Osanikele

Osanikele is a personal name of Yoruba origin used as both a given name and a surname among Yoruba-speaking communities in Nigeria and in the Nigerian diaspora. In Yoruba naming practice, names are often chosen to express gratitude, convey a blessing, or reflect the circumstances surrounding birth. Osanikele is commonly understood to convey a sense of a divine addition or blessing to the family, though the exact interpretation can vary by tradition, dialect, or family preference. The name may appear in several forms in records and everyday usage, including Osanike and Osanikele, with transliteration into English sometimes producing small variations.

Geographic and demographic usage: The name is most prevalent in southwestern Nigeria where Yoruba is widely spoken, and it appears among diaspora communities through migration and marriage. It can function as a standalone given name or as part of longer Yoruba names in traditional naming patterns.

Notable people: There is limited coverage of the name in major reference works, and individuals with this name are typically identified in local or family contexts rather than in global biographical sources.

See also: Yoruba naming practices, Nigerian surnames, Yoruba-language names.