African names
Names of African origin we cover in depth, each with meaning, etymology, and popularity data back to 1880.
- ZuriBeautiful or goodAfrican#328
- ZaireThe name Zaire is derived from a Portuguese adaptation of the Kikongo word 'nzadi' or 'nzere,' meaning 'the river that swallows all rivers,' referring to the Congo RiverAfrican#503
- DakariSuggested to mean 'joyful' or 'happy' in Swahili, though the derivation is not certainAfrican#837
- NalaShe who succeeds, or a gazelle (depending on the origin)African#856
- XolaniPeace, consolationAfrican#1,120
- ErmiasOf uncertain originAfrican#1,145
- SekaniOne who laughs, or laughterAfrican#1,186
- JabariOf uncertain origin, possibly from Swahili meaning 'brave' or 'fearless'African#1,188
- AyannaBeautiful flowerAfrican#1,367
- EmaniOf uncertain originAfrican#1,373
- MasaiThe name Masai is primarily associated with the Maasai people of East AfricaAfrican#1,509
- KhariOf uncertain originAfrican#1,529
- IsisOf uncertain meaning, possibly derived from the Egyptian name of the goddess Aset, interpreted as 'throne'African#1,622
- JahariOf debated meaningAfrican#1,663
- SadeOf Yoruba origin, Sade means 'crown' or 'honor bestowed upon a personAfrican#2,051
- JelaniMighty, powerfulAfrican#2,145
- DamaniProbably derived from Swahili, possibly meaning 'future' or 'tomorrow', though this is debatedAfrican#2,258
- MaheletPraise, thanks, or exaltationAfrican#2,583
- CharlizeVariant of Charlize, a feminine form of Charles, meaning 'free man'African#2,645
- AsanteThank you, or gratitude, in SwahiliAfrican#2,765
- Kwameborn on a SaturdayAfrican#2,941
- FatouDerived from a West African name meaning 'born after a long wait' or 'first child after many losses'African#2,957
- ImaraFirm, strong, or resoluteAfrican#2,998
- JidennaThe name Jidenna is of Igbo origin and means 'embrace' or 'hold ontoAfrican#3,089
- NolawiOf uncertain meaningAfrican#3,128
- KofiBorn on a FridayAfrican#3,240
- KamariaLike the moonAfrican#3,296
- SekouOf uncertain origin, possibly from a West African language meaning 'learned' or 'wise'African#3,314
- AissatouMay be derived from the Arabic name Aisha, meaning 'alive' or 'living'African#3,577
- KimaniOf uncertain origin, possibly 'sweet' or 'gentle' in Swahili, though debatedAfrican#3,583
- OusmaneMeaning debatedAfrican#3,583
- ZolaniThe name Zolani is often said to mean 'peace' or 'calm' in Zulu, but its exact meaning is uncertain and may vary by regionAfrican#3,712
- AyomideMy joy has arrivedAfrican#3,757
- NiaraOf high purposeAfrican#3,780
- KamaraOf uncertain originAfrican#3,903
- ChizaramGod answers (prayers), of Igbo originAfrican#3,975
- MansaRuler or king (from the Mande title for emperors of the Mali Empire)African#4,050
- KadiatouBorn on a SundayAfrican#4,067
- KidusSaint, holy oneAfrican#4,139
- TayoJoy or happinessAfrican#4,139
- EzanaBelongs to the 4th-century Aksumite king Ezana, meaning uncertain, possibly related to Ge'ez 'ezan' (elephant) or meaning 'he who listens' in some interpretationsAfrican#4,249
- OlaniDerived from the Yoruba element 'ọlá' meaning 'wealth, honor' or from Swahili 'olani' meaning 'heaven, sky'African#4,265
- SerigneA title of respect for a Muslim religious leader or scholar in Senegal and the wider Wolof communityAfrican#4,396
- TafariHe who inspires awe, or one who is fearedAfrican#4,396
- NeemaGrace, blessing, or favorAfrican#4,460
- YemayaOf uncertain originAfrican#4,460
- NaodOf debated originAfrican#4,539
- JamaniThe name is widely believed to mean 'handsome' or 'beautiful' in Swahili, though its origins are not entirely certain and may be a modern coinageAfrican#4,707
- ThiernoOne who is protected by God or a religious leader, from the Fula languageAfrican#4,707
- AmarachiGod's graceAfrican#4,758
- ArsemaOf uncertain meaningAfrican#4,758
- AwaOf debated origin, possibly meaning 'born on a Thursday' among the Akan people of GhanaAfrican#4,758
- ChimamandaMy God will not failAfrican#4,758
- AdannaHer father's daughterAfrican#4,878
- AsmaraOf debated originAfrican#4,987
- Ayomiof uncertain originAfrican#4,987
