116 Pleasing Swahili Girl Names

A symphony of culture, tradition, and life's essence.

Written by Praggya Joshi, MA, BEd Specialty: Child education & activitiesExperience: 2 years

Praggya Joshi holds a bachelor's degree in Education and a master's in Ancient Indian History from University of Delhi. She has a robust knowledge of literature, society, and ethics. Praggya has been a content writer since 2021, researching and writing on education, health and wellness, and travel.

Read full bio of Praggya Joshi

Edited by Aneesha Amonz, MSc Specialty: Health and WellnessExperience: 2 years

Aneesha holds a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from USTM, Meghalaya and Master’s degree in Applied Microbiology from VIT, Vellore. With two years of experience, she has worked on different research projects in the field of Food Sciences.

Read full bio of Aneesha Amonz

Fact-checked by Nida Shaikh, BSc, PG Dip. Specialty: Health & WellnessExperience: 2 years

Nida holds a bachelor's degree in Zoology and a postgraduate diploma in Clinical Genetics and Medical Laboratory Techniques from Goa University. Before joining MomJunction, she worked as a laboratory technician. She began content writing during her college years and has been featured as a co-author in a children's short story compilation book.

Read full bio of Nida Shaikh

Last Updated on Nov 14, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Swahili girl names bear great significance when it comes to understanding the linguistics and dialects of the region and its people. The Swahili people hold a rich heritage and culture tied to the great African continent, which is considered the cradle of humankind because archaeological evidence traces the origin of humans to the African subcontinent (1). And Swahili is one of the numerous languages and the most widely spoken one across this vast continent. It is the official language of Tanzania and Kenya and is native to the Bantu tribe. Interestingly, the Swahili language has several borrowed words from Arabic, whose influence may also be seen in its names (2). However, like everything else in today’s day and age, the names of the people have also been greatly influenced by modern technology and the conversion and shrinkage of the world into a global village. This modern development may have affected the dialect and traditions of the people, but some names are still traditional and resemble the very names their ancient ancestors would answer to. Here we have compiled a few Swahili baby girl names with their meanings so you may better understand what each name means, its significance, and its origin. A few potential Swahili baby girl names include options, such as Barika, meaning ‘bloom’ or ‘be successful,’ signifying growth and empowering one to persevere with determination. Another name, Kamaria, meaning ‘bright like the moon,’ may symbolize the radiance a baby girl brings with her and how she brightens the lives of those around her, especially her parents. Additionally, Swahili names such as Tambika, meaning ‘offering,’ indicate the religious roots and beliefs of the people. If you want more of such diverse and meaningful options, rummage through this detailed list of names and ensure to save any intriguing ones for future reference.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Amina	Girl	Honest; Trustworthy; Safe; Protected
Nia	Girl	Goal; Determination; Purpose; Bright; Female champion; Priceless; Luck
Naya	Girl	Aim; Purpose
Zahara	Girl	Bright; Brilliance; Flower
Nahla	Girl	First drink of water; Honey bee; Water in the desert; Gift
Asha	Girl	Desire; Hope; Wish; Alive; Exist
Jaleah	Girl	Sublime; Greatness; Honorary
Nyah	Girl	Purpose or aim; Flower; Of Sidon
Amya	Girl	Night rain; Beloved; The end; Pleasant place; Trusted by God
Niyah	Unisex	Mourning; Purpose; Aim; Intention

Niya	Girl	To passover; Bright; Purpose; Of Sidon
Melek	Girl	Angel
Nya	Girl	Friend; Young; Purpose
Emoni	Girl	Faith
Malaika	Girl	Angel
Lulu	Girl	Pearl; Famous warrior; Light; Precious; Peaceful
Nalah	Girl	Stem; Hollow reed; Water in the desert; Queen; Lion; Successful; Beloved
Nyasia	Girl	East; Purpose or aim; Merciful; Kind-hearted
Niah	Unisex	Purpose; Bright
Taraji	Girl	To hope; To wish for

Naiya	Girl	Purpose; Tenacity; Bright; Beautiful; To shine; Reed; Pipe
Niara	Girl	One with high purpose; Nebula; Mist
Yajaira	Boy	Precious; Beloved; Dignified; Princess; Jewel; Clear as day
Taniya	Girl	Puzzle; Tangle; Confuse; Breath of life
Nayah	Unisex	Good mother; Purpose; Aim
Imara	Unisex	Strong; Firm; Stable; Resilient
Tula	Girl	Leaping water; Peaceful; Mountain top; Balance; To be tranquil
Adia	Girl	A gift; Queen; Given by God; Nobleness; Nobility; Wide justice
Zurie	Unisex	Beautiful
Talaya	Girl	Dew from heaven; Flower

Safina	Unisex	A vessel; Ark; A collection of essays and poems
Maisha	Girl	Life; Dance; Sand
Hidaya	Girl	Guidance; Beautiful
Naiyah	Girl	Purpose; Tenacity; Bright; Beautiful; To shine; Reed; Pipe
Haleema	Girl	Forbearing; Gentle; Mild-mannered
Sarafina	Girl	Bright star; Fiery ones
Sarabi	Girl	Mirage; Illusion
Aamani	Girl	Peace; Wishes
Zarriah	Girl	Unique; Strong; Feminine
Qiana	Girl	Silk; Soft; Singers

Amavi	Unisex	We love; I loved; Love life
Nyemah	Unisex	Blessing
Imoni	Unisex	Faith
Furaha	Girl	Happiness; Joy
Kimara	Unisex	Rare beauty; Precious
Dunia	Girl	World; Kingdom; Universe
Shani	Girl	Wonderful; Red or Scarlet; The planet Saturn
Farhiya	Unisex	Joyful, cheerful, and happy
Ausha	Girl	Cause to examine; Cause to inspect
Neya	Unisex	Purpose; Aim

