of profound abundance. It is one of many Yoruba names that encode parental gratitude and values into the fabric of a child's identity.
At a glance
A Yoruba name from Nigeria declaring that a child is as precious as wealth, given global visibility by the actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde.
Etymology & History
Omotola is constructed from two Yoruba elements: omo, meaning child or offspring, and tola, a contracted form of ola, meaning wealth, honour, or prestige. The full construction can be read as the child is wealth or a child is as valuable as riches. The Yoruba language of south-western Nigeria has a rich tradition of compound given names that function as complete philosophical statements, and Omotola is a fine example of this tradition. The name is predominantly used among Yoruba-speaking communities across Nigeria, Benin, and the diaspora.
Cultural Significance
Among the Yoruba people of south-western Nigeria, names carry profound moral and social weight, functioning as lifelong declarations of family values, spiritual beliefs, and life circumstances. A name like Omotola speaks directly to the Yoruba ideal that children, especially daughters, are the true wealth of a family, not merely economic assets but sources of joy, continuity, and spiritual blessing. The name gained widespread international recognition through Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, known as Omosexy to her fans, whose career in Nollywood, Nigeria's prolific film industry, made her a household name across Africa and in diaspora communities worldwide. Her TIME 100 inclusion in 2013 brought the name to genuinely global attention.
Famous people named Omotola
Omotola Jalade Ekeinde
Nigerian actress, singer, and philanthropist, widely regarded as one of the most influential African entertainers of her generation. TIME magazine listed her among the 100 most influential people in the world in 2013.
Frequently Asked Questions
Names like Omotola
Omolara
“Born at the right time”
Omolara is a Yoruba name from south-western Nigeria, composed of omo meaning child and lara meaning family or relating to family, with the fuller sense being a child who belongs to the family or a child born at the right time into the family circle. In Yoruba naming tradition, a child's name expresses the circumstances and feelings surrounding birth, and Omolara conveys that this child was expected, welcomed, and perfectly timed. The name carries a deep sense of belonging, destiny, and familial love.
Omolola
“Child is wealth”
Omolola is a Yoruba name from south-western Nigeria meaning 'a child is a treasure' or 'a child is wealth'. The name is composed of 'omo' (child) and 'lola' (wealth, honour, prosperity). In Yoruba culture, children are regarded as the greatest blessing and the true wealth of a family, surpassing material riches. The name therefore expresses profound gratitude for the gift of a child and celebrates the joy and value the child brings to the family.
Where you'll find Omotola
Omotola shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.