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
Sisi		Unisex	A girl born on a Sunday
Sokoro		Boy	Lucky one
Sondo		Boy	A person born on a Sunday
Sudi		Boy	One who brings luck
Sulaiman		Boy	A prophet's name Solomon
Sulayman		Boy	A prophet's name; Solomon
Tadelesh		Boy	A lucky man
Tafadhdhal		Boy	An obligation or commitment to someone
Tafadzwa		Unisex	We are pleased
Tafari		Boy	He who inspires awe
Tahir		Boy	Pure; Clean
Tajae		Unisex	First born child
Talib		Boy	Seeker of truth
Tambia		Boy	A name of the second born son
Tanisha		Unisex	Born on Monday
Tanishia		Boy	He who is born on Monday
Tano		Boy	Name of the river
Tatenda		Unisex	Southern African name; Thank you
Tedros		Boy	Award from God
Tefo		Boy	A payment; A reward
Tegama		Boy	A region in Niger
Tene		Unisex	Love
Tenen		Boy	He who is born on Monday
Tennant		Boy	Tenant; Renter
Teonna		Unisex	Divine; Strong; Graceful
Teshawn		Boy	Gifted; Creative; Unique
Teshi		Unisex	One who is full of laughter
Thabiti		Boy	A true man
Thabo		Boy	He who brings joy
Thandiwe		Boy	He who is loved
Thebe		Unisex	Shield; Protector
Thulani		Boy	One who is very quiet
Tiassale		Boy	An African name; Something is forgotten
Tiwa		Unisex	One who owns the crown or kingship
Tokunbo		Unisex	One who is from across the seas
Toure		Unisex	One who belongs to Soussou, Africa
Trory		Boy	A red skinned person, dark skinned
Tuma		Boy	Eternal; Endless
Tumaini		Boy	Hope
Tumo		Boy	Favorable public reputation
Tuwile		Boy	Death is invincible
Tyrique		Unisex	Powerful; Innovative; Charismatic
Unathi		Unisex	God is with us
Wachiru		Boy	Son of a judge
Waithaka		Boy	Of the land
Waitimu		Boy	Born of spear
Waiyaki		Boy	Famous leader of the Agikuyu
Wakanda		Unisex	Magical; Mythical place
Wamai		Boy	The one who came from the water
Wambua		Boy	Born during the rain
Wamugunda		Boy	Of the land
Wamukota		Boy	One who is left-handed
Wamwarav		Boy	He who is intelligent
Wangombe		Boy	Of the cattle
Wangondu		Boy	Of the sheep
Wanjala		Boy	Brewer
Wanjohi		Boy	Brewer in Kenyan
Waruhiu		Boy	One who always bears a weapon
Warui		Boy	One who comes from the river
Wasaki		Boy	The Enemy
Wassa		Unisex	King
Waweru		Boy	Born of plain
Wekesa		Boy	Born during the time the crops gather
Yafeu		Boy	A bold and strong man
Yansi		Unisex	God is gracious; Gift of God
Yaro		Boy	Son
Zaire		Boy	River
Zamaya		Unisex	Unique; Exotic; Unconventional
Zania		Unisex	Unique; Graceful; Mysterious
Zarie		Unisex	Golden; Precious; Valuable
Zerai		Unisex	The savior
Zhane		Unisex	God is gracious
Ziko		Unisex	Gift of God
Zinzi		Unisex	Beautiful life
Zula		Boy	Brilliant; Ahead
Zuri		Unisex	Beautiful
Zuriya		Unisex	Radiant; Flourishing; Blessed
Zymir		Boy	Full of life

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