910 African Baby Names Honoring Heritage

Embrace the rhythm and cherish the richness of the continent.

Written by Nisha Bharatan, B.Tech Specialty: Kids Fun and Developmental ActivitiesExperience: 6 years

Nisha Bharatan is a writer with six years of experience. After completing her engineering from Savitribai Phule Pune University, she did content marketing courses to complement her interest in writing. Nisha discovered her passion for writing in 2016 when she started documenting her journey into motherhood.

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Edited by Rebecca Malachi, BSc Specialty: Pregnancy, Health and WellnessExperience: 12 years

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

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Fact-checked by Trisha Chakraborty, MA, BEd Specialty: Child development & educationExperience: 5 years

Trisha worked as a schoolteacher for three years before taking up professional writing in 2021. She completed her masters in English from the University of Calcutta and bachelors in Education from the University of Burdwan.

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Last Updated on Nov 13, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Africa is home to diverse tribes and ethnic groups. African baby names often reflect the uniqueness of these tribes and their culture. Africa is exceptionally rich in terms of linguistic diversity, with over 1000 to 2000 African languages spread all over the continent. It harbors almost one-third of the world’s languages (1). Derived from local and foreign languages such as English, French, Arabic, and Portuguese, African names are exotic and beautiful, not just in meaning and appearance, but also in origin. In Africa, the naming ceremony is regarded as one of the most important events in a person’s life. A naming ceremony is perceived as a form of introduction and the announcement of the arrival of the baby to the extended family and to the community as a whole. Naming ceremonies in Africa differ from region to region. In Yoruba, the child is named on the eighth day after birth and the happenings concerning the child’s birth influence the name. In Ghana, the Akan naming ceremony also follows a similar pattern. The baby is named on the eighth day after birth to ensure that the child is not leaving the mortal world untimely. It is a common practice in Ghana for babies to be named after the day they were born. In Kenya, the tradition is to name the baby on the third day after their birth. During this auspicious occasion, the parents offer a goat or a bull as a symbolic gesture of devotion and gratitude to the ancestral spirits. African children are traditionally named after places, spirits, ancestors, or events occurring during the time of their birth. Africans believe that a name can influence both the life of the child and the family. A simple name will lead to a disappointing future, and an over-ambitious name could cause serious repercussions. In some African countries, parents name their children after famous political figures, hoping that their kids would be as successful as their namesakes. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Barack is one of the most popular names in Africa. Below is our collection of African names derived from native and foreign languages.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Jakari	Unisex	Supplanter; Cauldron; Hollow
Musa	Boy	Muse; Son; Deliver
Dakari	Boy	Rejoice
Ermias	Boy	Yahweh will exalt
Zendaya	Girl	To give thanks; Be thankful
Aiyana	Girl	Eternal bloom; Ever-blooming flower; Flower; Silent
Zola	Girl	Calm; Peaceful; Lump or mound of earth
Ayana	Girl	Beautiful flower; Color; Design; Spring water; Delicate
Adiel	Boy	Ornament of God; God passes by
Deon	Boy	Of Zeus; God of Nysa; Alternate name of the Greek God Dionysius

Dalilah	Girl	Languish; Weak
Ayanna	Girl	Flower; Silent
Zella	Girl	Lacking nothing; Young warrior; Blessed; Happy
Emani	Unisex	Faith; Firm conviction in unseen
Nailah	Girl	Successful; Obtainer; Winner; Gracious; Charitable
Denzel	Boy	Fine wine lover; The wild one; High stronghold; Fertile land
Umar	Boy	Flourishing; Populous; Wealthy; Famous; Eloquent
Diya	Girl	Radiance; Light; Lamp; Splendor
Deion	Boy	Of Zeus; God
Alek	Boy	Defender of men; Black and white cow

