Adorable Names to Call your in-laws in Yoruba Culture

Respect is a key part of Yoruba culture, especially when it comes to family relationships. One of the most important times to show this respect is when speaking to or about your in-laws. Whether you're married to a Yoruba person or learning the language, using the correct terms for your in-laws shows cultural understanding, good character, and proper manners.

In Yoruba tradition, every relationship has a name, and calling someone the wrong thing—especially an elder—can be seen as disrespectful. That’s why it's important to know how to address your spouse's parents, siblings, and extended family members properly.

This article will guide you through the respectful Yoruba names for different types of in-laws and their meanings in English. It is beginner-friendly and especially useful for Diasporans, new spouses, or anyone getting close to a Yoruba family.

1. Father-in-law (Husband’s or Wife’s Father)
Yoruba: Bàbá oko (husband’s father), Bàbá aya (wife’s father), or simply Bàbá. In many families, you may just say “Bàbá” with respect, especially if there’s no confusion.

2. Mother-in-law (Husband’s or Wife’s Mother)
Yoruba: Ìyá oko (husband’s mother), Ìyá aya (wife’s mother), or simply Ìyá. As with fathers-in-law, you can respectfully call her “Ìyá,” especially in direct conversation.

3. Brother-in-law (Older than You)
Yoruba: Ègbón oko (husband’s older brother), Ègbón aya (wife’s older brother). You may also say Ègbón mi (my elder), or call him by a respectful title like Bàbá Kẹ́mi (Father of Kẹ́mi – using the child’s or a relative's name).

4. Brother-in-law (Younger than You)
Yoruba: Àbúrò oko (husband’s younger brother), Àbúrò aya (wife’s younger brother).

5. Sister-in-law (Older than You)
Yoruba: Ègbón aya (wife’s older sister), Ègbón oko (husband’s older sister). Call her Anty or Ègbón mi, or refer to her as Ìyá Atinuke if she is pregnant. Always add “e” for respect when speaking directly (e.g., “Ègbón e”).

6. Sister-in-law (Younger than You)
Yoruba: Àbúrò aya (wife’s younger sister), Àbúrò oko (husband’s younger sister). Address her by name with respect, or use Àbúrò mi. Even if she is younger, Yoruba culture teaches that respect is still expected, especially in marriage settings.

7. General Respectful Term for In-laws
You can respectfully refer to in-laws as Ẹbí ọkọ mi (my husband's family) or Ẹbí aya mi (my wife's family), depending on the side. When in doubt, always add honorifics like Bàbá, Ìyá, Ègbón, Àbúrò and use honorific “ẹ” when speaking.

Conclusion
Learning how to respectfully address your in-laws in Yoruba shows you value tradition, honor, and relationships. Whether you’re preparing for marriage, already married into a Yoruba family, or just learning the culture, using the right names makes a big difference. These terms are simple, but powerful.