indicate the level to which a name has been verified.
Gender Feminine
Other Forms FormsOiá, Iansã, Iansan, Ollá, Yansa, Yansán
Meaning & History
Literally means "she (who) tore" in Yoruba. In Yoruba mythology, Oya, a Great Yoruban Orisha, is the undergoddess of the Niger River. The wife of Shango, and elder sister to goddesses Yemayá and Oshun. She is the goddess of storms and winds, and her realm ranges from rainbows to thunder, as well as the marketplace where she steers the changing fortunes made through business. She is believed to be able to manifest as winds, ranging from a gentle breeze to a raging hurricane or cyclone. She's known as a fierce warrior goddess and a protector of women as the Orisha of rebirth and new life, and she is believed to bring about change.Oya has been syncretized in Santería with the Catholic images of the Virgin of Candelaria.