fola

Fola is a given name of Yoruba origin, used among Yoruba-speaking communities in Nigeria and Benin, as well as in Yoruba-speaking diaspora communities. It can function as a standalone name or as a shortened form of longer Yoruba names such as Folashola, Oluwafola, or Olufola. The meaning of Fola is tied to the broader Yoruba naming tradition, where name elements convey virtues, circumstances, or divine favor; as a result, Fola is often associated with positive attributes, with the exact meaning varying depending on the longer form from which it is derived.

Gender and usage: Fola is used for both males and females, though preferences for related longer names can vary by region and family tradition. In modern usage, it commonly appears in everyday naming as well as in formal contexts.

Geographic and cultural context: Within Nigeria, the name is most common among Yoruba communities and their descendants. It has spread to diaspora communities in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and other countries where Yoruba culture and Nigerian naming practices are maintained.

Notable usage: The name Fola appears in Nigerian literature, media, and public life, reflecting its established place in contemporary Yoruba-speaking societies. It is widely recognized as a culturally meaningful, familiar given name across generations.

Related names: Fola is related to longer Yoruba names that include the element Fola, such as Folashola or Olufola, and to other names in the Yoruba tradition that honor attributes such as prosperity and divine blessing.