1106 African Baby Names With Meanings

African Baby Names With Meanings

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.

NameGenderMeaning
heart image Akuba heart image baby boy sign Girl One who is born on Wednesday
heart image Akuchi heart image baby boy sign Boy Wealth from God in the African language
heart image Akuji heart image baby boy sign Boy Dead and awake
heart image Alakay heart image baby boy sign Unisex One who brings joy
heart image Alake heart image baby boy sign Boy One to be honored
heart image Alem heart image baby boy sign Boy One who knows everything
heart image Aluna heart image baby boy sign Girl Come here
heart image Aluoch heart image baby boy sign Girl One who was born on an overcast morning
heart image Ama heart image baby boy sign Girl Child born on Saturday
heart image Amadi heart image baby boy sign Boy Highly praised; One who constantly thanks God; Free-born
heart image Amahle heart image baby boy sign Girl The beautiful one; The prettiest; The finest
heart image Amandla heart image baby boy sign Girl A powerful Woman; Brave and strong woman
heart image Amara heart image baby boy sign Boy Immortal being; Blessed with eternal life; Grace and gracious
heart image Amarachukwu heart image baby boy sign Girl God's grace; Mercy of God
heart image Amare heart image baby boy sign Unisex A person sent by God to love
heart image Amari heart image baby boy sign Unisex Promised by God; Strength; Courage; Immortal
heart image Amarii heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strength; Builder
heart image Amarina heart image baby boy sign Girl Rain
heart image Aminata heart image baby boy sign Unisex Trustworthy; Faithful
heart image Amma heart image baby boy sign Boy Mother; God-like
heart image Amne heart image baby boy sign Girl Safe; Secure
heart image Amogelang heart image baby boy sign Girl Accept; Receive
heart image Amondi heart image baby boy sign Girl Born at dawn
heart image Amurta heart image baby boy sign Girl Beautiful; Ambrosia; A veritable drink that gives immortality
heart image Anana heart image baby boy sign Girl The fourth child who is blessed with soft and gentle personality
heart image Anane heart image baby boy sign Boy Fourth son
heart image Anansa heart image baby boy sign Unisex Affection; Love
heart image Andwele heart image baby boy sign Boy God brought me
heart image Angweng heart image baby boy sign Girl One who was born during the time of white ants
heart image Anika heart image baby boy sign Girl Graceful; Fearless; Goddess Durga; Soldier
heart image Anyango heart image baby boy sign Girl Midday-born; Born at noon
heart image Aoko heart image baby boy sign Girl An evergreen blue tree
heart image Aparaa heart image baby boy sign Girl Unique; Materialistic; Matchless
heart image Aphra heart image baby boy sign Girl Dust
heart image Apiyo heart image baby boy sign Girl First of the twins
heart image Armani heart image baby boy sign Girl Warrior; Army man
heart image Arogo heart image baby boy sign Girl One who nagged a lot during pregnancy
heart image Asabi heart image baby boy sign Girl One of select birth
heart image Asante heart image baby boy sign Boy Thank you
heart image Asha heart image baby boy sign Girl Hope; Alive; Desire
heart image Ashaki heart image baby boy sign Girl One who is beautiful
heart image Ashante heart image baby boy sign Unisex Warlike
heart image Ashanti heart image baby boy sign Girl War; Restlessness
heart image Asis heart image baby boy sign Girl Blessing; Of the sun; A variant of Asiss
heart image Assata heart image baby boy sign Girl Strong, courageous, revolutionary
heart image Athiambo heart image baby boy sign Girl Born in the late evening
heart image Atieno heart image baby boy sign Girl One who was born at night
heart image Ato heart image baby boy sign Boy One who is born on Saturday
heart image Atu heart image baby boy sign Boy Boy born on a Saturday
heart image Audi heart image baby boy sign Girl The last daughter
heart image Auni heart image baby boy sign Boy Help; Assist
heart image Avongara heart image baby boy sign Girl To tie
heart image Awino heart image baby boy sign Girl One who was born with the cord around
heart image Awo heart image baby boy sign Girl A girl who is born on Thursday
heart image Ayah heart image baby boy sign Girl Sign; Evidence
heart image Ayan heart image baby boy sign Boy Watchful; Seeing
heart image Ayana heart image baby boy sign Girl Beautiful flower
heart image Ayanda heart image baby boy sign Boy One who is always increasing
heart image Ayanna heart image baby boy sign Girl A unique flower which is forever blooming
heart image Ayira heart image baby boy sign Girl Chosen; Worthy of respect; Exalted; Revered; A variant form of Augustus
heart image Ayoka heart image baby boy sign Girl One who causes joy all around; A variant of Ayo
heart image Ayzize heart image baby boy sign Boy Let it come
heart image Azana heart image baby boy sign Girl Call to prayer; One who inspires everyone
heart image Aziza heart image baby boy sign Girl Beloved; Strong
heart image Babetta heart image baby boy sign Girl Foreign woman
heart image Badriya heart image baby boy sign Girl One who is like the full Moon
heart image Baina heart image baby boy sign Girl One who is glittering with radiance
heart image Bakari heart image baby boy sign Boy Hopeful; Noble oath
heart image Bandele heart image baby boy sign Girl Born Away From Home
heart image Bandile heart image baby boy sign Boy They have multiplied and prospered
heart image Banji heart image baby boy sign Girl Second Born of Twins
heart image Barack heart image baby boy sign Boy Blessed; Blessing
heart image Baraka heart image baby boy sign Boy Blessings; Abundance
heart image Barasa heart image baby boy sign Boy Meeting site
heart image Barke heart image baby boy sign Boy Blessings
heart image Barongo heart image baby boy sign Girl The younger of twins
heart image Bash heart image baby boy sign Boy Forerunner; Strike hard and violently
heart image Bashira heart image baby boy sign Girl Joyful; Predictor of Good News
heart image Bast heart image baby boy sign Boy Fire; Heat; Goddess of fertility and the sun; Protector of Lower Egypt
heart image Bayo heart image baby boy sign Boy To find joy
heart image Becca heart image baby boy sign Girl To bind or tie; To forecast
heart image Becka heart image baby boy sign Girl To forecast; Predict; Borrow; Bound; Derived from Rebecca; A variant of Becky
heart image Becky heart image baby boy sign Girl To forecast; Predict; Borrow; Bound; Derived from Rebecca
heart image Behati heart image baby boy sign Girl Blessed; She who brings happiness
heart image Beheshta heart image baby boy sign Girl Paradise
heart image Beka heart image baby boy sign Girl One who predicts
heart image Belay heart image baby boy sign Boy One who is above everyone; Superior
heart image Bello heart image baby boy sign Boy Helper
heart image Bem heart image baby boy sign Boy Peace; A variant of Behm
heart image Berko heart image baby boy sign Boy First born son
heart image Beya heart image baby boy sign Unisex Beautiful
heart image Bikita heart image baby boy sign Girl Ant-eater
heart image Biko heart image baby boy sign Boy He who is a son of a God
heart image Binah heart image baby boy sign Girl Dancer; one who lives in the moment and is understanding
heart image Binta heart image baby boy sign Girl With God
heart image Bintou heart image baby boy sign Girl Girl born on Tuesday
heart image Bisa heart image baby boy sign Girl Greatly Loved
heart image Bishara heart image baby boy sign Girl Good tidings
heart image Bitania heart image baby boy sign Unisex Daughter of Ethiopia
heart image Biton heart image baby boy sign Boy Born after a long wait

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)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

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.

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