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Eritrea is situated quaintly on the bank of the Red Sea in Eastern Africa. The country has a rich history and heritage. If you have your roots here, you may choose Eritrean baby names for your newborn. Eritrean names often have deep meanings and reflect the values, cultural heritage, and history of the community. Newborn babies in Eritrea are given two names; a birth name and a Christian name, which is often derived from the Saint’s Day on which the child is born (1). Eritrea has adorable names that are perfect for your baby as it has diversified communities around it. For instance, it is bordered by Ethiopia in the south, Sudan in the west, and Djibouti in the southeast. In this post, we bring you some beautiful Eritrean names you can pick for your newborn.
Key Pointers
- Eritrea is a small East African country that shares its coastline with the Red Sea.
- Babies in Eritrea often have two names – a birth name and a Christian name given during baptism.
- Names such as Helen and Salma for girls and Dawit and Yonas for boys are favored in Eritrea.
- These names are influenced by Tigrinya, English, and Arabic, commonly used in the country.
Eritrean Girl Names With Meanings
Inspired by nature, religion, and culture, Eritrean girl names allow you to connect a child to their roots. With their intriguing meanings, these names also make an ideal choice for parents seeking unique and meaningful options. Here are some popular Eritrean girl names to help you find the best one for your princess.
1. Faven
Faven is an adorable name for the baby girl and means ‘light.’
2. Ella
Ella is a beautiful ‘la’ ending name, meaning ‘fair maiden, all.’
3. Helen
The moniker Helen is extremely popular in Eritrea. It means ‘shining light.’
4. Sesuna
Sesuna sounds like a variation of Susan, but its meaning is entirely different (popcorn).
5. Senait
Senait is one of our most favorite Eritrean names. It means ‘good luck.’
Did you know?6. Mariam
The moniker Mariam is familiar to the Muslim population of Eritrea. As per A Dictionary of Muslim Names, Mariam refers to the mother of the Prophet (Jesus) or the biblical Mary (2).
7. Sophia
The name Sophia is as popular as it is in European and American countries. No wonder it held the top spot for the baby name for years.
8. Fatimah
This moniker has made a big comeback in the last few years. And it’s a classic too!
9. Semira
Semira is the tantalizing variation of Samira and means ‘highest heaven.’
10. Asmarina
This name is inspired by Eritrea’s capital. It means ‘united.’
11. Arsema
This Eritrean is all glitz and glamor. It means ‘clever.’
12. Awate
This moniker remained in the top 30 Eritrean names in history. It means ‘victory.’
13. Segan
Here’s a retro, fun and spicy Eritrean name for your daughter. Segan means ‘ostrich”
14. Salma
Salma is a classic Arabic moniker used widely in Eritrea. As per baby name experts, it means ‘peace’ (2).
15. Lemlem
Lemlem was one of the most beloved and popular Eritrean names of the past century.
16. Madihah
Madihah is one of those names that grow with the child.
17. Aatifa
Aatifa exudes a mystical sense of elegance and calmness. It means ‘sympathy.’
18. Hyiab
A slightly dated name it is, but still sounds amazing. The meaning of Hyiab is ‘gift’.
19. Fnan
Sophisticated, elegant and worldly, that’s what this name is. Its meaning is ‘pride’.
20. Winta
The meaning of Winta is ‘need’. It also has a chock full of cute nicknames, Winnie being one.
Trivia21. Sarah
Sarah pronounced as ‘Say-rah’ has surpassed the cuter and more old-fashioned Sara regarding popularity.
22. Zula
Zula is one of the freshest ‘z’ sounding Eritrean names for you to choose from. It means ‘brilliant.’
23. Bisrat
Bisrat is a sweet and lovely name suitable for girls who like playing the piano or knitting.
24. Jamila
If you want an old-fashioned Eritrean name for your daughter, Jamila could be a potential name. It means ‘beautiful’ or ‘elegant’ (2).
25. Feaven
Just hearing this name would send you into a reverie of gentle breeze over the sea. Feaven means ‘light.’
26. Senait
Here’s an evocative name for your quiet and calm girl.
27. Zehra
If you want a winsome, two- syllable name to go with the long last name, go with Zehra.
28. Kedija
The meaning of this Eritrean baby girl name is ‘early baby’.
29. Semret
This alluring Eritrean name is ‘good luck’.
30. Haben
This quaint name brings to mind a devout, religious girl.
Eritrean Boy Names With Meanings
Eritrea follows a patronymic naming system, where a child’s name is passed down through generations. As a result, Eritrean boy names often carry timeless appeal, making them relevant for years. To help you choose the
31. Yonas
Yonas is the variation of the biblical name Yonah. This moniker came into the limelight via Yonas Anderbrhan Kifle, the Olympic distance runner.
32. Isaias
Isaias is the Eritrean version of Isaiah. Its popular namesake is Isaias Afwerki, the President of Eritrea.
33. Tesfay
Tesfay is a lovely Eritrean baby boy name, meaning ‘my hope.’
34. Jemal
Jemal is the variation of the Arabic name Jamal, meaning ‘beauty’ (2). Jemal Abdu, the famous Eritrean footballer, is the popular bearer of this name.
35. Kidane
The sassy‘d’ in the middle makes Kidane a very popular name with the Eritreans.
36. Selassie
This sassy, three-syllable name gives the parents a lot of options for nicknames.
37. Ali
This moniker is often chosen by parents who are naming their son after a relative.