- AusarOf uncertain meaning, possibly derived from Egyptian 'wsjr' (Osiris), the god of the afterlifeAfrican#5,045
- NnamdiMy God is aliveAfrican#5,208
- AdaezeDaughter of a king or princessAfrican#5,238
- NefertariBeautiful companion or beloved of the goddess MutAfrican#5,238
- AdiaGift or present, possibly from the Swahili word 'adiya'African#5,410
- NyotaStar in SwahiliAfrican#5,410
- AraoluwaGod's eye or God sees (Yoruba origin)African#5,554
- FurahaJoy, happinessAfrican#5,554
- AyodejiJoy has become my crownAfrican#5,608
- KenechukwuThank God (or Thank the gods), from Igbo 'kene' (thank) and 'Chukwu' (God/Great Spirit)African#5,608
- ObinnaFather's heartAfrican#5,608
- AdaoraDaughter of all, or first daughterAfrican#5,722
- MunachimsoOf debated meaningAfrican#5,722
- SokhnaOf uncertain originAfrican#5,722
- TiaraoluwaTiaraoluwa means 'crown of God' in YorubaAfrican#5,722
- YemariamMay God be exalted, or a variant of the name Yemane related to the Virgin MaryAfrican#5,722
- Kwabenaborn on Tuesday (in Akan tradition)African#5,861
- MenelikSon of the wise man, or son of the sageAfrican#5,861
- OshunOf uncertain origin, likely derived from the Yoruba deity Ọ̀ṣun, representing the goddess of love, fertility, and riversAfrican#5,917
- ChizaraGod answers prayersAfrican#6,116
- ArinzeSeen only by GodAfrican#6,143
- IkennaGod's power, or the strength of GodAfrican#6,143
- KelechiThank God, thanks be to GodAfrican#6,143
- SimbaLion, in Swahili and other Bantu languagesAfrican#6,143
- ChiomaGod is goodAfrican#6,325
- MorayoI see joy, or I have found joyAfrican#6,325
- BoluwatifeAs God wishesAfrican#6,446
- ChidubemGod is my guideAfrican#6,446
- EfeTypically a short form of longer names, but as an independent name it is often associated with the Nigerian Urhobo word for "wealth" or "honorAfrican#6,446
- Iremideof uncertain meaningAfrican#6,446
- TobennaPraise God, thank God, or God is greatAfrican#6,446
- ChiOf uncertain originAfrican#6,546
- ChideraGod is good or God has writtenAfrican#6,546
- JadesolaWealth has comeAfrican#6,546
- SolaOne who is prayed forAfrican#6,546
- TanishaBorn on MondayAfrican#6,546
- AkinBrave, heroic, or warriorAfrican#6,803
- ElhadjiOf uncertain originAfrican#6,803
- KwakuBorn on a Wednesday (Akan day name)African#6,803
- EniolaA Yoruba name meaning 'person of wealth' or 'person with wealth'African#6,838
- NandiSweet, pleasant, or joyfulAfrican#6,838
- NdeyeMotherAfrican#6,838
- NyemaOf uncertain originAfrican#6,838
- RehemaMercy, compassionAfrican#6,838
- AbenaBorn on TuesdayAfrican#7,133
- InezaDerived from the Kinyarwanda word 'ineza', meaning 'goodness' or 'grace'African#7,133
- MakedaOf debated originAfrican#7,133
- BereketBlessing or abundanceAfrican#7,194
- KojoMeaning "born on Monday" in Akan traditionAfrican#7,194
- TobechukwuPraise GodAfrican#7,194
- ChisomGod goes with meAfrican#7,491
- AdemideOf uncertain originAfrican#7,679
- AmadiOne who seems destined to die at birth but survivesAfrican#7,679
- ChineduGod leads the wayAfrican#7,679
- DialloOf uncertain originAfrican#7,679
- JasiriBrave, bold, or courageousAfrican#7,679
- KamauQuiet warriorAfrican#7,679
- MaasaiOf uncertain originAfrican#7,679
- MassaiOf uncertain originAfrican#7,679
- ShemarOf uncertain originAfrican#7,679
- UgonnaFather's pride or father's jewel, often interpreted as 'God's glory' in Igbo contextAfrican#7,679
- IdaraOf uncertain originAfrican#7,885
- MaishaLifeAfrican#7,885
- OhemaaChief's daughter, princess, or female leaderAfrican#7,885
- TsionZion, a biblical place name symbolizing the Promised Land or a utopian idealAfrican#7,885
- ZikoraFrom the Igbo language, often interpreted as 'show off' or 'display', but the exact meaning is debated and context-dependentAfrican#7,885
- AmunThe hidden oneAfrican#8,243
- BarkotOf uncertain originAfrican#8,243
- EmekaGreat deedsAfrican#8,243
- FallouBorn on the first day of the week (Sunday)African#8,243
- KamsiyochukwuAs I am with God, so be itAfrican#8,243
- KwadwoBorn on a MondayAfrican#8,243
- CamaraOf uncertain originAfrican#8,362
