If you’re searching high and low for a unique and beautiful name for your little bundle of joy, allow yourself to be inspired by the magical riches of the African tropics and tap into the otherworldly beauty of the Old World.
From popular to enduring classics on the ancient continent of Africa, our African baby names are a trove of unseen gems and pure gold, offering unique choices for your baby!
Embark with us on a safari through the African pampas and dance to the traditional, welcoming rhythms of the Maasai.
Let’s sail on an adventure through the Chobe River and catch a glimpse of the untamed African wilderness!
Our deep well of the top African baby names and their meanings is as rich as the wellsprings of the Nile in the Ethiopian Highlands!
In this article:
That said, as ancient as pharaonic Egypt, here is a marvel of sheer brilliance: Check out our 355 African baby names!
African girl names:
Abebe - Asked for or He has blossomed
Abena - Born on Tuesday
Adeola - The crown brings happiness or The crown brings wealth/honor
Adhiambo - Born after sunset
Afolabi - Born into wealth
Aisha - Alive, living
Almasi - Diamond
Amara - Grace or kindness
Bhekizizwe - Look after the nations
Binta - With God
Boipelo - Proud
Bolanle - Finds wealth at home
Bongani - Be grateful
Busisiwe - Blessed
Chebet - Born during the day
Chiamaka - God is beautiful
Chidochashe - God's will
Chidubem - God is my guide
Chijioke - God's portion is the best
Chike - God's power
Chikumbutso - Remembrance
Chipo - Gift
Dakarai - Rejoice
Dalia - Grapevine
Dalili - Sign or omen
Dalmar - Versatile
Daudi - Beloved
Deren - Bird
Dikeledi - Tears
Dumisani - Give praise
Ebele - Mercy, kindness
Efia - Born on Friday
Efua - Born on Friday
Ekon - Strong
Elima - First-born
Eshe - Life
Esosa - God's gift
Farai - Be happy
Femi - God loves me
Feyisa - Freedom
Fola - Honor
Folake - Taken care of by God
Folami - Honor me
Fungai - Think or ponder
Furaha - Joy, happiness
Gadifele - Without any blemish
Gakuru - Eldest
Gbemisola - Carry me into wealth
Gcobani - Be joyful
Gobez - Brave, valiant
Goitsemang - Who knows?
Gontse - Joy
Gugulethu - Our treasure
Habibah - Beloved
Hadiya - Gift
Halima - Gentle, forbearing
Hasani - Handsome
Hassan - Handsome, good
Hawa - Desire, wish
Hiwot - Life
Hlengiwe - Rescued
Idris - Studious, eager
Ife - Love
Ijeoma - Safe journey
Iniko - Trouble birth
Isoke - Satisfying look/view
Iyapo - Numerous pleasant times
Jabali - Rock
Jabari - Brave
Jaha - Dignity
Jalil - Revered
Jamila - Beautiful
Jengo - Building
Kamaria - Moonlight
Karama - Dignity, respect
Kgosi - King or chief
Khadija - Premature child
Kito - Jewel
Kofi - Born on Friday
Kwabena - Born on Tuesday
Kwame - Born on Saturday
Lakisha - The favored one
Langa - Sun
Lerato - Love
Leruo - Wealth
Lethabo - Joy
Letoya - Happiness
Lindiwe - Waited for
Lungi - With me
Makena - The happy one
Masego - Blessings
Mbabazi - Grace
Mbali - Flower
Mosi - First-born
Mpho - Gift
Mwanajuma - Born on Friday
Naledi - Star
Ndidi - Patience
Nia - Purpose or will
Nkiruka - The future is great
Nthanda - Star
Nuru - Light
Nyasha - Mercy or grace
Okechukwu - God's gift
Ola - Wealth
Oluchi - God's work
Olufemi - God loves me
Oluwa - God