38. Ariam
This rhythmic masculine name could be ideal for a strong and empathetic little boy. It means ‘heavens of the heavens.’Here is blogger Ariam Alula’s experience of having a classic Eritrean name. He writes, “A person who can’t roll his r’s or prefer his a’s to sound like the beginning of ‘apple’ and not ‘amish’ or misinterprets my ‘m’ for an ‘n’. But I love my name. It’s different. It has culture. It’s full of flair and meaning. I even tattooed it (in Ge’ez letters) on my left wrist. I finally appreciate my name and I don’t tell my mother that I wish she had named me something else anymore. My name is Ariam. You may call me Ah-ree-ahm (i)”.
39. Mebratu
This elegant name is a perennial favorite with the Eritreans.
40. Dawit
Dawit makes a sophisticated alternative to David.
41. Muhammad
Muhammad means ‘praised’ or ‘lord’ (X). It has remained one of the top baby boy names over the centuries.
42. Samuel
Samuel sounds old-fashioned and dapper, just like a berobed Supreme Court justice.
43. Sheshy
Sheshy is a vivacious Eritrean baby boy name, meaning ‘jubilation.’
44. Tekle
Tekle is an inspirational baby boy name and means ‘to plant.’
45. Saare
The ‘Re’ ending makes it sound more intriguing than other names. Saare means ‘winner.’
46. Fikru
This classic name has become super trendy of late. Fikru means ‘his love.’
47. Hayat
Hayat means ‘life’ (2). The elegance and clarity of this name have made it one of the top five baby names for the last few years.
48. Anbessa
Anbessa, meaning ‘lion,’ exudes brisk confidence.
49. Adonay
Adonay, meaning ‘secret name of God’ makes it a fresh addition to the ‘ay’ ending name.
50. Abraham
The moniker Abraham has a widespread popularity. It means ‘father of multitude.’
51. Amanuel
Amanuel sounds powerful and regal. It means ‘god is with us.’
52. Mewael
Mewael has zoomed past the favorites to become one of the top ten names. It means ‘long life.’
53. Hamid
Hamid is a smart and appealing name, meaning ‘praiser of Allah’ (2).
54. Robel
Robel is a dignified Eritrean name, meaning ‘prince.’
55. Teodros
Teodros has a dark and somewhat literary feel to it. It means ‘expensive gift.’
56. Petros
Meaning rock, Petros will make a lovely name for an artistic boy.
57. Semere
Semere is a regal name that commands respect. It means ‘fulfill.’
58. Massawa
This mellow sounding name would make a winning first name for your son. It is inspired by an Eritrean City and means ‘shout loudly.’
59. Mustafa
Mustafa is a strong and aristocratic name meaning meaning ‘chosen’ (2).
60. Negassi
Negassi could be ideal if you are looking for eclectic baby boy names that mean ‘King.’
61. Yusef
The meaning of Yusef is ‘the Lord will increase’. It was one of the most popular Eritrean names for boys in the 1990s.
We hope you find our list helpful. If you think we missed your favorite, share your suggestions in the comment section below.
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Illustration: Eclectic And Popular Eritrean Baby Names For Girls And Boys
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a name from a different Eritrean ethnic group than my own?
Yes, you may use an Eritrean name different from your ethnic group. However, remember these names are deeply rooted in their respective culture and heritage, so they must be used appropriately and respectfully.
2. Are there any Eritrean baby names that are gender-neutral?
Ariam, Eritrea, Keren, Higgins, Mizell, Shewit, Parish, and Yarrow are some gender-neutral Eritrean baby names.
3. What is the cultural significance of names in Eritrean tradition?
In Eritrean culture, names emphasize family lineage, community values, and identity. Like other countries in the Horn of Africa, such as Djibouti and Somalia, Eritrea also follows a patronymic system (3). In this system, a person’s given name is followed by their father’s name and sometimes their grandfather’s, reinforcing strong family ties and ensuring heritage is always reflected through the name. Women keep their maiden names after marriage, highlighting the importance placed on ancestry.
Eritrean culture is rich and is known for its unique and interesting customs and traditions. Several people from other communities who are impressed by the culture may also want to name their child based on the tradition. A name is a gift your child will carry with them all their lives. A name with a strong cultural identity will help your child stand out. Pick a name from this comprehensive list of beautiful Eritrean baby names, and make sure it goes with your child’s personality.
Infographic: Diverse Eritrean Names For Girls And Boys
Eritrean names are also derived from various ethnicities and carry a unique feel and meaning. If you are inclined towards the traditions and ancient feel of this country, check out the infographic below on aesthetic Eritrean names. You may choose a name for your baby from the list! Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Discover the captivating meanings, history and cultural significance of some unique African names, explained in this video.
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Homecoming
https://homecoming91.wordpress.com/2015/02/12/ariam-eritrean-african-name-and-their-pronounciation/
References
- Eritrean
https://ethnomed.org/culture/eritrean/ - A Dictionary of Muslim Names Edited by Prof. S. A. Rahman
https://ia600204.us.archive.org/20/items/ADictionaryOfMuslimNamesByProfessorAbdurRahman/A-Dictionary-of-Muslim-Names_by_Professor-Abdur-Rahman.pdf - Ronny Meyer et al.; (2021); How to quote Ethiopian authors in linguistic publications
https://hal.science/hal-02997055v2/file/Meyer_Treis_Quoting_Ethiopian_authors%20%5BAuU%5D%20REV%20RM%20YT%202020%2012%2011-1.pdf
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