Are you looking for a beautiful African name for your baby? There's a huge range of African names to choose from - after all, there are 54 different African countries, each of them with its own language, unique culture and individual names.
Whether you're African, have family links to an African country, or you just want a special and unique name from this beautiful continent - there are loads of pretty African girl names to choose from your new daughter. With lovely meanings including flower, peace and joy our list of African names for girls is sure to inspire you.
To help you choose we've put together a list of rare, common and traditional African names for both girls and boys. Our list includes names that are both long or short, derived from countries all over the continent such as Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, South Africa, Malawi, Kenya and Somalia.
In many African countries, baby names are chosen based on which day the child was born and each day has a different meaning for example Monday is associated with peace while Thursday is associated with the earth. Influenced by a mix of Christian, Muslim and Arabic traditions, the majority of these African baby names also religious meanings or links.
Here’s our list of the best African baby names to inspire you…
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African names are unique and beautiful and baby is sure to be remembered with a gorgeous name like Kesia or Umi.
To choose an African name for baby is to appreciate the culture it came from. And luckily for us, some of these names are becoming popularized more in media-like Chidi from “The Good Place”-which is helping to shed light on the huge array of names that deserve to be more widely appreciated.
But overall, the diverse range is everything with these African names. Africa is one of the most diverse continents in the world when it comes to the sheer volume of languages spoken. With over 1,500 estimated languages spoken in Africa, it’s safe to say there are a lot of names to choose from.
The descriptive word “Africa,” for many of its 1.2 billion people, equates to a home of unequaled linguistic, ethnic, and cultural variety, the place of an ancient civilization. But where did the name “Africa” come from?
For a long time, the origin of the name “Africa” has been debated, as many historians have disagreed on how the continent got its name. One view is that the word originated from the Romans, who named the land they found on the opposite side of the Mediterranean after a Berber tribe living in the Carthage area (now Tunisia).
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Some historians suggest that the word "Africa" may have originated from the Latin word "afri," which was used to refer to the Berber tribe of the Aourigha. The Romans called the region Afri-terra, meaning “the land of the Afri.” The Latin suffix -ica is used to denote a landmass as well.
In the 1st century CE, the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus wrote that the continent was named after Afer, the grandson of Abraham and a companion of Hercules, whose descendants are said to have invaded Libya. The Hebrew name for the continent, Auphirah, is said to be written as Ophir in many Jewish records.
Another theory suggests that Africa was named after a Yemenite chieftain, Africus, who is said to have invaded North Africa around the second millennium BC. Legend says that upon founding a settlement in his newly conquered land, he named it “Afrikyah.”
Some historians connect the name to the continent’s climate. For others, it is a variation of the Roman word “Aprica,” meaning sunny, or the Phoenician word “afar,” meaning dust.
Further, it is assumed that traders from modern-day India introduced the name. In Sanskrit and Hindi, the root word “Apara,” or Africa, translates geographically as a place that “comes after” or is to the west. They argue that Romans and Greeks started using the name right only after their first contact with African people, following the Romans.
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According to historian Ivan Van Sertima, the term “Afru-ika” means “birthplace” or “Motherland.” Essentially, “Afru-ika” means “to turn toward the opening of the Ka, womb or birthplace.” Other theories have equated “Africa” to the fourth Dynasty pharaoh, Khafre, who ruled from c. 2558 to 2532 BC.
The following should be noted as far as African names are concerned. Basically, they have literal and figurative meanings.
The figurative meanings appear more impactful more often than not. The extended or the more significant meaning is usually indicated here after the right arrow sign (“➡️”).
15 Beautiful African Baby Girl Names with Meanings
African Girl Names
Whether you're looking for pretty African names for your little girl or handsome African names for your boy you'll find them below all with their meanings, origins, traditions and longer versions where appropriate.
