Traditionally, a Munyoro had just one ibara (name)and one empaako (name of praise) which were given to him/her shortly after birth. This name has always been a kinyoro name. Officially, the name is given by clan elders; but practically, the will of the parents is paramount in this decision. Like most African names, kinyoro names are actually words or phrases in the Runyoro language; and they have a meaning. This meaning is based upon the prevailing circumstances in the family or clan at the time of the child's birth. For example, the name Nyamayarwo (meat for Death) implies that the parents are prepared for the worst, because many of their children have already died. Names like Ndyanabo (I eat with evil people), Nyendwooha (who loves me? no one), Nsekanabo ( I laugh with the evil people), etc. portray the sentiments of a parents very ill at ease with their neighbors.

Following the introduction of Christianity, in the late 17th century, a new class of names was created. It was the Christian name, given upon baptism. Many Banyoro took on English names like Charles, Henry, George, etc. for their Christian names; while others took names from the Bible, like Matayo (Matthew), Yohana (John), Ndereya (Andrew) etc. Let it not be forgotten that Islam is an important part of Bunyoro's religious heritage; so all Banyoro of Islamic persuasion will have an Islamic name, in addition to their kinyoro name. Names like Muhamadi (Muhamad/Mohamed), Isimairi (Ismael), Arajabu (Rajab), Bulaimu (Ibrahim), etc. are common.

There are special names given to twins and the children following twins. These names are standard. When twin boys are born, the first one to emerge is Isingoma, the other Kato. The female versions are Nyangoma and Nyakato, respectively. If a person is named Kaahwa, he/she comes after twins.

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