90 Swahili Baby Names With Meanings
A catalog of the best gems from the East African coast.
Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
If you're on the quest for ideal Swahili baby names, consider it an exciting treasure hunt where you're destined to be a winner. Hidden on the Internet or tucked within the pages of a baby name book, the perfect name awaits your discovery. You just have to find out the perfect one, which you surely will. We have crafted a helpful cheat sheet for Swahili baby names to make your search easier. Swahili, often referred to by its local name Kiswahili, holds a significant place as the native language of the Swahili people, primarily found in the picturesque lands of Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique. This captivating language finds its core in the Bantu languages spoken along the enchanting coast of East Africa. Swahili, the official language of Kenya and Tanzania, widely used in countries like Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is highly influenced by other languages and dialects. Some of the Swahili words are Arabic, obtained from the ten centuries of contact with the Arabic nations. The Swahili loanwords emerged during the time of trade between the towns of the East African coast, Asia, and the Persian Gulf. It was during this period that Swahili evolved into a widely spoken bridge language in the region (1). Even the name of the language itself is derived from an Arabic term meaning 'of the coast' (2). However, several of its words are influenced by other languages as well. The vocabulary also includes English, Persian, Portuguese, German, and French words attained through contact with these countries in the past centuries. This influence is also reflected in Swahili baby names, considering a large number of Swahili names are either Arabic or Biblical. Below is our wide selection of traditional, modern, unique, and famous Swahili baby names with meanings and traditional gender use.
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Abedi |  Boy | Worshipper | |
| Adea | Girl | A kind gift from the God | |
| Adia | Girl | A gift | |
| Adiah | Girl | God's gift or God's ornaments | |
| Ahadi | Girl | Promising; With much promise | |
| Aiysha | Girl | Powerful; Complete | |
| Akida | Boy | Chief; Officer; One who is determined and diplomatic | |
| Akina | Girl | Solidarity; Bond; Family bond | |
| Amana |  Unisex | Faithful and loyal warrior | |
| Amaziah | Boy | One who has the strength of God | |
| Amne | Girl | Safe; Secure | |
| Asafa | Boy | One who is the son of a chief; A Persian officer | |
| Asani | Boy | Rebellious | |
| Asanis | Boy | Rebel; a clear and modest person | |
| Ashura | Boy | Friend; The one who accompanies | |
| Athumani | Boy | The third Khalifa | |
| Atiena | Girl | Guardian of the night | |
| Auni | Boy | Help; Assist | |
| Azizi | Boy | Beloved; Precious one; Treasure; Valuable | |
| Badru | Boy | Full Moon; A variant of the name Badr | |
| Bakari | Boy | Hopeful; Noble oath | |
| Banou | Girl | Female; Lady; Princess | |
| Barika | Girl | Bloom; Be successful | |
| Binti | Girl | Daughter | |
| Chacha | Boy | A strong man | |
| Chandu | Boy | An octopus | |
| Chane | Boy | The one having a strong oak heart | |
| Chiku | Girl | The one talking a lot | |
| Djimon | Boy | One who has strong blood; Powerful person | |
| Elewisa | Boy | An intelligent and mindful person | |
| Enzi | Unisex | Strong and powerful | |
| Hami | Boy | Defender; Patron; Protector; Supporter; Show favor; From Swahili | |
| Hashaan | Boy | Good-looking | |
| Hasnaa | Girl | Very beautiful | |
| Hassian | Boy | Handsome | |
| Hediye | Girl | Gift | |
| Iniko | Unisex | Strong, courageous, powerful | |
| Ishaal | Unisex | Light; Illumination | |
| Jabali | Boy | A man who is strong as a rock | |
| Jabori | Boy | One who brings comfort to people | |
| Jahari | Unisex | Jjewel or precious stone | |
| Jel | Boy | Refers to strong and hard | |
| Jina | Unisex | Born investigators with leadership skills; Curious and always seeking knowledge | |
| Johari | Girl | Something of value; Jewel; Something precious; Which is adored | |
| Julani | Unisex | Strength and bravery | |
| Kamaria | Girl | Moon | |
| Kamili | Boy | Perfect, without flaws | |
| Keny | Unisex | Strong, intelligent, determined | |
| Kenyada | Boy | Gem | |
| Kenyatta | Boy | Jewel | |
| Kenzi | Unisex | The one who is artistic and unique | |
| Kesi | Girl | Born at a time of great trouble for father | |
| Kichaka | Girl | The one who blushes | |
| Kito | Boy | A precious stone | |
| Kobe | Boy | Holder of the heel | |
