What are some African baby girl names inspired by nature or animals?

Wambui is an African name that means zebra in Kikuyu. Zahrah, on the other hand, means blooming flower in Arabic. Ayanna is an elegant name meaning flower in Amharic.

What are the specific traditions or cultures that influence African baby girl names?

Africa is home to several cultures, each with unique naming traditions and cultures. For instance, the Akan people from Ghana name their children based on their birth order. Conversely, the Shona people of Zimbabwe choose nature-inspired names for their babies, whereas the Tswana people from Botswana choose names based on the circumstances surrounding the child’s birth. Like these, several specific naming traditions and customs can vary across diverse African cultures.

What African names mean ‘star’?

Anangikwe, derived from the terms anang star and ikwe woman, means star woman in Ojibwe. Nthanda is another name commonly used in Southern Africa and means star in Tumbulka. Some other titles that are commonly used in Africa and are associated with stars are Danica and Aster.

What is the African name for ‘queen’?

Thema is a beautiful name that means queen in Akan. Some other African titles associated with queens are Makeda, an Amharic name related to the Queen of Sheba, who is believed to have ruled over some parts of Ethiopia and Yemen. Nzinga is a Bantu name derived from Njinga. It was the name of the queen of the Ndongo and Matamba Kingdoms in the 17th century.

Home • Baby Names

31 African Girl Names with Meanings, Starting With M

Written by Shikha Thakur, MBA

Edited by Siddharth Kesiraju, MA, Certification in Relationship Coaching

Fact-checked by Praggya Joshi, MA, BEd

Last Updated on Oct 3, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Name	Gender	Meaning
Maha	Girl	Beautiful Eyes; Half moon; Sun; Planet; Mirror; Shining white pearl
Mayela	Unisex	Intelligent
Moremi-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-&-Popularity:-Complete-Guide-2025	Girl	The child attracts my attention; A legendary Yoruba queen
Manica	Girl	A town in Mozambique
Mandisa-Name-Guide:-Meaning,-Popularity-&-Nicknames	Girl	Sweet; Pleasant
Miniya	Girl	A girl who is believed to do extra-ordinary things
Minette	Girl	A faithful guard; One who defends; Will helmet; A desire to protect; Home ruler; Female kitten
Maame	Girl	Pearl; Mother
Makeba	Girl	Purposeful; Strong; Radiant
Maly	Girl	Small; Name of an African country; Hippopotamus

Mizani	Unisex	Chemistry; Beauty; Balance
Myeisha	Girl	Living; Alive
Mariatu	Girl	One who is pure; Innocent
Marini	Girl	Fresh; Healthy; Pretty; Charming
Marjean	Girl	Coral; Gracious
Madana	Girl	A person who heals people
Mardea	Girl	The last one
Marjani	Girl	Purification; Cleansing; Female attendant of Goddess Durga; A coral
Masara	Girl	A magical woman
Masego	Girl	A blessing

Mawiyah	Girl	Watery; The fourth-century Arab queen
Mbali	Girl	Flower
Montsho	Girl	A black-colored person
Machupa	Girl	One who likes to drink
Mandere	Girl	Beautiful beads
Mugure	Girl	Already purchased
Mukondi	Girl	A dancer
Mumbi	Girl	Creator or mother
Murigo	Girl	This is a load
Mwassaa	Girl	Everywhere

Makida	Unisex	Queen of Sheba

Infographic: Unique African Girl Names with Meanings, Starting With M

Finding a baby name for your little one can be exciting and challenging. Our infographic below shares the African Girl Names with Meanings, Starting With M that are attractive, unique, and versatile. Explore the list to find a name that best reflects your child's hopes, aspirations, and dreams. Share the infographic with fellow parents seeking distinct baby name options for their children.

African Girl Names with Meanings, Starting With M(infographic)

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Author Editor Fact Checker

Shikha ThakurMBA

Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

Read full bio of Shikha Thakur

Siddharth KesirajuMA, Certification in Relationship Coaching

Siddharth holds a certification in Relationship Coaching and a masters degree in communication and journalism from the University of Hyderabad. He has around seven years of experience in various fields of writing and editing.

Read full bio of Siddharth Kesiraju

Praggya JoshiMA, BEd

Praggya Joshi holds a bachelor's degree in Education and a master's in Ancient Indian History from University of Delhi. She has a robust knowledge of literature, society, and ethics. Praggya has been a content writer since 2021, researching and writing on education, health and wellness, and travel.

Read full bio of Praggya Joshi