Shola
Shola is a Muslim unisex name meaning “Wealth, honour; one who brings prosperity”.
| Meaning | Wealth, honour; one who brings prosperity |
|---|---|
| Gender | Unisex |
| Origin | Yoruba (Nigeria) |
| Pronunciation | SHAW-lah |
| Muslim name? | Used by Muslims |
Meaning and origin of Shola
Shola is a Yoruba name built around ọlá, a word for wealth, honour and prestige. In Yoruba, ṣe ọlá means to bring about or create wealth and honour, so names containing Ṣọlá speak of prosperity arriving with the child. Most often Shola is a shortened form of a longer name that also says who brings that honour: Olúṣọlá or Oluwaṣọlá, usually explained as 'God has made wealth', and Adéṣọlá, 'the crown has made honour', which suggests a family with royal or chiefly ties. Translations vary because ọlá covers both material wealth and social esteem.
Like many Yoruba names, Shola is shared across religious lines in southwest Nigeria. Muslim Yoruba families commonly pair it with an Arabic name, and both Sola and Shola are standard English spellings, reflecting the Yoruba letter ṣ, which sounds like English sh. In Nigerian usage it is given to both boys and girls, and the tones of the Yoruba original are lost in everyday English writing. Longer forms such as Soladayo extend the same idea. Abroad, the name is familiar through the Yoruba diaspora in Britain and North America; the Nigerian-born footballer Shola Ameobi, raised in England, is a well-known bearer.
Famous people named Shola
- Shola Ameobi — Nigerian-born English footballer, long associated with Newcastle United
Is Shola a Muslim name?
Shola is not an Arabic name, but it is a Yoruba name that Muslim and Christian Yoruba families both use. Muslim families often give it together with an Arabic name, for example Shola Abdullahi.
Where is the name Shola used?
Common among the Yoruba of southwest Nigeria and the Yoruba diaspora, among both Muslims and Christians.
Gifts with the name Shola
- Shola name necklaces & bracelets (Amazon)
- Personalised Shola baby gifts (Amazon)
- Islamic baby gifts & books (Amazon)
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Spellings and variants of Shola
Read more
- Yoruba Muslim names explained
- Nigerian Muslim names: Hausa & Yoruba forms
- Is it a Muslim name? 60 names checked
More unisex names like Shola
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Shola mean?
Shola means 'Wealth, honour; one who brings prosperity'. It comes from Yoruba (Nigeria).
Is Shola a Muslim name?
Shola is not an Arabic name, but it is a Yoruba name that Muslim and Christian Yoruba families both use. Muslim families often give it together with an Arabic name, for example Shola Abdullahi.
How do you pronounce Shola?
Shola is pronounced SHAW-lah.
Is Shola a Yoruba name?
Yes. Shola (Ṣọlá) is a Yoruba name, usually short for Olusola, Oluwashola or Adesola, and relates to wealth and honour.
Is Shola a boy or girl name?
Shola is used for both boys and girls among the Yoruba.
Can Muslims name their child Shola?
Yes. Muslim Yoruba families use Shola, often alongside an Arabic name, since its meaning of honour and prosperity is positive.