319 African Boy Names From The Largest Continent

Africa has various beliefs and cultures. African names, thus, usually link to their origin, tradition, or culture. African baby boy names have deep roots in history that predates written records. They are passed down through generations, reflecting ancient beliefs and the wisdom of diverse African tribes and civilizations. African names hold meanings depicting human virtues, character traits, and natural elements. Parents also opt for names of deceased ancestors, as ancestor worship is prevalent among many African tribes (1). These names are also considered tributes to ancestors who are believed to be guiding spirits. In some naming traditions, parents offer the names of various deceased ancestors, and the name the baby smiles to is chosen to be theirs. Also, many Africans believe a prominent spiritual force exists in everything, and a person’s name significantly impacts their life. While naming the baby, parents consider factors such as the date or time of the baby’s birth, the weather or season the child is born in, and all other circumstances influencing the birth. Since Africa is known for its natural beauty, African boy names often draw inspiration from the lush landscape that supports life on the continent. The names celebrate the strength of their rivers, symbolizing resilience and abundance. They also represent the diverse fauna that thrives in this region, for instance, the grace of a gazelle or the mighty strength of a lion. These qualities are reflected in many distinguishable names that serve as inspiration for the children who bear them. African baby boy names also have a distinctively melodic ring to them. The fascinating sounds of languages like Xhosa and Zulu and the lyrical rhythms of Swahili and Yoruba will inspire you to choose the most relevant name that honors your roots. So, for naming your little prince, here is a list of unique African baby boy names.

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Name		Gender	Meaning
Jakari		Unisex	Supplanter; Cauldron; Hollow
Musa		Boy	Muse; Son; Deliver
Dakari		Boy	Rejoice
Ermias		Boy	Yahweh will exalt
Deon		Boy	Of Zeus; God of Nysa; Alternate name of the Greek God Dionysius
Denzel		Boy	Fine wine lover; The wild one; High stronghold; Fertile land
Umar		Boy	Flourishing; Populous; Wealthy; Famous; Eloquent
Deion		Boy	Of Zeus; God
Usman		Boy	Baby bustard; Wise; Most powerful
Jaheim		Boy	Raised Up; Dignified
Mamadou		Boy	A man worthy of all praise
Tyrese		Boy	Gift of Gods
Kyaire		Unisex	The strength from God; Welcome
Mehki		Boy	Rising; Fragrant
Zaki		Boy	Pure; Chaste; Sinless; Lion
Kimani		Girl	Sailor; Adventurous
Sulayman		Boy	A prophet's name; Solomon
Kato		Boy	Who knows it all; Second of twins; Wise; Increasing wisteria; East of the river
Amadou		Boy	Most commendable; Most praiseworthy
Sekou		Boy	Leader of a tribe; An elderly man; Islamic scholar
Kimoni		Boy	Great man
Kijani		Boy	Warrior
Jahi		Boy	Dignity; Worthy
Jahiem		Boy	Raised Up; Dignified
Laquan		Boy	A quiet, shy person
Liban		Boy	Persevere; Winner
Taj		Boy	Crown; Exalted
Askari		Boy	Soldier; Military
Kamau		Boy	Silent warrior
Ato		Boy	Born on a Saturday
Camar		Boy	He who is a teacher
Kwesi		Boy	Born on Sunday
Tor		Boy	Thunder; King
Kanye		Boy	Next in line; Let's give; Only once; Only one
Zebediah		Boy	Gift of Jehovah; Yahweh has bestowed
Abdou		Boy	His servant
Bomani		Boy	Warrior
Kwaku		Boy	One who is born on a Wednesday
Massai		Unisex	Owner of lands and farms
Tyreese		Boy	Gift of Gods; Smart; Talented; Brave
Diallo		Boy	Hoe; A hand tool for removing weeds
Maddin		Boy	Speckled bull; Descendant of Madaihín
Selassie		Boy	Trinity; Power of the Trinity
Aksil		Boy	Leopard; Cheetah
Eno		Boy	Strong with a sword; Gift; Eagle
Jomo		Boy	Togetherness; Unity
Anansi		Unisex	Spider
Jawara		Boy	One who loves peace
Saheed		Boy	Witness; Martyr
Shomari		Boy	One with a forceful personality
Taseen		Boy	To come; To improve
Askia		Unisex	Ruler
Kayode		Boy	He has brought us joy
Konan		Unisex	Born on Wednesday; Little wolf; Little hound
Lamine		Girl	The truthful
Lamin		Unisex	Firstborn boy; Trustworthy
Mosa		Boy	Drawn from the water; Child of the Nile; Grace
Saran		Boy	Joy; Moon; Refuge; Sanctuary; Supporting
Tau		Boy	Lion
Tupac		Boy	Royal; Noble
Ademola		Boy	The crown is with wealth
Rashidi		Boy	Rightly guided; Well-guided; Name of a dynasty
Jabulani		Boy	Enjoy; Happy all; Rejoice
Bilaal		Boy	Moistening; Full moon; Victorious
Ceaser		Boy	Hairy
Janvier		Boy	January
Kayen		Boy	He who is celebrated; Long hoped-for child
Makalo		Boy	A person considered a wonder; A surprise
Juwaun		Boy	God is gracious
Kenyi		Boy	A son born after 3 daughters
Mayen		Unisex	A kind of ox
Sekani		Unisex	Laugh
Rotimi		Boy	Stay with me; Stand by me; The Lord stays with me
Yohance		Boy	Gift from the Lord
Abbo		Boy	A Condiment (Mudama Origin)
Abdulkhaaliq		Boy	Servant of the Creator
Abdullateef		Boy	One who Serves a Kind Man; Servant of the Subtle
Abdulmateen		Boy	Servant of the Firm; Strong
Abdulrahmaan		Boy	Servant of the Mercifully Gracious
Abdulraouf		Boy	Servant of the Most Merciful
Abdulrazaaq		Boy	Servant of the Maintainer; Provider
Abdulsaboor		Boy	Servant of the Patient
Abdultawaab		Boy	Servant of the Forgiver
Abdulwaahid		Boy	Servant of the One
Abdulwahaab		Boy	Servant of the Giver
Abedi		Boy	Worshipper
Abioye		Boy	The son of royalty; A Variant of Abiola
Adeben		Boy	12th born child; African Akan
Afram		Boy	A River In Ghana, Africa
Ainsworth		Boy	Enclosure
Akuchi		Boy	Wealth from God in the African language
Akuji		Boy	Dead and awake; Bad deed
Alake		Boy	One to be petted and made much of; Leader; Chief
Amlan		Boy	Born on Wednesday
Anane		Boy	Fourth son
Ayzize		Boy	Let it come
Bem		Boy	Peace; A variant of Behm
Chikodi		Boy	It is in the hands of God; It is upto God
Fehed		Boy	Lynx; Panther; From Kikuyu
Haadhir		Boy	Present; Attending; A variant of Hadhir

Infographic: Wonderful African Baby Names For Your Boy

African culture is one of the most diverse ones in the world. This second-largest continent, consisting of 50 countries, can hardly leave anyone devoid of baby name inspiration. There's no shortage of exotic names for parents to explore for their newborns. This infographic lists the top ones for you.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team