Omotola - Child is as valuable as wealth
Oni - Born on holy ground
Onyeka - Who is the greatest
Paki - Witness
Paridhi - Realm
Pelonomi - I am thankful
Penda - Love
Pendo - A gender-neutral name that means Love
Pheko - Reflection
Pumla - Rest or relaxation
Qhamani - Shine
Qhawe - Hero
Qondile - Acceptance
Qondiswa - To be sanctified
Quanza - The beginning
Qwara - Traditional Ethiopian title
Rafaela - Healed by God
Rafiki - Friend
Ratidzo - Light
Rehema - Compassionate, merciful
Rethabile - We are happy
Rudo - Love
Salim - Safe, sound
Sanaa - Work of art, beauty
Sefu - Sword
Sekai - Be humorous
Sibusiso - Blessing
Simisola - Rest in wealth
Siti - Lady
Tandie - Fire
Tapiwa - Given
Tatenda - Thank you
Tau - Lion
Tendai - Be thankful
Thabo - Joy
Thandeka - Beloved
Themba - Trust or hope
Uchechi - God's will
Uchenna - God's idea
Udo - Peace
Umeko - Child of the sea
Unathi - God is with us
Uzoma - Good way
Uzuri - Beauty
Vimbai - Trust, believe
Vinjelu - Grace
Vongai - Receive
Vumile - Agreement
Vusi - To open, to lead
Vusumuzi - Rekindle the family
Vuyiswa - To be made happy
Wairimu - Daughter of Jomo
Wamalwa - Born during the brewing season
Wanjira - Daughter of Jira
Wekesa - Born during the harvest
Wekoweko - Bustle or hustle
Wezi - Dawn
Woineshet - She is beautiful
Xolani - Peace
Yaa - Born on Thursday
Yakini - Truthful
Yamikani - Be thankful
Yara - Small butterfly
Yedda - Voice
Yewande - Mother has returned
Yosef - He will add
Zainab - Father's jewel
Zainabu - Fragrant plant
Zanele - They are enough
Zola - Peaceful or quiet
Zuberi - Strong
Zuri - Beautiful
Don't miss our complete list of African girl names.
African boy names:
Abasi - Stern.
Achebe - Who is protected by the Goddess or God protects
Adane - Ethiopian, meaning "my son".
Adebayo - he came in a time of happiness (Yoruba).
Adom - God’s blessing.
Akil - intelligent, thoughtful.
Amir - Prince, commander.
Andile - They have multiplied/increased.
Anwar - brighter, clearer.
Ashon - First.
Badr - full moon.
Badu - tenth-born son.
Bakari - Promise.
Balozi - Ambassador.
Baraka - Blessing.
Bem - peace.
Bheka - Look, watch, see.
Boipelo - Proud.
Bongani - Be thankful, be grateful.
Cebisa - advice.
Chacha - strong.
Chenzira - born while traveling.
Chijindu - God is the pillar.
Chijioke - God is generous (Igbo).
Chikae - God's power.
Chuma - wealth.
Damilola - wealth is a blessing (Yoruba).
Daren - born at night.
Dawit - beloved, a variant of David.
Dayo - joy arrives.
Deka - one.
Diallo - bold.
Duale - health.
Dumisani - give praise.
Ebo - born on Tuesday.
Ekene - Praise (Igbo).
Ekon - strong.
Elimu - knowledge.
Emeka - great deeds.
Enzokuhle - Do good.
Eshe - life.
Eyoel - Ethiopian, meaning "God is with me".
Ezana - Ethiopian king's name.
Fadziso - rejoice.
Fahd - Leopard.
Fallou - respect.
Faraji - Consolation.
Femi - love me.
Fodjour - third child after twins.
Fola - Honor.
Folami - honor me.
Furaha - happiness.
Gamba - warrior.
Gatsha - share.
Gavivi - Money is sweet.
Gbenga - lift up, elevate.
Ghazi - Conqueror.
Gobez - Conqueror.
Gyasi - Wonderful.
Habari - news.
Hakim - wise.
Hamba - Joy.
Hani - happy.
Hasani - Handsome.
Hlompho - respect.
Hondo - war.
Hototo - warrior spirit who sings.
