Celebrating Unity In Diversity With 206 African Unisex Names

Dive into the land of precious stones.

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Last Updated on Aug 20, 2024

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African unisex names represent the continent’s vibrant mix of cultures, ethnic groups, and languages. Different communities have their naming practices, shaped by various tribal religions, Islam, and Christianity, and each name has a unique story to tell.

Traditional African names often reflect the circumstances of a child's birth. For example, Sisi means ‘a girl born on a Sunday,’ and Tanisha denotes ‘born on Monday.’ Many names also show birth order, such as Tajae for ‘firstborn child’ and Dubaku for ‘eleventh born child.’ Some names may express how parents feel about the birth. For example, Alakay denotes ‘one who brings joy,’ and Milandu means ‘an answer to the prayers.’ Additionally, certain names describe the child or desired qualities. For instance, Dika means ‘beloved,’ and Jalani signifies ‘strong.’

African unisex names celebrate unity in diversity. They not only honor individual identity but also reflect the beautiful mosaic of African cultures. Explore this collection and choose a fitting name for your child.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Jakari	Unisex	Remembered by God
Nyomi	Unisex	Pleasant; Delightful; Beautiful
Adiel	Boy	Ornament of God; God passes by
Emani	Unisex	Faith; Believer
Alek	Boy	Defender of men; Black and white cow
Jalayah	Unisex	Beauty of the night; Dew; Hoarfrost
Ashanti	Girl	Warlike; Gratitude
Demari	Unisex	Strong and determined
Aminata	Unisex	Trustworthy; Faithful
Jamaya	Unisex	Beautiful; Greatly loved; God's gift

Eldana	Unisex	God has judged
Ousmane	Unisex	God is great; Servant of God
Jalani	Unisex	Strong; Powerful
Zamaya	Unisex	Unique; Exotic; Unconventional
Cayman	Boy	Alligator; Name of Islands
Jaliah	Unisex	Exalted; Noble
Nyelle	Unisex	Close to God; Women of knowledge
Rael	Boy	Ewe
Demani	Unisex	A strong and charismatic individual.
Ade	Boy	Crown; Noble; Man; To be red; Sibling; Unseen

Kahari	Unisex	Youthful
Kenyatta	Boy	Beaded belt; Musician
Mehkai	Unisex	Joyful; Happy
Tyrique	Unisex	Powerful; Innovative; Charismatic
Emonie	Unisex	Unique; Vibrant; Joyful
Asante	Boy	Thank you; Warlike
Efe	Boy	Older brother; Brave; Wealth
Marsai	Unisex	Energetic; Talented; Independent
Zhane	Unisex	God is gracious
Lashay	Unisex	Gift ofGod; Beautiful

Zania	Unisex	Unique; Graceful; Mysterious
Haydin	Unisex	Heathen; Pagan
Ama	Girl	Child born on Saturday; Heaven; Beloved; Vigorous; Sky; God of fertility and rain; Wet nurse; Grandmother; Dark one
Massai	Unisex	Warrior, brave, strong
Khia	Unisex	Queen
Chi	Boy	Branch; God; Spiritual being; Will
Aja	Boy	Goat; East; Cold spring; To drive
Cinque	Unisex	Five or Freedom Fighter
Chima	Boy	God knows; Leave; Space time
Nyemah	Unisex	Graceful; Blessed one

Meko	Unisex	Sprouting seed; How big
Nyana	Unisex	Little one; Small
Beya	Unisex	Beautiful
Kiaya	Unisex	House with beautiful colors
Nyema	Unisex	Calm; Peaceful
Shabazz	Unisex	Royalty, strength, leadership
Adisa	Boy	Bundled up and set to dry
Alakay	Unisex	One who brings joy
Chidi	Boy	God exists
Teonna	Unisex	Divine; Strong; Graceful

Lamin	Unisex	Strong and honorable
Diarra	Unisex	Gift of God
Abiola	Boy	Born in honor; Wealth
Essien	Boy	Sixth born child; Favorite one; Beloved
Jamaris	Unisex	Strong; Handsome warrior
Jahni	Unisex	Gift from god
Kiros	Boy	The king; Lord; Son; One who bestows care; A moment of divine time; Leader; Master
Maasai	Unisex	People of the leopard
Sekani	Unisex	Rejoice; Laughter
Kitara	Unisex	Hope; Guitar