Ashanti	Girl	Warlike; Gratitude
Aiyanna	Girl	Eternal blossom; Everlasting bloom; Beautiful flower; Clear; Revelation; Going; Fountain; Downy-bearded
Usman	Boy	Baby bustard; Wise; Most powerful
Sanaa	Girl	Brilliance; Radiance; Splendour; Work of art; Shining light
Dalila	Girl	Delicate; Guide; Weak; Languishing
Jaheim	Boy	Raised Up; Dignified
Amaria	Unisex	Everlasting flower; Sparkle; Paradise; Grace; Eternal; Promised by God
Mamadou	Boy	A man worthy of all praise
Sade	Girl	Rain; Rule with nobility; Honor confers a crown
Aminata	Unisex	Feel safe

Ayra	Unisex	Respectable; Intelligence; Happiness; Honorable; Awe-inspiring; Vision-filled
Tyrese	Boy	Gift of Gods
Anaiya	Girl	Look up to God
Kyaire	Unisex	The strength from God; Welcome
Mehki	Boy	Rising; Fragrant
Nyasia	Girl	East; Purpose or aim; Merciful; Kind-hearted
Zaki	Boy	Pure; Chaste; Sinless; Lion
Kimani	Girl	Sailor; Adventurous
Siana	Girl	God is gracious
Sulayman	Boy	A prophet's name; Solomon

Becca	Girl	To bind or tie; To forecast
Zyair	Unisex	River swallowing rivers
Kato	Boy	Who knows it all; Second of twins; Wise; Increasing wisteria; East of the river
Zhaire	Girl	The river that swallows all rivers
Kamaiyah	Girl	Unique; Confident; Ambitious
Niara	Girl	One with high purpose; Nebula; Mist
Mirai	Girl	The future; The time that is yet to come; Wait; Beauty; Thunder
Becky	Girl	To bind or tie; To forecast
Amadou	Boy	Most commendable; Most praiseworthy
Jalani	Unisex	Strong; Powerful; To live

Taniya	Girl	Puzzle; Tangle; Confuse; Breath of life
Zamaya	Unisex	Unique; Exotic; Unconventional
Maha	Girl	Beautiful Eyes; Half moon; Sun; Planet; Mirror; Shining white pearl
Cayman	Boy	Alligator; Name of Islands
Sekou	Boy	Leader of a tribe; An elderly man; Islamic scholar
Zuko	Unisex	To regain consciousness, ancestor; Red water; Harmony; Glory
Kimoni	Boy	Great man
Fatou	Girl	To abstain
Nyelle	Unisex	Close to God; Women of knowledge
Rael	Boy	Ewe

Imara	Unisex	Strong; Firm; Stable; Resilient
Fatuma	Girl	To wean; To abstain
Ayani	Girl	Protector; Helper; Supporter; Path; Course
Kijani	Boy	Warrior
Demani	Unisex	A strong and charismatic individual.
Ade	Boy	Crown; Noble; Man; To be red; Sibling; Unseen
Kahari	Unisex	Youthful
Jahi	Boy	Dignity; Worthy
Jahiem	Boy	Raised Up; Dignified
Laquan	Boy	A quiet, shy person

Assata	Girl	She who struggles
Liban	Boy	Persevere; Winner
Adanna	Girl	Eldest daughter of father
Kenyatta	Boy	Beaded belt; Musician
Mehkai	Unisex	Joyful; Happy
Taj	Boy	Crown; Exalted
Aissata	Girl	Living; Alive
Ziona	Unisex	Citadel located in the center of Jerusalem
Asante	Boy	Thank you; Warlike
Efe	Boy	Older brother; Brave; Wealth

Alima	Girl	Learned; Wise; Cultured; Intelligent; Educated; Intellectual
Askari	Boy	Soldier; Military
Kamau	Boy	Silent warrior
Bintou	Girl	Daughter; Girl
Kaari	Girl	Young girl; Pure
Ato	Boy	Born on a Saturday
Camar	Boy	He who is a teacher
Ahmari	Girl	One who lives a long life; One who builds
Kwesi	Boy	Born on Sunday
Lashay	Unisex	Gift ofGod; Beautiful

Tor	Boy	Thunder; King
Abena	Girl	Born on Tuesday
Afia	Girl	A child who is born on Friday
Kanye	Boy	Next in line; Let's give; Only once; Only one
Zo	Unisex	Spiritual leader; Storehouse; Warehouse
Danasia	Girl	Bright; Gift of god; God is my judge
Jameelah	Girl	A chaste woman
Zebediah	Boy	Gift of Jehovah; Yahweh has bestowed
Abdou	Boy	His servant
Bomani	Boy	Warrior