- OluwadarasimiThe Lord is with me, or God is with meAfrican#8,362
- ZawadiGift (in Swahili)African#8,362
- AdjaOf uncertain originAfrican#8,860
- FevenBright, shining, or radiantAfrican#8,860
- InioluwaMeaning "the Lord's blessing" or "wealth of God" in YorubaAfrican#8,860
- OluwatamiloreGod is my joyAfrican#8,860
- AlazarGod has helpedAfrican#8,910
- ChukwuemekaGod has done great thingsAfrican#8,910
- OlajuwonOf uncertain meaningAfrican#8,910
- OluwademiladeGod has crowned meAfrican#8,910
- ShomariOf uncertain originAfrican#8,910
- UchennaGod's will or God's thoughtAfrican#8,910
- UgochukwuEagle's glory, or the glory of God, in the Igbo languageAfrican#8,910
- DjenebaOf uncertain origin, possibly a variant of Djénéba, which may mean 'firstborn' in BambaraAfrican#9,457
- IfeomaA good thing, or beautiful thingAfrican#9,457
- NhyiraBlessing, grace, or favor from GodAfrican#9,457
- OreoluwaA gift from God, specifically denoting a piece of God's wealth or favorAfrican#9,457
- BirukBlessing, from the Amharic word for blessingAfrican#9,714
- ChibuezeGod is kingAfrican#9,714
- KwesiBorn on SundayAfrican#9,714
- NkosiA common honorific meaning 'king, chief, lord' in several Nguni languages of Southern AfricaAfrican#9,714
- ObaloluwaThe Lord is God, or God is the KingAfrican#9,714
- OlufemiGod loves meAfrican#9,714
- OluwafemiGod loves meAfrican#9,714
- OluwaferanmiGod loves meAfrican#9,714
- OluwatimilehinMy God is enough for meAfrican#9,714
- OluwatobiGod is greatAfrican#9,714
- SurafelMy hope is in GodAfrican#9,714
- TayeOf uncertain originAfrican#9,714
- AdesuwaOne of the children yet to come, indicating the hope for more children in the familyAfrican#10,107
- AfomiaOf uncertain originAfrican#10,107
- Akuaborn on WednesdayAfrican#10,107
- AshaniProbably derived from the feminine form 'Ashanti', of uncertain origin and meaningAfrican#10,107
- HadijaBorn prematurely, or a female child born prematurelyAfrican#10,107
- IfeoluwaGod's loveAfrican#10,107
- IsatouOf uncertain meaningAfrican#10,107
- ChikamsoGod is with meAfrican#10,695
- ChinonsoGod is nearAfrican#10,695
- DemiladeMy crown has come home (Yoruba origin)African#10,695
- EdemOf uncertain originAfrican#10,695
- ErioluwaThe name Erioluwa means "the Lord sees" in YorubaAfrican#10,695
- IkechukwuGod's strengthAfrican#10,695
- KirubelGod protects, servant of God (of uncertain specific interpretation)African#10,695
- KwasiBorn on Sunday (Akan day-name tradition)African#10,695
- UchechukwuMind of GodAfrican#10,695
- YawBorn on a Thursday (among the Akan people of Ghana)African#10,695
- AdeolaCrown of wealthAfrican#10,917
- AnjolaoluwaThe joy of the Lord (Yoruba)African#10,917
- GelilaA name of Ethiopian origin, possibly meaning 'teacher' or 'guide'African#10,917
- IreoluwaThe goodness of GodAfrican#10,917
- JohariGemstone in Swahili, often used as a given nameAfrican#10,917
- MeklitA meaning is not well-establishedAfrican#10,917
- MunachiI am with God, or I am with the Lord (depending on tone)African#10,917
- Senaiof uncertain originAfrican#10,917
- SimisolaGod makes wealthAfrican#10,917
- TeniolaWe should adorn the crown of wealthAfrican#10,917
- AdwoaBorn on a MondayAfrican#11,932
- AkosuaBorn on a Sunday (Akan day-name tradition)African#11,932
- ChiamakaGod is beautifulAfrican#11,932
- FolasadeHonor confers a crownAfrican#11,932
- KemiCherished or preciousAfrican#11,932
- MaatTruth, justice, balance, and cosmic order in ancient Egyptian religionAfrican#11,932
- OgechiTime has come, or it is God's timeAfrican#11,932
- XolaThe meaning is uncertain, but it is often associated with the Xhosa word for 'peace' or related conceptsAfrican#11,932
- AdewaleThe crown has come homeAfrican#12,008
- AyindeWe gave praise and he came, or one who is praisedAfrican#12,008
- AyodeleJoy comes homeAfrican#12,008
- BakaryOf uncertain originAfrican#12,008
- ChikePower of GodAfrican#12,008
- EbrimaOf debated originAfrican#12,008
- IfeanyiIt is indeed possibleAfrican#12,008
Showing the 200 most popular of 380 african names.
Browse all with filters →