74 Swahili Baby Girl Names With Meanings

swahili-baby-girl-names-with-meanings

Swahili girl names bear great significance when it comes to understanding the linguistics and dialects of the region and its people. The Swahili people hold a rich heritage and culture tied to the great African continent, which is considered the cradle of humankind because archaeological evidence traces the origin of humans to the African subcontinent (1). And Swahili is one of the numerous languages and the most widely spoken one across this vast continent. It is the official language of Tanzania and Kenya and is native to the Bantu tribe. Interestingly, the Swahili language has several borrowed words from Arabic, whose influence may also be seen in its names (2). However, like everything else in today’s day and age, the names of the people have also been greatly influenced by modern technology and the conversion and shrinkage of the world into a global village. This modern development may have affected the dialect and traditions of the people, but some names are still traditional and resemble the very names their ancient ancestors would answer to. Here we have compiled a few Swahili baby girl names with their meanings so you may better understand what each name means, its significance, and its origin. A few potential Swahili baby girl names include options, such as Barika, meaning ‘bloom’ or ‘be successful,’ signifying growth and empowering one to persevere with determination. Another name, Kamaria, meaning ‘bright like the moon,’ may symbolize the radiance a baby girl brings with her and how she brightens the lives of those around her, especially her parents. Additionally, Swahili names such as Tambika, meaning ‘offering,’ indicate the religious roots and beliefs of the people. If you want more of such diverse and meaningful options, rummage through this detailed list of names and ensure to save any intriguing ones for future reference.

NameGenderMeaning
heart image Barika Baby Girl Sign Girl Bloom; Be successful
heart image Binti Baby Girl Sign Girl Daughter
heart image Jina Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Born investigators with leadership skills; Curious and always seeking knowledge
heart image Kamaria Baby Girl Sign Girl Moon
heart image Kesi Baby Girl Sign Girl Born at a time of great trouble for father
heart image Lakeisha Baby Girl Sign Girl Joyful
heart image Penda Baby Girl Sign Girl Admired; Loved; Beloved; A variant of Penha
heart image Shani Baby Girl Sign Girl A wonderful woman
heart image Zahara Baby Girl Sign Girl To shine; To bloom
heart image Adea Baby Girl Sign Girl A kind gift from the God
heart image Adia Baby Girl Sign Girl A gift
heart image Adiah Baby Girl Sign Girl God's gift or God's ornaments
heart image Ahadi Baby Girl Sign Girl Promising; With much promise
heart image Aiysha Baby Girl Sign Girl Powerful; Complete
heart image Akina Baby Girl Sign Girl Solidarity; Bond; Family bond
heart image Amana Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Faithful and loyal warrior
heart image Amne Baby Girl Sign Girl Safe; Secure
heart image Atiena Baby Girl Sign Girl Guardian of the night
heart image Bahati Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Fortunate; Lucky
heart image Banou Baby Girl Sign Girl Female; Lady; Princess
heart image Chiku Baby Girl Sign Girl The one talking a lot
heart image Desia Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Desired; Wished for
heart image Diani Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Divine; Joyful; Caring
heart image Enzi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strong and powerful
heart image Hasnaa Baby Girl Sign Girl Very beautiful
heart image Hediye Baby Girl Sign Girl Gift
heart image Imara Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strong; Resilient
heart image Iniko Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strong, courageous, powerful
heart image Ishaal Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Light; Illumination
heart image Jahari Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Jjewel or precious stone
heart image Jamani Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Righteous; Intelligent; Peaceful
heart image Jasiri Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Brave; Courageous
heart image Jendaya Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Unique; Strong
heart image Johari Baby Girl Sign Girl Something of value; Jewel; Something precious; Which is adored
heart image Julani Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strength and bravery
heart image Karisa Baby Girl Sign Girl Grace; Kindness
heart image Keny Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strong, intelligent, determined
heart image Kenzi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The one who is artistic and unique
heart image Kichaka Baby Girl Sign Girl The one who blushes
heart image Kimana Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Butterfly
heart image Kimara Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Rare beauty
heart image Lakicia Baby Girl Sign Girl She who is a Favorite among people
heart image Liela Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Night's beauty
heart image Melanin Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color
heart image Mosi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The first-born child
heart image Mosiya Unisex Baby Sign Unisex A first-born child to the parents
heart image Nairobi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Cool water
heart image Nalah Baby Girl Sign Girl A lioness; As furious as a lioness
heart image Nalla Baby Girl Sign Girl A successful person; One who has achieved everything
heart image Nea Baby Girl Sign Girl Radiant; Shimmering; Glossy; Glistening
heart image Niagh Baby Girl Sign Girl An aim or a purpose
heart image Niambi Baby Girl Sign Girl Strong-willed; Determined
heart image Niari Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Goddess of water; Beautiful river
heart image Nya Baby Girl Sign Girl Friend; Young; Purpose
heart image Nyeema Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Graceful or blessed
heart image Nyimbo Baby Girl Sign Girl An Arabic word one who gives respect and honor others
heart image Nyota Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Star
heart image Nzuri Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Beautiful; Unique; African
heart image Pacca Baby Girl Sign Girl A pussycat; A lovely person
heart image Pendo Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Love
heart image Riziki Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Blessing or provision
heart image Russom Unisex Baby Sign Unisex One who is a leader; A head of the charge
heart image Sarabi Baby Girl Sign Girl Mirage; Illusion
heart image Shenzi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Savage; Barbaric
heart image Sikudhani Baby Girl Sign Girl A pleasant surprise
heart image Tabia Baby Girl Sign Girl Polite behavior and talented
heart image Tambika Baby Girl Sign Girl Religious offering
heart image Tanzania Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Country in East Africa
heart image Tish Baby Girl Sign Girl A strong will; Will-power
heart image Tishala Baby Girl Sign Girl One who has strong willpower
heart image Valyn Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strength; Valor; Feminine
heart image Zarriah Baby Girl Sign Girl Unique; Strong; Feminine
heart image Zazu Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Movement
heart image Zeze Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Boys

