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

47 African Girl Names with Meanings, Starting With N

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
Nailah	Girl	Successful; Obtainer; Winner; Gracious; Charitable
Nyasia	Girl	East; Purpose or aim; Merciful; Kind-hearted
Niara	Girl	One with high purpose; Nebula; Mist
Nnenna	Girl	The one who is fond of her dad's mum
Nyemah	Unisex	Blessing
Nyarai	Girl	Modest, not praising self
Nkechinyere	Girl	God's pleasure which came to this world
Nkechi	Girl	The precious treasure from God
Nathifa	Girl	Clean; Wholesome; Unpolluted
Nataki	Girl	Royal born

Nakeisha	Girl	Lifetime of woman or girl or lady or damsel
Naledi	Girl	Star; A bright star in the open sky
Nkiru	Girl	Once more God will provide the excellent gift
Nyara	Unisex	Bright; Nice; To hurry
Njeri	Girl	Daughter of a warrior
Nkiruka	Girl	God will give me something ever best once again
Naaila	Girl	A person with a record of victories
Naataanii	Girl	Poetess praising the prophet
Nafuna	Girl	The one who is carried feet first
Nakato	Girl	The twins or doubles whom were born as the second in the family

Nakimera	Girl	Gift from God
Nalorie	Girl	Lovable goddess of earth
Nathaara	Girl	Tiny pieces scattered all over
Nimeesha	Girl	The dearest angel of the God
Nnenia	Girl	The one who looks same as her grand mother
Nomalanga	Girl	Brilliant or sunshine light
Nomasonto	Girl	Who was delivered or received on Sunday
Nombeko	Girl	Regard; Respect; Admiration
Nomsa	Girl	Mother of compassion; Faithful; Caring
Nomuula	Girl	Who is like unto Yahweh

Nontle	Girl	The ruler of the deep sea
Noxolo	Girl	One who is passive and diplomatic
Nsombi	Girl	Full of happiness or complete gladness
Nuzhah	Girl	Desirable trip; Expedition spot
Nyakio	Girl	Mother; Womb
Nyathera	Girl	The quality of being modest; A moderate of reserve behavior
Nyeki	Girl	A new growth of the plant; A recently grown plant
Nafula	Girl	Born during the rainy season
Nduta	Girl	Teach me
Ngendo	Girl	A traveler

Ngina	Girl	One who serves
Njoki	Girl	She who returned
Nyaguthii	Girl	A traveler
Nyambura	Girl	Born of the rain
Nyanjera	Girl	Born on the way
Nyawira	Girl	One who is hard working
Nyokabi	Girl	Of the Maasai people

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

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 N 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 N(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