Malkia	Girl	Queen
Penda	Girl	Admired; Loved; Beloved; Pleasant; Brave; Third child
Tanesha	Girl	Ambition; Puzzle; Tangle; Confuse
Kinga	Girl	Bravery in war; Family war; Obstruct; Protect; Shield
Gini	Girl	Guinea; Maiden
Lakia	Girl	Treasure; Angel
Aamanee	Girl	Wishes; Faith; Peace
Eshe	Girl	Live; Exist
Kanisha	Girl	Beautiful; Favorite; Alive
Denesha	Girl	Of Zeus; Sky; Puzzle; Tangle; Confuse

Kinda	Girl	Chick
Miesha	Girl	Life; Strawberry; Gauze; Thin silk; Sand; Livelihood; Living
Kada	Boy	Bat; Crocodile; Cadre
Tabia	Girl	Talented
Tulia	Girl	Calm or quiet
Vitani	Girl	War; Demon of war
Nyota	Unisex	Star
Emony	Girl	Faith; Believe; Resilience
Sanora	Unisex	Little kitten
Kinaya	Unisex	Independence

Kimya	Girl	Silent; Rare; Alchemy; Chemistry
Kalisha	Girl	Noble; Joy; Beautiful
Saphina	Girl	Collection of essays or poems; Vessel; Ark
Tisa	Girl	Yew tree; Nine
Najia	Girl	Intimate friend; To survive; Offspring
Niambi	Girl	Strong-willed; Determined
Nyiah	Unisex	Purpose; Aim
Tahiya	Unisex	Greeting; Salutation; Security
Ahadi	Girl	Promise; One; Unique; Matchless
Amne	Girl	Safe; Secure

Amana	Unisex	Rain; Vegetables; Honest; Faithful; Loyal
Amany	Unisex	Hope; Fancy; Wish; Peace
Anasa	Girl	Joy
Azma	Girl	Supreme; Intentional
Banou	Girl	Female; Lady; Princess
Barika	Girl	Bloom; Be successful; Foreign
Hediye	Girl	Gift
Jina	Unisex	To walk; Precious child; Intelligence; Elegance
Kichaka	Girl	The one who blushes
Kidada	Girl	Little sister

Lakicia	Girl	She who is a Favorite among people
Masika	Girl	A girl who was born during the rain
Naki	Girl	First born girl
Niagh	Girl	An aim or a purpose
Nyimbo	Girl	An Arabic word one who gives respect and honor others
Pacca	Girl	A pussycat; A lovely person
Panya	Girl	One who is crowned in victory; Wisdom or knowledge
Raila	Girl	Leader
Subira	Girl	One who has a lot of patience
Tambika	Girl	Religious offering

1 2 »

Swahili girl names symbolize the rich culture and traditions of an ancient land that has seen many historic and significant events. These names, imbibed with history, have pleasant and thoughtful meanings associated with the natural elements and divine connotations. This compilation of names is a sample of the plethora of Swahili girl names that can be sifted through to find the perfect fit for your precious little bundle of joy. Thus, whatever your choice may be, each one can have a positive impact on your child’s future and also bring with it a vibrant history.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some unique or uncommon Swahili baby girl names?

Radhi signifies 'apology' or 'to be granted forgiveness,' Adia means 'gift' or 'noble.' Ahadi represents 'promise,' and Amali, meaning of 'hope,' are some unique choices among Swahili people. Amini is a multicultural name that translates to 'trust' in Swahili, while Aminia conveys 'faithful.' These names reflect Swahili's rich linguistic and cultural heritage, offering unique options for parents seeking distinctive and meaningful names for their daughters.

2. What are some common themes or patterns in Swahili baby girl names, such as nature, virtues, or historical figures?

Swahili baby girl names often draw inspiration from various themes and patterns. Nature-inspired names like Mawenzi, meaning 'mountain', or Zahra meaning 'flower' are popular, reflecting the beauty of the natural world. Virtue names like Imani, which means 'faith' or Amani, meaning 'peace' are embraced, emphasizing positive qualities and values. Additionally, Swahili baby girl names may honor historical figures such as Mekatilili, a renowned Kenyan freedom fighter, showcasing cultural heritage and celebrating the achievements of notable individuals.

3. How do Swahili baby names reflect the country's history and culture?

Swahili baby names reveal much about the country's culture. Patronymic names reflect the Swahili people's strong connection to their past, where names are derived from fathers or ancestors. This creates a meaningful link between past and present generations; some communities even use ancestral names for protection. Religious names, such as Muslim and Christian names like John or Mohamed, further emphasize the Swahili people's deep religious ties and their connection to a Supreme Being.

4. Which names mean angel in Swahili?

The name Malaika means 'angel' in Swahili. Some other names with similar meanings include Hasnaa (beautiful), Nea (radiant), Barika (Bloom), and Lakeisha (joyful).

Infographic: Ethnic Swahili Baby Girl Names With Meanings

Africa is a continent that has a rich and bountiful history. Swahili is one of the languages indigenous to the eastern side of this mighty continent. The names from this language sound sweet and distinctive. Check out our infographic to explore Swahili names that you may wish to bestow upon your little one.

lovely swahili girl names for your little princess (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.

Africa: Human Geography.
https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/africa-human-geography/
Swahili language.
https://www.ohio.edu/cis/african/languages/swahili

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.