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 Dion heart image baby boy sign Boy One who came from Zeus
heart image Dubaku heart image baby boy sign Unisex Eleventh Born Child; very fortunate
heart image Dubem heart image baby boy sign Boy The Lord is my shepherd
heart image Ducha heart image baby boy sign Girl Small; Humble
heart image Duka heart image baby boy sign Boy All; free detailed and determined person
heart image Dume heart image baby boy sign Boy Resembling a bull; one who is very strong and confident
heart image Dumi heart image baby boy sign Unisex One who inspires others; Powerful
heart image Dumisani heart image baby boy sign Girl Give praise; Honorable and well-praised
heart image Duni heart image baby boy sign Girl Small
heart image Durah heart image baby boy sign Girl Pearl
heart image Durra heart image baby boy sign Girl A variant of Durah; Pearl
heart image Ebele heart image baby boy sign Unisex Mercy or kindness
heart image Eega heart image baby boy sign Unisex palm bird who loves to fly
heart image Efia heart image baby boy sign Girl Born on Friday
heart image Efuru heart image baby boy sign Girl Daughter of heaven; they are blessed
heart image Eidi heart image baby boy sign Girl Guardian of wealth and health
heart image Ekene heart image baby boy sign Unisex The one who receives a lot of praise
heart image Ekua heart image baby boy sign Girl The one converting pain to happiness
heart image Ekundayo heart image baby boy sign Unisex The one who turns sorrows to joys
heart image Eldana heart image baby boy sign Unisex God has judged
heart image Ellema heart image baby boy sign Girl An efficient person who milks the Cow
heart image Elon heart image baby boy sign Boy Oak tree
heart image Emani heart image baby boy sign Unisex Faith; Believer
heart image Emene heart image baby boy sign Unisex Don't do harm; Do not hurt
heart image Emonie heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique; Vibrant; Joyful
heart image Enam heart image baby boy sign Boy God's gift
heart image Endris heart image baby boy sign Unisex Renowned fighter; Mariner
heart image Enzokuhle heart image baby boy sign Unisex Expected to do great things; Do good
heart image Eshe heart image baby boy sign Girl Immortal
heart image Esiankiki heart image baby boy sign Girl Young maiden
heart image Essien heart image baby boy sign Boy The sixth born child
heart image Etemaad heart image baby boy sign Boy Faith; Trust
heart image Eze heart image baby boy sign Boy A person who is a King
heart image Fabunni heart image baby boy sign Girl This was given to me by God
heart image Fadhila heart image baby boy sign Girl A woman who is abundant
heart image Fadhili heart image baby boy sign Boy Aid, favor, compassion, and kindness
heart image Fadiya heart image baby boy sign Girl Redeemer; One who redeems
heart image Fahari heart image baby boy sign Girl A girl who is very smart
heart image Fahmeeb heart image baby boy sign Boy One who understands
heart image Faika heart image baby boy sign Girl Superior; Better
heart image Faizah heart image baby boy sign Girl A victorious girl
heart image Falala heart image baby boy sign Girl She who is born into abundance
heart image Fana heart image baby boy sign Girl Wealth; Honour; One who provides light; Shining; A variant transcription
heart image Fanaka heart image baby boy sign Girl Prosperity or success
heart image Fara heart image baby boy sign Girl Level; Measure; Beautiful; Lovely; Pleasant; Good Looking; Joyful; Reason for rejoicing
heart image Faraja heart image baby boy sign Girl Comfort; relief; rest
heart image Farashuu heart image baby boy sign Girl Kenyan word for butterfly
heart image Farhani heart image baby boy sign Boy A delightful feeling of joy
heart image Fariji heart image baby boy sign Boy He brings comfort
heart image Fatu heart image baby boy sign Unisex Fortunate; Lucky
heart image Fayola heart image baby boy sign Girl An African name meaning good fortune walks with honor
heart image Feechi heart image baby boy sign Girl A god-worshipping woman
heart image Fehed heart image baby boy sign Boy Lynx; Panther; From Kikuyu
heart image Femi heart image baby boy sign Boy One who loves
heart image Feruzi heart image baby boy sign Boy Turquoise
heart image Feven heart image baby boy sign Unisex Faith
heart image Feye heart image baby boy sign Boy The beginning
heart image Finnley heart image baby boy sign Girl Fair warrior
heart image Firash heart image baby boy sign Boy Perceptiveness, Ingenuity
heart image Firhun heart image baby boy sign Boy The leader who protested for West African independence
heart image Firyali heart image baby boy sign Girl Unusual; Extraordinary
heart image Fisseha heart image baby boy sign Girl Blissfulness; Mirthful joy
heart image Floarea heart image baby boy sign Girl A blooming flower
heart image Flodwig heart image baby boy sign Girl A Dithematic name
heart image Fola heart image baby boy sign Girl Glory and prestige; One who is honorable
heart image Folami heart image baby boy sign Unisex Honor and respect; One who spreads warmth and sparkle
heart image Fufu heart image baby boy sign Unisex A traditional African dish
heart image Fulani heart image baby boy sign Unisex A Large ethnic group of people from West Africa
heart image Fumnaya heart image baby boy sign Girl One who wants to be loved by someone
heart image Fungai heart image baby boy sign Unisex Think; Imagine; Meditate
heart image Furaha heart image baby boy sign Girl Blissful; Contented
heart image Fynn heart image baby boy sign Boy River Ofinn; Finn; White, Fair; A variant of name Finn
heart image Gacoki heart image baby boy sign Boy He returns
heart image Gakere heart image baby boy sign Boy Small muscle; Muscular
heart image Gakeri heart image baby boy sign Girl Variant of Gakere; A small muscle
heart image Gakuru heart image baby boy sign Boy Elderly one
heart image Gamada heart image baby boy sign Girl One who is happy and cheerful
heart image Gamba heart image baby boy sign Boy A tortoise who lives near water
heart image Gasira heart image baby boy sign Girl One who is brave
heart image Gatete heart image baby boy sign Boy Milk gourd
heart image Gathee heart image baby boy sign Boy Elderly one
heart image Gathii heart image baby boy sign Boy Traveler; Wanderer
heart image Gathoni heart image baby boy sign Girl She is an in law
heart image Gatimu heart image baby boy sign Boy A spear
heart image Gavivi heart image baby boy sign Girl The one who loves the money of wealth
heart image Gawahir heart image baby boy sign Girl Variant form of Jawahir; Precious stones or jewels
heart image Gazali heart image baby boy sign Boy Someone who believes in the existence of realities beyond human comprehension
heart image Genet heart image baby boy sign Unisex Refers to the very first garden of Eden which was created by the God Almighty
heart image Geteye heart image baby boy sign Boy My master
heart image Ghadhanfar heart image baby boy sign Boy The ruler or the king of the Jungle; Lion
heart image Ghalyela heart image baby boy sign Girl A person who is very valuable
heart image Ghana heart image baby boy sign Unisex A name of the country in Africa
heart image Ghanapriya heart image baby boy sign Boy A name from Ghana
heart image Ghanima heart image baby boy sign Girl A person who has a great fortune
heart image Gheche heart image baby boy sign Girl Small
heart image Gichinga heart image baby boy sign Boy A firebrand
heart image Gicicio heart image baby boy sign Boy Mirror
heart image Gikuyu heart image baby boy sign Boy Founder of the Agikuyu nation
heart image Gimbya heart image baby boy sign Boy Princess
heart image Githinji heart image baby boy sign Boy A butcher

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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