578 African Baby Boy Names With Meanings

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 (2). 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.

Name		Gender	Meaning
Fatu		Unisex	Fortunate; Lucky
Fehed		Boy	Lynx; Panther; From Kikuyu
Femi		Boy	One who loves
Feruzi		Boy	Turquoise
Feven		Unisex	Faith
Feye		Boy	The beginning
Firhun		Boy	The leader who protested for West African independence
Folami		Unisex	Honor and respect; One who spreads warmth and sparkle
Fufu		Unisex	A traditional African dish
Fulani		Unisex	A Large ethnic group of people from West Africa
Fungai		Unisex	Think; Imagine; Meditate
Fynn		Boy	River Ofinn; Finn; White, Fair; A variant of name Finn
Gacoki		Boy	He returns
Gakere		Boy	Small muscle; Muscular
Gakuru		Boy	Elderly one
Gamba		Boy	A tortoise who lives near water
Gatete		Boy	Milk gourd
Gathee		Boy	Elderly one
Gathii		Boy	Traveler; Wanderer
Gatimu		Boy	A spear
Gazali		Boy	Someone who believes in the existence of realities beyond human comprehension
Genet		Unisex	Refers to the very first garden of Eden which was created by the God Almighty
Geteye		Boy	My master
Ghadhanfar		Boy	The ruler or the king of the Jungle; Lion
Ghana		Unisex	A name of the country in Africa
Ghanapriya		Boy	A name from Ghana
Gichinga		Boy	A firebrand
Gicicio		Boy	Mirror
Gikuyu		Boy	Founder of the Agikuyu nation
Gimbya		Boy	Princess
Githinji		Boy	A butcher
Gitonga		Boy	Wealthy one
Gogana		Boy	Male child; Variant of Godana
Goredenna		Boy	Black cloud
Gother		Boy	Friendly
Guban		Boy	Burnt
Gucauno		Boy	One who falls like a bird
Gulussa		Boy	God of the sky; Ruler of the sky
Gure		Boy	Left-handed
Haadhir		Boy	Present; Attending; A variant of Hadhir
Haba		Boy	One who is charming; Favourite; A variant of Haiba
Haider		Boy	Lion; Warrior
Haile		Boy	Power; Nook; Retreat; A variant of Hale
Hajari		Boy	Used in Africa; One who takes flight
Halif		Boy	Ally; Confederate; One who Takes an Oath
Harbel		Boy	A town named Margibi County; Liberia
Harif		Boy	Pungent; Hot
Harith		Boy	The lion that digs the earth
Harmalah		Boy	An african plant
Haruni		Boy	Messenger-ship; Mountaineer; A variant of Haruny
Hasani		Boy	Handsome and amazing individual
Haydin		Unisex	Heathen; Pagan
Hekima		Boy	Knowledgeable; Clever
Himayat		Boy	Help; Protection; Guardianship; Support
Huba		Boy	Love; Friendship
Hubaab		Boy	Aim; Friendship; Bubble of Water
Hubab		Boy	Aim; Friendship
Ife		Boy	Love; Someone who is born with an innate desire to love and be loved
Ilyasah		Unisex	God's promise
Isoke		Unisex	Gift from God
Jaali		Boy	Powerful
Jabali		Boy	A man who is strong as a rock
Jabilo		Boy	A man of medicine
Jabulani		Boy	He who rejoices
Jaheem		Boy	One who was raised up to be dignified
Jaheim		Boy	Raised Up; Dignified
Jahi		Boy	Dignity
Jahiem		Boy	Raised Up; Dignified; Variant of Jaheim
Jahir		Boy	Dignity; One who has dignity
Jahni		Unisex	Gift from god
Jaja		Boy	He shines
Jakari		Unisex	Remembered by God
Jalani		Unisex	Strong; Powerful
Jalayah		Unisex	Beauty of the night; Dew; Hoarfrost
Jali		Boy	One who is powerful
Jaliah		Unisex	Exalted; Noble
Jamaris		Unisex	Strong; Handsome warrior
Jamaya		Unisex	Beautiful; Greatly loved; God's gift
Jawara		Boy	One who loves peace
Jela		Unisex	The father who faced many difficulties during the birth of his child
Jelaluddin		Boy	The splendour of the trust
Jelani		Unisex	One who is mighty
Jengo		Boy	The person who has reddish skin color
Jenue		Unisex	Person from the city of Jenue, Nigeria
Jettie		Unisex	Surrounded by things or people
Jimiyu		Boy	Born during summer
Jioni		Unisex	Evening; Determined, dynamic, confused or jealous
Jira		Unisex	Sporty individuals; Possess a good sense of humor and often achieve fame
Jomo		Boy	Jolly, passionate, humorous
Jonbenet		Unisex	Jolly, blossom-named, exotic
Juji		Unisex	Compelling; Unique and attractive
Juma		Boy	Friday Born
Jumah		Boy	Born on Friday
Jumoke		Unisex	Everybody loves the child
Juwan		Boy	God is just
Juwaun		Boy	God is gracious
Kabili		Unisex	Honest, brave
Kafu		Boy	Quiet
Kahari		Unisex	Youthful
Kaikara		Unisex	The traditional name of God

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

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