Rapper Nicki Minaj has confirmed the Nigerian Igbo origins of her birth name, Onika.
The revelation came after a fan on X (formerly Twitter) praised her recent speech at the United Nations against religious violence in Nigeria, connecting her message to the meaning of her name.
The fan claimed Minaj’s first name, Onika—translated as “Who is greater than God”—signified she was destined for extraordinary purpose, including speaking out against injustice.
Sharing a photo that explained the meaning and variations of the name, the fan wrote, “The name Onika means ‘continued belief in a supreme being who holds ultimate authority and surpasses all others in greatness. Let my Nigerian Barbz and friends confirm how God destines someone for great things before they are even born!’”
Responding to the post, Minaj wrote, “Will it get even more mysterious if I told you the tattoo on my arm means ‘God is with me’ in Chinese?”
Minaj, whose full name is Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, has attracted global attention following her UN appearance, where she spoke strongly against the ongoing genocide and religious violence targeting Christians in Nigeria.
Her acknowledgement of her name’s Igbo roots adds a cultural dimension to her advocacy, while also highlighting the personal significance fans have attached to her message and identity.
