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
Kaikura		Boy	Resembling a ground squirrel
Kalei		Unisex	The child; The flowers
Kamali		Boy	Perfection
Kamau		Boy	Silent warrior
Kame		Boy	Desolate, arid
Kamisha		Unisex	Captivating; Beautiful
Kanelo		Boy	Enough, sufficent
Kanye		Boy	Honor; Tribute
Katlego		Unisex	Success
Katungi		Boy	Rich and pure as a virgin
Kayen		Boy	He who is celebrated
Kayode		Boy	He has brought us joy
Kayonga		Boy	Ash
Kazi		Boy	To Work
Keanjaho		Boy	A mountain of beans
Keb		Boy	Part of the Earth
Keita		Unisex	Blessing in African and the child was a huge gift
Keldon		Boy	Town of the keels
Kendi		Unisex	The one who is loved and cherised
Kenyi		Boy	A son born after 3 daughters
Kesia		Boy	Tribe
Khalix		Unisex	Sound of laughter; Profit
Khamari		Boy	Caribbean prince or moonlight; Dreamer
Khari		Boy	King-like; Honest
Khaya		Unisex	Home; Dwelling
Khia		Unisex	Queen
Khosi		Unisex	King; Ruler
Kiaya		Unisex	House with beautiful colors
Kiho		Unisex	Fog
Kijana		Unisex	Youth
Kijani		Boy	Warrior
Kimoni		Boy	Great man
Kimotho		Boy	Left-handed
Kinfe		Unisex	Wings
Kione		Unisex	He came from nowhere
Kirabo		Unisex	The one who is a gift of God
Kiros		Boy	The king
Kitara		Unisex	Hope; Guitar
Kitoko		Unisex	Holder of the beauty
Koda		Boy	Allies; Companion
Kofi		Boy	He is born on a Friday
Kosi		Boy	Kosi means He who is Born on a Sunday
Kuron		Unisex	The name means Giving Thanks
Kwabena		Boy	Born on a Tuesday
Kwadwo		Boy	Born on a Monday
Kwame		Boy	A Boy who is born on a Saturday
Kwanza		Boy	Beginning; Birth
Kwesi		Boy	Born on Sunday
Lamin		Unisex	Strong and honorable
Laquan		Boy	A quiet, shy person
Lashay		Unisex	Gift ofGod; Beautiful
Lebron		Boy	Hare; Brown-haired one
Leeto		Boy	The one who embarks on an adventure
Lemma		Boy	A cultivated person
Lencho		Boy	He who is like a lion
Limba		Boy	African tree; happiness
Lishan		Boy	One who is awarded a medal; Defender of mankind
Lisimba		Boy	Lion
Loba		Unisex	Sharing a conversation; Talking
Lolonyo		Boy	Love is beautiful
Lolovivi		Unisex	Love is always there
Lonan		Boy	A Zuni Tribe name that means Cloud
Maasai		Unisex	People of the leopard
Maat		Boy	Mythical Goddess of order and justice; Truth; Law
Madiba		Unisex	Respected leader and father of the nation
Mahdi		Boy	One who is on the right path
Maima		Unisex	Truthful; Trustworthy
Maitho		Boy	The eyes that give you sight
Makalo		Boy	A person considered a wonder; A surprise
Makida		Unisex	Greatness
Malomo		Boy	Don't go anymore; Do not go away again
Mandela		Boy	African name describing spectacles
Mandingo		Unisex	African surname
Mandla		Boy	African name for strength
Manute		Boy	An African name
Marsai		Unisex	Energetic; Talented; Independent
Mashaka		Unisex	One who brings trouble
Massai		Unisex	Warrior, brave, strong
Mbwana		Boy	Ruler; Master
Mehkai		Unisex	Joyful; Happy
Mehki		Boy	Rising; Ascending
Mejdan		Boy	A glorious person
Meko		Unisex	Sprouting seed; How big
Mensa		Boy	Third one in the family; Third conceived baby boy
Mewelde		Boy	The glittering pearl
Mhina		Unisex	A pleasing or entertaining person
Mikaili		Unisex	God's messenger
Mikenna		Unisex	One who brings joy
Milandu		Unisex	An answer to the prayers
Mirembe		Unisex	Peace; A peaceful nature; The peaceful world
Miyanda		Unisex	Ancestral roots; The beginning
Morathi		Unisex	An intelligent or wise man
Mpasa		Boy	Brazilian word for mat
Mpenda		Boy	Lover
Mukami		Boy	A person who milks cows
Naaib		Boy	A representative or a leader
Naaji		Boy	A valuable or favorable person
Naashaad		Boy	The one who is unfortunate and unhappy
Naasi		Boy	A person who is understandable or unmistakable
Nabeh		Boy	An honorable and extraordinary person

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