220 Kenyan Baby Names With Meanings

Discover the charm of the safari destination through our collection of astute names.

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• Sep 19, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Kenya, a diverse and multilingual country, is renowned not just for its vast wildlife preserves and scenic landscapes, but also for several ethnic groups, which speak their native languages within their communities. This explains the varied Kenyan baby names of this country with fascinating stories behind them. Kenyans are particular about the name they bestow on their children. They believe that each name has a specific trait and that anyone with a particular name is sure to bear it. Parents also give names that honor and preserve their Kenyan heritage. A Kenyan name helps the child maintain their individuality and a sense of belonging to their respective community and tribe. So even if the first names are Western (which is rare), the second would be about the circumstances surrounding the child’s birth. Not just first names, but even second names or ethnic names are extremely important in Kenya, so much so that you haven't introduced yourself until you disclose the second name. Also, Kenyans feel incomplete when they bear non-ethnic names. But they may create variations of the typical name to make them appropriate for their ethnic tribes. Traditional Kenyan communities also use matronym in their names, which is appended with ‘wa’. The use of matronyms stems from the practice of polygamy among men. Hence, using the mother’s name is important, since the father needs to know which wife gave them which son or daughter. These Kenyan baby names carry stories, meanings, and connections that span generations. They serve as a reminder of the community’s collective heritage and geo-political attributes. Giving a Kenyan name to your child enables you to stay connected to your roots and honor your traditions. If you’re looking for unique and beautiful Kenyan baby names, you’ve come to the right place. We have an excellent collection of Kenyan baby boy and girl names to make your child stand out. Take a look.

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Name	Gender	Meaning
Aasir	Boy	One with a captivating and fascinating personality
Absco	Girl	One with an inventive mind
Absko	Boy	Power and strength
Abuya	Girl	One who was born when the garden was overgrown
Achieng	Girl	One born during the day time
Adamu	Boy	A variant of Adam; Father of mankind
Adimu	Girl	Rare
Adongo	Girl	The second of twins
Afaafa	Girl	Virtue
Akello	Girl	Baby girl born after twins

Akeyo	Girl	One who was born during the harvest
Alamini	Boy	Trustworthy
Alhaadi	Boy	Guide
Almasi	Girl	Diamond
Aluna	Girl	Come here
Aluoch	Girl	One who was born on an overcast morning
Amara	Boy	Immortal being; Blessed with eternal life; Grace and gracious
Amelia	Girl	Hardworking and industrious
Aminifu	Girl	A woman who is faithful
Angavu	Girl	Shining one

Angweng	Girl	One who was born during the time of white ants
Anyango	Girl	Midday-born; Born at noon
Apiyo	Girl	First of the twins
Arogo	Girl	One who nagged a lot during pregnancy
Asher	Boy	Happy; Blessing
Ashura	Boy	Friend; The one who accompanies
Asilia	Girl	Honest
Atieno	Girl	One who was born at night
Atticus	Boy	A person from Attica
Aurora	Girl	Dawn

Ava	Girl	Guarantee
Awino	Girl	One who was born with the cord around
Barasa	Boy	Meeting site
Barongo	Girl	The younger of twins
Bishara	Girl	Good tidings
Charlotte	Girl	Free person; Petite
Chausiku	Girl	One who was born at night
Chege	Boy	The Kikuyu people of Kenya
Chilemba	Boy	Turban
Chineye	Girl	God lives

Chitundu	Boy	Bird nest
Chiumbo	Boy	Little
Chuki	Girl	Born in a time of strike and hatred
Cora	Girl	Maiden; Daughter; Virtous
Dabiku	Girl	Offering
Darweshi	Boy	Holy
Declan	Boy	Full of goodness
Dhakiya	Girl	She who is smart
Ducha	Girl	Small; Humble
Duni	Girl	Small

Durah	Girl	Pearl
Durra	Girl	A variant of Durah; Pearl
Eidi	Girl	Guardian of wealth and health
Elinah	Girl	Shining light
Esiankiki	Girl	Young maiden
Eucabeth	Girl	One who is great
Fadhili	Boy	Aid, favor, compassion, and kindness
Fanaka	Girl	Prosperity or success
Faraja	Girl	Comfort; relief; rest
Farashuu	Girl	Kenyan word for butterfly

