Tolu
MeaningGod is supreme · Yoruba
Tolu is an African gender-neutral name meaning “God is supreme”, with Yoruba roots. Yoruba names often tell a story, such as the circumstances of a child's birth or a family's hopes. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds soft and friendly, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length. It suits a boy or a girl equally well.
Fewer than 5 US babies a year get this name, so SSA doesn't list it. That makes it truly rare.
Save adds it to your list. Vote moves it up the top voted names.
Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Tolu
Tolu is a gender-neutral name of African origin meaning “God is supreme”. Its two syllables give it an easy rhythm, and the open vowel at the end makes it sound soft and warm. It's a rare choice in the US, so your child is unlikely to meet another Tolu at school. It works for a boy or a girl, which suits parents who'd like a name that doesn't signal gender.
Origin:African names
More African names
- Girl name: Layla · night
- Unisex name: Zuri · beautiful
- Girl name: Aisha · alive
- Unisex name: Cairo · the victorious
- Unisex name: Asa · healer
- Unisex name: Zaire · river
- Girl name: Amber · amber resin
- Girl name: Zahra · radiant, bright
Questions about the name Tolu
What does the name Tolu mean?
Tolu means “God is supreme” and comes from Yoruba. Names built around “God” have been loved for generations, and give a child a meaning worth sharing when someone asks about their name. Other gender-neutral names with a similar meaning include Theodore (“gift of God”), Elijah (“my God is Yahweh”), Isabella (“God is my oath”) and Mateo (“gift of God”).
What is the origin of the name Tolu?
Tolu is African in origin, and its meaning traces back to Yoruba. Other African names to consider are Layla (“night”), Zuri (“beautiful”), Aisha (“alive”) and Cairo (“the victorious”).
Is Tolu a boy or girl name?
Both. Tolu is a true gender-neutral name used for boys and girls. That balance makes it a good pick if you'd like a name that doesn't signal gender.
What names are similar to Tolu?
If you like Tolu, you might also like Theodore, Elijah, Isabella and Mateo.
What should I know before naming my baby Tolu?
Tolu is an African gender-neutral name meaning “God is supreme”, with Yoruba roots. Yoruba names often tell a story, such as the circumstances of a child's birth or a family's hopes. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds soft and friendly, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length. It suits a boy or a girl equally well. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.