Zarie	Unisex	Golden; Precious; Valuable
Anu	Girl	Atom; Molecule; Grace; Favor; Heaven; Sky; Mercy
Bitania	Unisex	Daughter of Ethiopia
Ashante	Unisex	Warlike
Aibileen	Unisex	Helper, nurturing, caring
Fatu	Unisex	Fortunate; Lucky
Shadae	Unisex	Joyfu; Radiant; Unique
Niani	Unisex	Willful
Kamisha	Unisex	Captivating; Beautiful
Nzingha	Unisex	Powerful, warrior, queen

Delali	Unisex	God is with me
Khaya	Unisex	Home; Dwelling
Nyara	Unisex	Bright; Shining light
Tajae	Unisex	First born child
Renisha	Unisex	Joyful; Compassionate; Intelligent
Zuriya	Unisex	Radiant; Flourishing; Blessed
Yansi	Unisex	God is gracious; Gift of God
Emene	Unisex	Don't do harm; Do not hurt
Achebe	Unisex	One who is protected by the Goddess
Adwin	Unisex	An artist or creative person

Ahanti	Unisex	War-like
Amare	Unisex	A person sent by God to love
Amari	Unisex	Promised by God; Strength; Courage; Immortal
Cheche	Unisex	A small thing
Chibueze	Unisex	God is the king
Chibuzo	Unisex	God is the way
Chidhatma	Unisex	The real God
Chidubem	Unisex	The one repaired by the Almighty
Chiedozie	Unisex	Planned by God
Chikelu	Unisex	Created by God

Chikere	Unisex	God has created
Dayo	Unisex	Arrival of joy
Dembe	Unisex	A peace loving individual
Dubaku	Unisex	Eleventh Born Child; very fortunate
Dumi	Unisex	One who inspires others; Powerful
Ebele	Unisex	Mercy or kindness
Eega	Unisex	palm bird who loves to fly
Ekene	Unisex	The one who receives a lot of praise
Ekundayo	Unisex	The one who turns sorrows to joys
Folami	Unisex	Honor and respect; One who spreads warmth and sparkle

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African unisex names offer a deep understanding of the continent's cultural richness and diversity. They reflect the various ethnic groups and languages across Africa, with each name holding unique significance tied to tradition. These names can indicate the day of birth or express parental feelings and desired qualities. By learning about these names, parents can choose one that honors their heritage while also connecting with the wider African community. We hope our list gives you enough inspiration to bestow your child with a meaningful name.

Infographic: African Baby Unisex Names

African unisex names represent the continent's rich cultures and diverse identities. Each name is often connected to when a child is born or the feelings surrounding their arrival. Some names show birth order, while others express important qualities. Discover such meaningful names in our infographic and select one for your precious little one.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do African cultures typically choose names that are suitable for both genders?

African unisex names are generally chosen based on the events surrounding birth, order of birth, environment, social class, individual spirit, and ethnic or religious affiliations. For instance, Tokunbo, meaning ‘one who is from across the seas,’ may denote a child born abroad.

2. What are some African unisex names starting with A that have historical significance?

Asante and Achebe are African unisex A-names that have historical associations. Asante is associated with the historical empire in southern Ghana that was involved in farming and trade. Achebe is associated with the famous writer Chinua, regarded as the founding father of African literature.

3. What are some traditional African unisex names?

Ayodele, meaning ‘joy has come home,’ Adetokunbo, meaning ‘crown,’ Panyin, meaning ‘oldest twin,’ and Kakra, meaning ‘younger of twins,’ are a few traditional African names that are gender-neutral.

4. Which African unisex names are inspired by nature?

Names like Bubu, meaning ‘owl,’ Lwandle, meaning ‘ocean,’ Jioni, meaning ‘evening,’ and Meko, meaning ‘sprouting seed,’ draw inspiration from nature.

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.