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
Naeem		Boy	A person who is known for his cheerfulness and well-being
Naiser		Unisex	Founder of belief
Nanji		Boy	Shelter; Shield
Naserian		Unisex	Lucky; Fateful
Nasha		Unisex	Born during the rainy season; Judge
Nathaar		Boy	Scattered tiny pieces
Natine		Unisex	Member of the Natine ethnic group
Natori		Boy	Bird
Natoya		Unisex	Dance or the one who can dance
Ndamukong		Boy	A house to keep or store spears
Ndwiga		Boy	Kenyan word for giraffe
Neo		Unisex	New; Gift
Ngozi		Unisex	Dedication; Benediction; Consecration
Niani		Unisex	Willful
Nnamdi		Boy	My father still abides
Nunu		Unisex	Cute; Sweet
Nuru		Unisex	Light
Nyack		Boy	The facial expression in anger, displeasure, sadness or worry
Nyana		Unisex	Little one; Small
Nyara		Unisex	Bright; Shining light
Nyelle		Unisex	Close to God; Women of knowledge
Nyema		Unisex	Calm; Peaceful
Nyemah		Unisex	Graceful; Blessed one
Nyomi		Unisex	Pleasant; Delightful; Beautiful
Nzinga		Boy	Beloved person from the river
Nzingha		Unisex	Powerful, warrior, queen
Obi		Boy	Heart
Obuya		Boy	Born when the garden was overgrown
Ochieng		Boy	Born in the daytime
Odikinyi		Boy	One who was born in the early morning
Odo		Boy	Passionately oiled
Odongo		Boy	Second of twins
Odour		Boy	Born after midnight
Oghenerioborue		Boy	Great novel triumph, superior of the contest
Ohon		Boy	The name is preserved
Ojwang		Boy	One who survived despite neglect
Okal		Unisex	Victory of the people
Okapi		Unisex	Horn; Pity; Mercy
Okello		Boy	One who was born after twins
Okeyo		Boy	One who was born during the harvest
Okoth		Unisex	Talkative person; Sometimes used to refer a crow
Olajuwan		Unisex	The exaltation of the triumph
Olu		Boy	The one who is outstanding or extraordinary.
Olufemi		Unisex	The creator loves us; The precious people of God.
Oluoch		Boy	One who was born on a cloudy day
Oluyomi		Unisex	Delivered or sent by God
Omariba		Boy	Kenyan word for clay
Omondi		Boy	One who was born at dawn
Omwancha		Boy	He who loves people
Onkwani		Boy	One who talks a lot
Onyekachi		Unisex	No one is grander than God
Opiyo		Boy	First of the twins
Oratilwe		Unisex	The dearest and darling one
Oringo		Boy	God is merciful
Ororo		Unisex	Woman who dreams
Osogo		Boy	The Osogo birth
Othenio		Boy	Give birth by night
Othiambo		Boy	One who was born in the evening
Ousmane		Unisex	God is great; Servant of God
Owiti		Boy	One who was born after a misfortune
Owuor		Boy	One who was born mid-morning
Paki		Boy	One who is born to witness; unique and wonderful
Pili		Boy	Second child
Pretoria		Unisex	A place name; A city in South Africa
Qani		Boy	Content; Satisfied person
Rael		Boy	Someone who is as innocent as a lamb
Rafiki		Unisex	A friend
Raimi		Boy	A compassionate person
Rashidi		Boy	A wise man
Rayle		Boy	One whose innocence is compared to a lamb
Renisha		Unisex	Joyful; Compassionate; Intelligent
Riitho		Boy	An eye to see with
Roho		Boy	A soul of the man
Ruguru		Boy	Comes from the West
Ruhiu		Boy	Sword
Runako		Unisex	Beauty; Handsomeness
Russom		Unisex	One who is a leader; A head of the charge
Ruva		Unisex	Flower
Rwanda		Unisex	Land of a thousand hills
Sadik		Boy	He who is a friend
Safari		Unisex	A journey; An expedition
Saidi		Unisex	The auspicious one
Salama		Unisex	Safety and security
Sanga		Boy	He came from the valley
Saran		Boy	Joy
Sarki		Boy	Chief
Seghen		Boy	Ostrich
Sekani		Unisex	Rejoice; Laughter
Sekou		Boy	Variant of Sheikh; The leader of a tribe; An elder man
Selas		Boy	Trinity
Selassie		Boy	Trinity
Sena		Boy	Army
Senwe		Boy	Dry like grain
Sesi		Unisex	Angel; Messenger
Shabazz		Unisex	Royalty, strength, leadership
Shadae		Unisex	Joyfu; Radiant; Unique
Shange		Unisex	An African clan
Shaquan		Boy	He always tells the truth in life
Siaka		Boy	Noble, warrior, leader
Sindhile		Boy	One who is a survivor

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