Felistas	Girl	Happiness
Feruzi	Boy	Turquoise
Feye	Boy	The beginning
Firyali	Girl	Unusual; Extraordinary
Gacoki	Boy	He returns
Gakere	Boy	Small muscle; Muscular
Gakeri	Girl	Variant of Gakere; A small muscle
Gakuru	Boy	Elderly one
Gasira	Girl	One who is brave
Gatete	Boy	Milk gourd

Gathee	Boy	Elderly one
Gathii	Boy	Traveler; Wanderer
Gathoni	Girl	She is an in law
Gatimu	Boy	A spear
Genevieve	Girl	Woman of the race
Geteye	Boy	My master
Gheche	Girl	Small
Gichinga	Boy	A firebrand
Gicicio	Boy	Mirror
Gikuyu	Boy	Founder of the Agikuyu nation

Githinji	Boy	A butcher
Gitonga	Boy	Wealthy one
Hamisi	Girl	One who was born on a Thursday
Hanuni	Girl	Happy and cheerful
Hashiki	Girl	Passion
Hawla	Girl	One who is graceful like an antelope
Henry	Boy	Home ruler
Hiari	Girl	Free will
Huso	Girl	Sadness of the bride
Indusa	Girl	Desire for a system

Ingumba	Girl	One who is easy going
Isla	Girl	Island
Jaali	Boy	Powerful
Jack	Boy	God is gracious
Jasper	Boy	One who brings treasure
Jimiyu	Boy	Born during summer
Jumapili	Girl	Sunday
Kaweria	Girl	The loving one
Keanjaho	Boy	A mountain of beans
Kerubo	Girl	Born on the plain

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Kenyan baby names are versatile and stand for the country’s rich culture and traditions. These names also represent the beautiful landscapes and wildlife of the country. They are symbols of the vibrant blend of languages and histories. They depict the diversity of different communities that exist in Kenya. For a name bearer, having a Kenyan name is what connects them to their roots and reminds them of their heritage. Parents choose these names not only to honor their culture but also for the unique meanings they stand for.

Infographic: Vibrant Names For Babies From Kenya

Kenyan names are special as they are not too common in foreign lands and are deeply rooted in the country’s history and tradition. These baby names are connected to virtues the natives uphold in their community. They are also symbols of their respective tribes. The infographic below will give you a glimpse of some traditional Kenyan names for boys and girls.

authentic kenyan names for babies (infographic)

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the meaning behind traditional Kenyan baby names?

Traditionally, Kenyans tend to name their children based on the circumstances around their birth. For instance, Odongo meaning ‘second of twins,’ Okeyo meaning ‘born during harvest,’ Omoni meaning ‘born at dawn,’ Barasa meaning ‘meeting site,’ and Owiti meaning ‘born after misfortune’ are among the beautiful names, each carrying a unique story within its meaning.

2. What are some Kenyan baby names that have specific cultural, historical, religious, and spiritual significance?

Wathaika, symbolizing those 'born of the land,' Jomo, bearing unknown origins but reminiscent of the first President and Prime Minister of Kenya (1), Chineye, encompassing the profound meaning of 'God lives,' and Mumbi, epitomizing the honored title of 'mother of people,' carry immense cultural, historical, religious, and spiritual weight when bestowed upon Kenyan infants, weaving a rich tapestry of significance into their names.

3. How do Kenyan baby names differ from names in other African countries?

In contrast to neighboring African nations, Kenya distinguishes itself by adopting Swahili as its official language, albeit with a minority conversing in Kikuyu, Luo, and Kalenjin. Kenyan naming traditions embody a unique blend of environmental circumstances at birth or the incorporation of dual components, one Christian and the other Muslim. Conversely, diverse cultures opt for names inspired by nature, ancestral lineage, or drawn from the wellspring of Hebrew and Arabic origins.

4. What are some unique or unusual Kenyan baby names?

Unique and extraordinary names like Chilemba, meaning ‘turban’ and Gicicio, meaning ‘mirrors’ for boys and Faraja, meaning ‘comfort’ and Waitherero, meaning ‘the better one’ are some good choices that you can consider for your little sunshine.

5. What are some modern Kenyan baby names that have recently become popular?

In modern times, Kenyan names like Layla, meaning 'night,' Zayn, meaning 'beauty,' Kamau (meaning unknown), and Ayda, meaning 'visitor' are extraordinary and popular among parents.

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.

Jomo Kenyatta
https://www.sahistory.org.za/people/jomo-kenyatta

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.