Celebrating Unity In Diversity With 186 African Unisex Names

Dive into the land of precious stones.

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Last Updated on Nov 13, 2024

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African unisex names represent the continent’s vibrant mix of cultures, ethnic groups, and languages. Different communities have their naming practices, shaped by various tribal religions, Islam, and Christianity, and each name has a unique story to tell.

Traditional African names often reflect the circumstances of a child's birth. For example, Sisi means ‘a girl born on a Sunday,’ and Tanisha denotes ‘born on Monday.’ Many names also show birth order, such as Tajae for ‘firstborn child’ and Dubaku for ‘eleventh born child.’ Some names may express how parents feel about the birth. For example, Alakay denotes ‘one who brings joy,’ and Milandu means ‘an answer to the prayers.’ Additionally, certain names describe the child or desired qualities. For instance, Dika means ‘beloved,’ and Jalani signifies ‘strong.’

African unisex names celebrate unity in diversity. They not only honor individual identity but also reflect the beautiful mosaic of African cultures. Explore this collection and choose a fitting name for your child.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Zola	Girl	Calm; Peaceful; Lump or mound of earth
Adiel	Boy	Ornament of God; God passes by
Alek	Boy	Defender of men; Black and white cow
Ashanti	Girl	Warlike; Gratitude
Amaria	Unisex	Everlasting flower; Sparkle; Paradise; Grace; Eternal; Promised by God
Zyair	Unisex	River swallowing rivers
Zhaire	Girl	The river that swallows all rivers
Mirai	Girl	The future; The time that is yet to come; Wait; Beauty; Thunder
Jalani	Unisex	Strong; Powerful; To live
Zamaya	Unisex	Unique; Exotic; Unconventional

Cayman	Boy	Alligator; Name of Islands
Zuko	Unisex	To regain consciousness, ancestor; Red water; Harmony; Glory
Nyelle	Unisex	Close to God; Women of knowledge
Rael	Boy	Ewe
Demani	Unisex	A strong and charismatic individual.
Ade	Boy	Crown; Noble; Man; To be red; Sibling; Unseen
Kahari	Unisex	Youthful
Kenyatta	Boy	Beaded belt; Musician
Mehkai	Unisex	Joyful; Happy
Asante	Boy	Thank you; Warlike

Efe	Boy	Older brother; Brave; Wealth
Ahmari	Girl	One who lives a long life; One who builds
Lashay	Unisex	Gift ofGod; Beautiful
Zo	Unisex	Spiritual leader; Storehouse; Warehouse
Ama	Girl	Child born on Saturday; Heaven; Beloved; Vigorous; Sky; God of fertility and rain; Wet nurse; Grandmother; Dark one
Shaka	Unisex	Brave warrior; Leader; Power; Pretty
Chi	Boy	Branch; God; Spiritual being; Will
Khia	Unisex	Queen
Nakiya	Unisex	Explosives
Oluwaseun	Unisex	Thanking God

Diante	Unisex	Diané clan of the Soninke people; Whip
Aja	Boy	Goat; East; Cold spring; To drive
Timberly	Girl	Timber clearing
Chima	Boy	God knows; Leave; Space time
Oluwadamilola	Unisex	God has bestowed me with wealth
Kano	Unisex	Masculine; Vow; Bright; Hunting range
Isatou	Unisex	Living; Alive
Hawi	Unisex	Hope; Good luck
Kiaya	Unisex	House with beautiful colors
Minkah	Unisex	Justice; Power; Strength

Sa	Unisex	Blossom; Still
Tonny	Boy	Flower
Adisa	Boy	Bundled up and set to dry
Aisen	Unisex	I am in the light; Like the moon
Alakay	Unisex	One who brings joy
Chidi	Boy	God exists
Atiba	Unisex	Understanding
Sena	Boy	Army; Gift of fate; Ewe; Holiness; Sacredness; Celestial bodies; Praise; Glory
Nyia	Girl	Bright; Benevolent love; Purpose
Diarra	Unisex	Lion

Ophir	Boy	Coast of riches; Fruitful land; Gold; Dust; Cave
Abiola	Boy	Born in honor; Wealth
Ajak	Unisex	Prosperity
Kisa	Unisex	Grace; Princess; Cherry blossoms; Season; Gauze; River willow; Hope
Essien	Boy	Sixth born child; Favorite one; Beloved
Kosi	Boy	Born on Sunday
Imela	Unisex	Mistletoe; To have; Knife
Jahni	Unisex	Gift from god
Mandela	Boy	District; Almond
Mayowa	Boy	One who brings joy