1 2 3 … 10 »

Africa is a diverse country with several cultures, languages, and traditions, all of which influence its naming conventions. From Arabic and Swahili to Yoruba and Zulu, African baby names are a testament to the country's rich heritage. Generally, African names carry deep meanings and are chosen based on circumstances of birth, desired qualities, and parents' aspirations. Some of the names in our above list are unique, while others are timeless classics. You must have even found modern African names inspired by popular culture. So, keep exploring the list until you find a suitable name for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some African names that mean royal?

Nigerian baby boy's name Ade means 'royal.' Another name that signifies royalty is Abioye, an African surname meaning 'son of royalty.'

2. What are some African names that signify love?

Several African names signify love. One such name is Rudo, which comes from South Africa and means 'love.' Another name is Femi, which expresses the sentiment 'love me.' Additionally, the name Ife is also associated with love.

3. Which African name represents a star?

Itri and Nthanda are African names that carry the meaning of 'star.' Itri originates from the Tamazight language, while Nthanda originates in the Tumbuka language. Both names eloquently embody the celestial splendor and luminosity that stars possess.

4. What are some African names that signify blessing?

In African cultures, several names carry the beautiful meaning of blessing. For instance, in Igbo, a language spoken in Nigeria, Ngozi signifies 'blessing.' Similarly, Chigozie, another Igbo name, translates to 'God bless.' Moving to Yoruba, also spoken in Nigeria, the name Ibukun conveys 'blessings' or 'an addition.' These African names not only celebrate the concept of blessings but also foster a deep sense of appreciation for the enriching aspects of life.

5. Which African name is associated with hope?

One African name associated with hope is Tumaini. Tumaini is a Swahili name that means 'wish' or 'hope.'

6. Which African name symbolizes freedom?

One African name that symbolizes freedom is Ominira, which originates from the Yoruba language and means 'freedom' or 'independence.' Another name is Uhuru, which comes from Swahili and means 'freedom.'

7. What are some popular African baby names for boys?

African baby names for boys are rich in diversity and hold deep cultural origins. Kofi, originating from the Akan people, signifies 'born on Friday,' emphasizing the importance of the birthday. With its roots in Swahili, Jabari means 'the brave one.’ Kwame, also from the Akan culture, connects the child to the significance of being 'born on Saturday.' Another notable name is Osiris, inspired by Egyptian mythology, which means 'powerful or mighty' (2).

8. What are some African baby names that mean 'peace'?

Kagiso and Alafia are two African baby names that embody the meaning of 'peace.' Kagiso, derived from Tswana, and Alafia, from Yoruba, both carry the significant message of peace and harmony.

9. What are some African baby names that mean 'strength'?

Two African baby names that mean 'strength' are Amari and Mandla. Amari is a lyrical baby girl name that signifies 'possesses great strength.' On the other hand, Mandla, derived from Zulu and Ndebele, means 'strength' and 'power.' These names serve as a wonderful choice for parents seeking a name that reflects the quality of strength of their child.

10. What are some traditional African baby names?

Traditional African baby names carry cultural significance and reflect the diverse heritage of the continent. For example, the name Abidemi, of Yoruba origin, means 'born in the father's absence.' Omari, originating from Swahili, means 'God is exalted.' Makena, from the Kikuyu language in East Africa, signifies a 'happy one,' celebrating joy and contentment. Zola, an African Zulu name, means 'quiet' or 'tranquil,' symbolizing a calm and peaceful nature.

Infographic: Breathtaking African Baby Names With Meanings

With over 2000 languages from the continent, African baby names are the epitome of diversity and embody the continent’s soul. African parents take great care and thought when selecting names for their little ones, knowing the influence these names can have on their child's life journey. This infographic displays some of the fascinating African baby names and their meanings.

enthralling african baby names for your little one (infographic)

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Introduction to African Languages.
https://alp.fas.harvard.edu/introduction-african-languages
Osiris
https://www.worldhistory.org/osiris/

Look Up For Many More Names

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