The word Orisha is derived from the Yoruba word orichá, which means "divine" or "high" or "great" or "high-minded". It is used to describe a person who has achieved a spiritual level of wisdom and has learned to control their emotions, who has great faith and trust in God, who is aloof and selfless, and who has great compassion for other people. The word orichá is also used to describe other spiritual concepts and ideas.

The religion of the African people, called Yoruba, is a polytheistic religion that is based on the idea that there is one supreme being, called Eledumare.