Kiros	Boy	The king; Lord; Son; One who bestows care; A moment of divine time; Leader; Master
Maasai	Unisex	Owner of lands and farms
Mensah	Unisex	Third-born male child
Ajee	Unisex	Simplicity; Fighter; Intelligent
Selasi	Unisex	Trinity
Nini	Girl	To lead, carry or bring towards; Apostle; Melody; Fish
Anu	Girl	Atom; Molecule; Grace; Favor; Heaven; Sky; Mercy
Aibileen	Unisex	Meadow; Grassy area
Fatu	Unisex	Honor; Respect; Beauty; Grace
Niani	Unisex	Willful

Kehinde	Girl	The second-born of the twins; Comes last
Yendi	Unisex	Name of a town in northeastern Ghana
Delali	Unisex	The saviour
Abey	Unisex	My father is joy; One who is brave and fearless; Born during the rainy season
Khaya	Unisex	African mahogany tree
Somalia	Unisex	A habitational name for someone from the African country of Somalia
Shola	Girl	Make wealth
Tamani	Unisex	Praise; To God be the glory
Tari	Unisex	Love; Coolness; Freshness; Richness; Ship; Boat
Zuriya	Unisex	Radiant; Flourishing; Blessed

Kimana	Unisex	Sailor; Adventurous
Sharday	Unisex	Honor confers a crown; Rain
Kioko	Girl	Happiness; Joy; Pleasure; Take birth in the morning
Amma	Boy	Mother; God of fertility and of rain; Wet nurse; Dark one; Grandmother; Born on Saturday; Edge of a sword
Challa	Girl	Buttermilk; Bigger; Superior
Ebi	Boy	Good
Emene	Unisex	Don't do harm; Do not hurt
Mansa	Girl	Sultan; King; Ruler; Hindu goddess of snakes
Massa	Boy	Son of Ishmael; Mistress
Mathe	Boy	Gift of Yahweh; Salvia

Achebe	Unisex	One who is protected by the Goddess
Ahanti	Unisex	War-like
Ameka	Unisex	God's gift
Appu	Girl	Little one; Cute; Tiny one
Ardo	Unisex	Bear; Man; King; Chief; Ruler
Banji	Girl	Second born of twins
Cheche	Unisex	A small thing
Chidhatma	Unisex	The real God
Chidubem	Unisex	The one repaired by the Almighty
Chiedozie	Unisex	Planned by God

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African unisex names offer a deep understanding of the continent's cultural richness and diversity. They reflect the various ethnic groups and languages across Africa, with each name holding unique significance tied to tradition. These names can indicate the day of birth or express parental feelings and desired qualities. By learning about these names, parents can choose one that honors their heritage while also connecting with the wider African community. We hope our list gives you enough inspiration to bestow your child with a meaningful name.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do African cultures typically choose names that are suitable for both genders?

African unisex names are generally chosen based on the events surrounding birth, order of birth, environment, social class, individual spirit, and ethnic or religious affiliations. For instance, Tokunbo, meaning ‘one who is from across the seas,’ may denote a child born abroad.

2. What are some African unisex names starting with A that have historical significance?

Asante and Achebe are African unisex A-names that have historical associations. Asante is associated with the historical empire in southern Ghana that was involved in farming and trade. Achebe is associated with the famous writer Chinua, regarded as the founding father of African literature.

3. What are some traditional African unisex names?

Ayodele, meaning ‘joy has come home,’ Adetokunbo, meaning ‘crown,’ Panyin, meaning ‘oldest twin,’ and Kakra, meaning ‘younger of twins,’ are a few traditional African names that are gender-neutral.

4. Which African unisex names are inspired by nature?

Names like Bubu, meaning ‘owl,’ Lwandle, meaning ‘ocean,’ Jioni, meaning ‘evening,’ and Meko, meaning ‘sprouting seed,’ draw inspiration from nature.

Infographic: African Baby Unisex Names

African unisex names represent the continent's rich cultures and diverse identities. Each name is often connected to when a child is born or the feelings surrounding their arrival. Some names show birth order, while others express important qualities. Discover such meaningful names in our infographic and select one for your precious little one.

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.