| Kondo | Boy | A warrior | |
| Lakeisha | Girl | Joyful | |
| Lakicia | Girl | She who is a Favorite among people | |
| Liela | Unisex | Night's beauty | |
| Mosi | Unisex | The first-born child | |
| Mosiya | Unisex | A first-born child to the parents | |
| Nairobi | Unisex | Cool water | |
| Nalah | Girl | A lioness; As furious as a lioness | |
| Nalla | Girl | A successful person; One who has achieved everything | |
| Nea | Girl | Radiant; Shimmering; Glossy; Glistening | |
| Niagh | Girl | An aim or a purpose | |
| Nya | Girl | Friend; Young; Purpose | |
| Nyeema | Unisex | Graceful or blessed | |
| Nyimbo | Girl | An Arabic word one who gives respect and honor others | |
| Nyota | Unisex | Star | |
| Pacca | Girl | A pussycat; A lovely person | |
| Penda | Girl | Admired; Loved; Beloved; A variant of Penha | |
| Reth | Boy | The King, the Ruler | |
| Riziki | Unisex | Blessing or provision | |
| Russom | Unisex | One who is a leader; A head of the charge | |
| Sarabi | Girl | Mirage; Illusion | |
| Sefu | Boy | Sword | |
| Shani | Girl | A wonderful woman | |
| Shomari | Boy | One with a forceful personality | |
| Sikudhani | Girl | A pleasant surprise | |
| Simba | Boy | Power; Strength; Lion | |
| Tabari | Boy | A famous Historian | |
| Tabia | Girl | Polite behavior and talented | |
| Tambika | Girl | Religious offering | |
| Tanzania | Unisex | Country in East Africa | |
| Thimba | Boy | Lion hunter | |
| Tish | Girl | A strong will; Will-power | |
| Tishala | Girl | One who has strong willpower | |
| Zahara | Girl | To shine; To bloom | |
| Zuberi | Boy | One who is strong | |
This compilation of Swahili baby names with meaningful interpretations offers a treasure trove of options for parents seeking unique and culturally rich names for their children. Each name carries a story and essence from Swahili heritage, reflecting the beauty and diversity of African culture. Whether you're looking for names inspired by nature, virtues, or historical significance, this list provides a delightful array of choices. Embrace the richness of the Swahili language and let these names resonate with your heart as they grace your little ones with exquisite identities.
Infographic: Mesmerizing Swahili Names For Your Bundle Of Joy
The quaint Swahili region has a long and unique cultural history. Its eponymous language is a multicultural polyglot. So you can expect to find many profoundly meaningful names for your little one. Moreover, most of them are easy to pronounce without any silent letters. This infographic lists the top ones.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Get high-quality PDF version by clicking below.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What name means beautiful in Swahili?
In Swahili, the feminine name Zuri means ‘beautiful.’ The names Jamila and Jamala are derived from the masculine Jamil, which means ‘beauty.’
2. What name means blessed in Swahili?
The gender-neutral name, Baraka, means ‘blessed’ in Swahili. The feminine name Neema means ‘blessing’ in the same language.
3. What name means lucky in Swahili?
In Swahili, the unisex name Bahati means ‘luck or ‘good fortune.’
4. What Swahili names mean faith?
The Swahili name Imani, with Arabic roots, means ‘faith.’ The feminine name ‘Taraji’ means ‘hope,’ also associated with faith.
5. What is the Swahili name for hope?
The unisex name Tumaini means ‘hope’ in the Swahili language. The feminine name ‘Taraji’ also means ‘to hope’ or ‘to wish for.’
6. What Swahili names mean courage?
The masculine first name Jabari means ‘the brave one’ in Swahili. The feminine name Jasiri refers to ‘bold and courageous.’
7. What Swahili names mean strength?
In Swahili, the masculine name Kiume means ‘stamina’ or ‘strength,’ while the unisex name Makini refers to ‘the strength of a person’s character.’ Nwabudike means ‘the father’s strength lies in his son.’ The name Nguvu means ‘strong’ in Swahili.
8. What are some creative ways that Swahili baby names are being incorporated into modern naming conventions?
Swahili names can be modernized by altering the spelling or adding prefixes or suffixes to create a fresh new variation while still maintaining the Swahili essence. Swahili words having positive meanings or those related to nature or good human virtues and qualities can also be adopted as a name for children.
References:
- Swahili Language.
https://www.ohio.edu/cis/african/languages/swahili - The People of the Swahili Coast.
https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/people-coast/
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.
