Rising since 2002, #8,362 for girls today.
Popularity of Zawadi since 1998
Babies named Zawadi per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 44 |
| 2010s | 104 |
| 2020s | 105 |
Meaning & origin
Zawadi first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1998, and since 2002 it has been on a steady upward trajectory, gaining modest but consistent usage. The name reached its peak rank of 8,362 in 2025, with roughly 1 in 133,939 newborn girls receiving the name that year. Zawadi is drawn from the Swahili word for 'gift,' a meaning that resonates across cultures. While it has not yet appeared in any top state rankings, its gentle rise reflects a broader interest in African names and meaningful word names in the United States. The name remains rare enough to feel distinctive but carries a clear, uplifting significance that appeals to parents seeking a name with depth and cultural roots.
Zawadi comes directly from the Swahili word meaning 'gift,' and is used as a given name in East Africa, particularly in Kenya and Tanzania. It is also found in African diaspora communities, where it is chosen for its positive meaning and cultural resonance.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Zaza, Wadi
Sibling names for Zawadi
Names that share Zawadi's style, for a brother or sister.
