123 Kenyan Baby Girl Names With Meanings

Embark on a safari of sweetness with names inspired by the cradle of humanity.

Written by Trisha Chakraborty, MA, BEd Specialty: Child development & educationExperience: 5 years

Trisha worked as a schoolteacher for three years before taking up professional writing in 2021. She completed her masters in English from the University of Calcutta and bachelors in Education from the... more

Edited by Shikha Thakur, MBA Specialty: Relationships and Baby NamesExperience: 7 years

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 ar... more

Fact-checked by Nisha Bharatan, B.Tech Specialty: Kids Fun and Developmental ActivitiesExperience: 6 years

Nisha Bharatan is a writer with six years of experience. After completing her engineering from Savitribai Phule Pune University, she did content marketing courses to complement her interest in writing... more

• Sep 6, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Kenya, an East African nation, is well-known for its beautiful scenery and vast animal reserves. This post on Kenyan baby girl names will provide you with an insight into the country's religious and cultural beliefs.

Kenya's urban and rural cultures stand in stark contrast, as is the case in many other developing African nations. However, despite Kenya's development and urbanization, traditional behaviors continue to be significant. Due to the extensive anthropological research conducted on the people of Kenya during the British colonial era, rituals and customs are well-documented, and oral literature is preserved.

Naming a baby in Kenya is a celebration of identity and family lineage. Kenyan names often have distinct meanings derived from local languages, such as Swahili, Maasai, and Luo. These names go beyond mere phonetics; they hold the essence of the people and communities that make up this beautiful nation.

The christening of a newborn baby is seen as a very important event in Kenya. Names can represent a variety of things in this culture. For instance, the child's name may be related to the tribe they come from. It is also common for a baby's name to have familial ties. For example, grandparent names are frequently used for naming a child. The time or season of the child's birth may also serve as the inspiration for the child's name (1).

Kenyan names also often carry meanings that relate to qualities parents wish for their children to embody. For instance, the name Absco means ‘one who is hardworking and industrious,’ symbolizing the hope for a successful life. Wangera, meaning ‘a traveler,’ represents a deep aspiration for the child's future endeavors.

Join us as we explore the world of Kenyan girl names. Each name serves as a symbol of this culture's enduring spirit and parents' unending love for their children.

‹

›

Name	Gender	Meaning
Wangai	Girl	Born of God
Wangari	Girl	A leopard
Wangera	Girl	A traveler
Wangu	Girl	The one who gathers the firewood
Wanja	Girl	The one from without
Wanjeri	Girl	Born of Njeri
Wanjiku	Girl	One of the nine founders of Agikuyu
Wanjiru	Girl	One of the nine founders of Agikuyu
Waseme	Girl	Let them talk
Winda	Girl	Chasing for food

Winta	Girl	Desire
Wokabi	Girl	She is of the Maasai
Xinavane	Girl	Spread; Propagate
Xolani	Girl	Be at peace
Yumna	Girl	Fortunate child
Yusra	Girl	Wealth; Ease
Zaafarani	Girl	Saffron
Zahra	Girl	Shining; Flower
Zalika	Girl	One who is well-born
Zarifa	Girl	The one who is destined to be successful

Zawadi	Girl	Gift
Zera	Girl	Dawn
Zuwena	Girl	Good

« 1 2

In a world where change is constant, Kenyan naming traditions have adapted to the changes, creating a beautiful blend of past and present. The names that flourish today are a living testament to the enduring spirit of Kenya, a country that cherishes its culture while embracing modernity. Kenyan baby girl names carry a profound significance. They mirror the environment of birth, connecting children to the world around them. Ultimately, bestow a name on your little princess that resonates with you and exemplifies her identity.

Infographic: Charming Kenyan Names For Baby Girls

Kenyan names trace their origins to the various Bantu languages spoken in the country and Kenyan English. The names have a unique charm due to the confluence of multiple cultures and languages. Our infographic unpacks a treasure trove of Kenyan baby girl names you may consider for your newborn daughter.

elegant kenyan names for baby girls (infographic)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Kenyan girl’s name means moon?

Elinah is a Kenyan girl’s name meaning moon.

2. What Kenyan girl’s name means freedom?

A girl's name of Kenyan origin meaning ‘freedom’ is Hiari (free will).

3. What Kenyan name means pure?

Junko is a Kenyan girl’s name meaning ‘pure.’ It also means genuine and obedient.

4. Are there any Kenyan girl names that have a meaning related to love or affection?

Maureen is a Kenyan girl’s name that means love.

5. What are some Kenyan girl names that have a meaning related to intelligence or wisdom?

Absco (one with an inventive mind) and Dhakiya (smart) are a few Kenyan girl names that signify intelligence or wisdom.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Kenyan Culture.
https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/kenyan-culture/kenyan-culture-naming

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.