Ibubesi - lion.
Idowu - one born after twins.
Idris - studious, learned.
Ife - love.
Ikechukwu - power of God (Igbo).
Imamu - spiritual leader.
Iniko - Trouble at birth.
Isabis - something beautiful.
Isoke - satisfying, rewarding gift.
Jabari - Brave.
Jabulani - rejoice.
Jahi - Dignity.
Jamal - Beauty.
Jambo - affair, matter.
Jengo - building, construction.
Jolaoluwa - reaping the wealth of God.
Kafele - Worth dying for.
Kairo - morning sun.
Kamau - quiet warrior.
Kazi - labor, work.
Khalid - immortal, everlasting.
Khaya - home.
Kito - Precious.
Kojo - Born on Monday.
Kwabena - born on a Tuesday (Akan).
Kwame - Born on Saturday.
Kwesi - Born on Sunday.
Lamin - Peace.
Lateef - gentle, kind.
Layth - Lion.
Lekan - My wealth is increasing.
Lerato - love.
Lij - Ethiopian, meaning "child".
Lukeni - River.
Lumumba - gifted.
Lwandle - Ocean.
Madu - People.
Makena - happy one.
Malik - King.
Mandla - Strength, power.
Mawuli - there is God (Ewe).
Mosi - Firstborn.
Moto - fire.
Moussa - saved from the waters, a form of Moses.
Mzizi - tree root.
Nabil - noble.
Neema - born during prosperous times.
Ngozi - Blessing.
Njau - young bull.
Nkosana - Prince.
Nnamdi - My father is alive (Igbo).
Nqobile - the victorious.
Nuru - Light.
Nzuri - Good, beautiful.
Obi - heart.
Olabisi - Joy is multiplying.
Olumide - my God has come (Yoruba).
Oluwa - God.
Olwethu - ours.
Omar - Long-lived.
Osei - noble or honorable.
Osman - tender youth.
Paki - witness.
Palapala - ray.
Papa - Earth (Akan).
Penda - love.
Pili - Second.
Qasim - one who shares or divides.
Quao - born on a Wednesday (Akan).
Quophi - Born on Sunday.
Quwe - The name of a dance.
Qwara - Ethiopian region.
Rafaelo - God has healed.
Rafiki - Friend.
Rashid - Rightly guided.
Rudo - Love.
Samanyanga - mighty, strong.
Sefu - sword.
Siba - soul.
Simba - Lion.
Tariq - Morning star.
Tau - Lion.
Tendaji - makes things happen.
Themba - hope.
Tumelo - faith.
Ubora - excellence.
Udo - peace.
Uzoma - Good way.
Uzuri - beauty.
Vitalis - full of life.
Vuai - happiness.
Vusi - To wake.
Vuyo - happiness.
Wamalwa - born during the brewing season.
Wasaki - Warrior.
Waseme - Let them talk.
Xavier - new house or bright.
Xhosa - South African tribe.
Xola - Stay in peace.
Yafeu - boldness.
Yakini - truth.
Yakubu - Jacob.
Yaw - Born on Thursday.
Zahur - flower.
Zane - well-born, noble.
Zesiro - first-born twin.
Zubri - strong.
Zuri - Beautiful.
Don't miss our complete list of African boy names.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a strong African name?
Here are some unique African names that boldly reflect the unflinching African strength and valor:
Azibo (African): Means "earth."
Kwame (Akan, Ghana): Refers to a boy born on Saturday. The Akan people of Ghana often name their children based on the day they were born, and each name carries a specific meaning and personality trait. Kwame is believed to be calm and strong-willed.
Zuberi (Swahili): Means "strong."
Jabari (Swahili): Means "brave" or "valiant."
Mandla (Zulu, Ndebele): Means "strength" or "power."
Chijindum (Igbo, Nigeria): Means "God holds my life" or "God is the sustainer of my life."
Idris (Arabic, common in North and parts of East Africa): Often associated with the biblical figure Enoch, it can be interpreted as a studious person.