Swahili girl names symbolize the rich culture and traditions of an ancient land that has seen many historic and significant events. These names, imbibed with history, have pleasant and thoughtful meanings associated with the natural elements and divine connotations. This compilation of names is a sample of the plethora of Swahili girl names that can be sifted through to find the perfect fit for your precious little bundle of joy. Thus, whatever your choice may be, each one can have a positive impact on your child’s future and also bring with it a vibrant history.

Infographic: Ethnic Swahili Baby Girl Names With Meanings

Africa is a continent that has a rich and bountiful history. Swahili is one of the languages indigenous to the eastern side of this mighty continent. The names from this language sound sweet and distinctive. Check out our infographic to explore Swahili names that you may wish to bestow upon your little one.

lovely swahili girl names for your little princess (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some unique or uncommon Swahili baby girl names?

Radhi signifies 'apology' or 'to be granted forgiveness,' Adia means 'gift' or 'noble.' Ahadi represents 'promise,' and Amali, meaning of 'hope,' are some unique choices among Swahili people. Amini is a multicultural name that translates to 'trust' in Swahili, while Aminia conveys 'faithful.' These names reflect Swahili's rich linguistic and cultural heritage, offering unique options for parents seeking distinctive and meaningful names for their daughters.

2. What are some common themes or patterns in Swahili baby girl names, such as nature, virtues, or historical figures?

Swahili baby girl names often draw inspiration from various themes and patterns. Nature-inspired names like Mawenzi, meaning 'mountain', or Zahra meaning 'flower' are popular, reflecting the beauty of the natural world. Virtue names like Imani, which means 'faith' or Amani, meaning 'peace' are embraced, emphasizing positive qualities and values. Additionally, Swahili baby girl names may honor historical figures such as Mekatilili, a renowned Kenyan freedom fighter, showcasing cultural heritage and celebrating the achievements of notable individuals.

3. How do Swahili baby names reflect the country's history and culture?

Swahili baby names reveal much about the country's culture. Patronymic names reflect the Swahili people's strong connection to their past, where names are derived from fathers or ancestors. This creates a meaningful link between past and present generations; some communities even use ancestral names for protection. Religious names, such as Muslim and Christian names like John or Mohamed, further emphasize the Swahili people's deep religious ties and their connection to a Supreme Being.

4. Which names mean angel in Swahili?

The name Malaika means 'angel' in Swahili. Some other names with similar meanings include Hasnaa (beautiful), Nea (radiant), Barika (Bloom), and Lakeisha (joyful).

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.
  1. Africa: Human Geography.
    https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/africa-human-geography/
  2. Swahili language.
    https://www.ohio.edu/cis/african/languages/swahili
Was this article helpful?
thumbsupthumbsdown
The following two tabs change content below.