Amilcar (Berber): An ancient name linked to the Carthaginian military leader Amilcar Barca, father of the famous general Hannibal.
Obi (Igbo, Nigeria): It means "heart" and is often associated with one's inner strength.
Sekou (Mande, West Africa): This name means "warrior."
What are some authentic African names?
Here's a list of some authentic African names from different regions and languages:
West Africa:
Kwame (Akan, Ghana): For boys born on Saturday.
Ama (Akan, Ghana): For girls born on Saturday.
Chijioke (Igbo, Nigeria): Means "God gives gifts" or "God's portion."
Chinua (Igbo, Nigeria): Short for Chinualumogu, as in Chinua Achebe, the famed Nigerian author. It means "May God fight for me."
Folake (Yoruba, Nigeria): Means "taken care of by God."
East Africa:
Asha (Swahili): Means "life."
Akinyi (Luo, Kenya): Refers to the morning sun or dawn, for a girl born at dawn.
Lelise (Amharic, Ethiopia): Means "for her."
Makena (Kikuyu, Kenya): Means "the happy one."
Central Africa:
Kazi (Bantu): Means "a hard worker."
Lumumba (Bantu, Democratic Republic of Congo): A famous name associated with Patrice Lumumba, the first Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Southern Africa:
Thabo (Sotho, Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa): Means "joy."
Nandi (Zulu, South Africa): Name of a Zulu queen.
Tapiwa (Shona, Zimbabwe): Means "given."
North Africa:
Amal (Arabic): Means "hope" or "expectation."
Samir (Arabic): Means "companion in evening talk."
What is the African name for a gift from God?
Invested with divine grandeur and a sense of humble gratitude toward God, some names serve as testimonials to the majestic event of birth and humane feelings of warmth laced with it.
This feeling is so powerful that it is considered almost a potent blending of divine intervention and magnanimous blessing - something only God can provide.
Some African names that capture this extraordinary sentiment are:
Nkosinathi (Zulu, South Africa): Means "God is with us."
Chijindu (Igbo, Nigeria): Means "God holds life" or "God is the sustainer of life."
Chidiebere (Igbo, Nigeria): Means "God is merciful."
Chisom (Igbo, Nigeria): Means "God is with me."
Bogale (Amharic, Ethiopia): Means "gift of God."
Munguana (Luganda, Uganda): Means "gift from God."
Ataullah (Arabic, common in North Africa): Means "gift of God."
Zawadi (Swahili, East Africa): While it directly translates to "gift," it's often used in the context of a precious gift, and can be inferred as a gift from God.
Thandolwethu (Zulu, South Africa): Means "our love," but it often carries the sentiment of a treasured, divinely given gift.
What is an African name for a boy?
Without a doubt, numerous African baby boy names deserve to make the list. Here are some popular African baby names that are unique in their own right:
Kwame (Akan, Ghana): Given to boys born on Saturday.
Chukwuemeka (Igbo, Nigeria): This means "God has done great" or "God has done well."
Olusegun (Yoruba, Nigeria): Means "God has been victorious."
Ousmane (Wolof, Senegal): A variant of the Arabic name Uthman.
Jabari (Swahili, East Africa): Means "brave" or "fearless."
Mandla (Zulu, South Africa): Means "strength" or "power."
Tendai (Shona, Zimbabwe): Means "be thankful" or "give thanks."
Desalegn (Amharic, Ethiopia): Means "happiness" or "joy."
Lamine (Mande, West Africa): A common name in various countries in West Africa.
Tarik (Arabic, North Africa): Referring to the morning star, it also carries historical significance due to Tariq ibn Ziyad, a Muslim Berber general who led the Islamic conquest of Spain.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, whether embodying spiritual meanings or reflecting a joyful appreciation of life's simple pleasures, African names capture the unmistakable beauty of Africa - and let’s not forget, Africa is the cradle of humanity.
If you have a soft spot for these exceptionally unique monikers, check out our lists of the best African baby boy names and their meanings and of the top African baby girl names and their meanings.