- Abeba
- Origin: Amharic, Ethiopian
- Meaning: flower
- Aberash
- Origin: Amharic, Ethiopian
- Meaning: giving off light, shining
- Abike
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: one who is born to be cared for
- Adaeze
- Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
- Meaning: eldest daughter of the king
- Alheri
- Origin: Hausa, Nigerian
- Meaning: the charitable, the good
- Asha
- Origin: Swahili, Tanzanian
- Meaning: live, exist
- Ayaan
- Origin: Somali, Somalian
- Meaning: good luck
- Bahati
- Origin: Swahili, Tanzanian
- Meaning: luck, good fortune
- Bisola
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: born into wealth
- Short for: Abisola
- Buhle
- Origin: Xhosa, South African
- Meaning: beautiful
- Businge
- Origin: Rukiga, Ugandan
- Meaning: peace
- ChiChi
- Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
- Meaning: god with me
- Short for: Chiamaka, Chibuzo, Chinelo
- Chiamaka
- Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
- Meaning: God is more beautiful
- Dalitso
- Origin: Chewa, Malawian
- Meaning: blessing
- Danai
- Origin: Shona, Zimbabwean
- Meaning: to summon
- Desta
- Origin: Amharic, Ethiopian
- Meaning: joy
- Ekene
- Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
- Meaning: gratitude
- Eniola
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: person of wealth
- Femi
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: God loves me
- Short for: Olufemi
- Hodan
- Origin: Somali, Somalian
- Meaning: rich, lush
- Ife
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: love
- Ime
- Origin: Ibibio, Nigerian
- Meaning: patience
- Kiitan
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: God’s riches are infinite
- Short for: Olaoluwakiitan
- Lara
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: this child is kin
- Short for: Omolara
- Nia
- Origin: Swahili, Tanzanian
- Meaning: purpose, aim
- Lindiwe
- Origin: Zulu, South African
- Meaning: waited for, awaited
- Makena
- Origin: Kikuyu, Kenyan
- Meaning: happy one
- Mirembe
- Origin: Luganda, Ugandan
- Meaning: peace
- Mukami
- Origin: Kikuyu, Kenyan
- Meaning: the one who milks the cows
- Neema
- Origin: Swahili, Tanzanian
- Meaning: divine grace
- Nneka
- Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
- Meaning: mother is great
- Ntombifuthi
- Origin: Zulu, South African
- Meaning: a girl again
- Omphile
- Origin: Tswana, Botswanan
- Meaning: he has given
- Onalerona
- Origin: Tswana, Botswanan
- Meaning: he is with us
- Rehema
- Origin: Swahili, Tanzanian
- Meaning: mercy, compassion
- Rufaro
- Origin: Shona, Zimbabwean
- Meaning: happiness
- Sade
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: rule with nobility
- Short for: Folasade
- Sethunya
- Origin: Tswana, Botswanan
- Meaning: bloom, flower
- Sola
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: a child crowned with wealth
- Short for: Adesola, Olusola
- Tolu
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: God be praised
- Short for: Tolulope
- Uju
- Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
- Meaning: fullness, plenty
- Upendo
- Origin: Swahili, Tanzanian
- Meaning: love
- Wanangwa
- Origin: Tumbuka
- Meaning: freedom
- Yetunde
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: mother has come again
- Yinka
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: success surrounds me
- Short for: Olayinka
- Zawadi
- Origin: Swahili, Tanzanian
- Meaning: gift
African Boy Names
You're spoilt for choice if you need an African boy name for your son with a whole treasure trove of gorgeous names from the many countries that make up this diverse continent. We've listed strong and classic names, plus names with wonderful pronunciations and brilliant meanings such as gift, power, hope and faith.
- Akachi
- Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
- Meaning: the hand of God
- Akinwunmi
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: valour is pleasing
- Also: Akin, Wunmi
- Akpofure
- Origin: Urhobo, Nigerian
- Meaning: life is peaceful
- Alinafe
- Origin: Chewa, Malawian
- Meaning: he/she is with us
- Alemayehu
- Origin: Amharic, Ethiopian
- Meaning: I have seen the world
- Ayele
- Origin: Amharic, Ethiopian
- Meaning: become strong/powerful
- Babatunde
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: father has come again
- Also: Baba, Tunde
- Baraka
- Origin: Swahili, Tanzanian
- Meaning: blessing
- Bello
- Origin: Fula, Nigerian
- Meaning: helper
- Boipelo
- Origin: Tswana, Botswanan
- Meaning: joy, rejoicing
- Bongani
- Origin: Zulu, South African
- Meaning: grateful, thankful
- Chinedu
- Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
- Meaning: God is leading
- Chukwuemeka
- Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
- Meaning: God did a greater deed
- Chisomo
- Origin: Chewa, Malawian
- Meaning: grace
- Dakarai
- Origin: Shona, Zimbabwean
- Meaning: rejoice
- Dayo
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: joy arrives
- Short for: Adedayo, Oromidayo
- Dejen
- Origin: Amharic, Ethiopian
- Meaning: foundation, support
- Ejike
- Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
- Meaning: having strength
- Gadisa
- Origin: Oromo, Ethiopian
- Meaning: shade
- Ifa
- Origin: Oromo, Ethiopian
- Meaning: light
- Ifeanyi
- Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
- Meaning: we can do anything
- Ikenna
- Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
- Meaning: power of the father
- Imani
- Origin: Swahili, Tanzanian
- Meaning: faith
- Jango
- Origin: Xhosa, South African
- Meaning: brave, warrior
- Jimi
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: God gave me this
- Short for: Olujimi
- Kayode
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: bringing joy
- Kirabo
- Origin: Luganda, Ugandan
- Meaning: gift
- Kisembo
- Origin: Tooro, Ugandan
- Meaning: gift
- Limbani
- Origin: Chewa, Malawian
- Meaning: be strong
- Lencho
- Origin: Oromo, Ethiopian
- Meaning: lion
- Maina
- Origin: Kikuyu, Kenyan
- Meaning: sing, dance
- Masamba
- Origin: Yao, Malawian
- Meaning: leaves, vegetables
- Munashe
- Origin: Shona, Zimbabwean
- Meaning: with God
- Njinga
- Origin: Mbundu, Angolan
- Meaning: to twist or wrap
- Obinna
- Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
- Meaning: heart of the father
- Also: Obi
- Ochieng
- Origin: Luo, Kenyan
- Meaning: born when the sun shines
- Omari
- Origin: Swahili, Tanzanian
- Meaning: flourishing
- Simba
- Origin: Shona, Zimbabwean
- Meaning: power, strength
- Tadesse
- Origin: Amharic, Ethiopian
- Meaning: revived
- Takondwa
- Origin: Chewa, Malawian
- Meaning: we are glad
- Tesfaye
- Origin: Amharic, Ethiopian
- Meaning: hope
- Tunde
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: return, come again
- Udo
- Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
- Meaning: peace
- Wale
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: crown has come home
- Short for: Oluwale, Adewale
- Wongani
- Origin: Chewa, Malawian
- Meaning: be thankful
- Ziri
- Origin: Berber
- Meaning: moonlight
- Zola
- Origin: Xhosa, South African
- Meaning: calm
Common African Names
Many of the names in this next list are ones you'll have heard before because they are common in certain cultures and countries and are given to many babies in Africa each year. If you like to be on-trend and stick to what's known and loved when it comes to baby names then these are the names for you.
- Ade
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: crown
- Amadi
- Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
- Meaning: freeborn man
- Andile
- Origin: Zulu or Ndebele, South African
- Meaning: they have increased
- Ayo
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: my joy has come
- Short for: Ayomide, Ayokunle
- Dami
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: blessed with wealth
- Short for: Oluwadamilola
- Kelechi
- Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
- Meaning: thank God
- Nana
- Origin: Akan, Ghanaian
- Meaning: your highness
- Ngozi
- Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
- Meaning: blessing
- Nqobile
- Origin: Zulu, South African
- Meaning: they conquered
- Thandi
- Origin: Xhosa, South African
- Meaning: beloved
- Short for: Thandiwe
- Tafadzwa
- Origin: Shona, Zimbabwean
- Meaning: we are pleased
- Tatenda
- Origin: Shona, Zimbabwean
- Meaning: thank you
- Temi
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: mine is worthy of thanks
- Short for: Temitope
- Tinashe
- Origin: Shona, Zimbabwean
- Meaning: we are with God
- Uche
- Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
- Meaning: wisdom, sense, mind
- Yemi
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: God honours me
- Short for: Olayemi
Traditional African Names
If you're looking for an African baby name that has strong roots in a certain culture and goes back multiple generations then one of these traditional names could be the perfect choice. These names have been used in African countries for many decades. Many of them are associated with the day of the week a child is born or whether they're a first or second-born child or twin. Great for first or middle names, here's our pick of African baby names that have been used throughout history and are still loved today.
- Adwoa
- Origin: Akan, Ghanaian
- Meaning: born on Monday
- Tradition: name given to a girl born on Monday
- Ama
- Origin: Akan, Ghanaian
- Meaning: born on Saturday
- Tradition: name given to a girl born on Saturday
- Alaba
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: child born after twins
- Afua
- Origin: Akan, Ghanaian
- Meaning: born on Friday
- Tradition: name given to a girl born Friday
- Akinyi
- Origin: Luo, Kenyan
- Meaning: born in the morning
- Akwete
- Origin: Ga, Ghanaian
- Meaning: firstborn of twins
- Tradition: name given to oldest twin
- Akwetee
- Origin: Ga, Ghanaian
- Meaning: second born of twins
- Tradition: name given to the second twin
- Atu
- Origin: Ghanian
- Meaning: born on Saturday
- Tradition: name given to a boy born on Saturday
- Boluwatife
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: this is how God would have it
- Tradition: name given to a surprise baby
- Esi
- Origin: Akan, Ghanaian
- Meaning: born on Sunday
- Tradition: name given to a girl born on Sunday
- Idowu
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: born after twins
- Kehinde
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: the last to come
- Tradition: name given to second twin
- Mwanajuma
- Origin: Swahili, Tanzanian
- Meaning: born on Friday
- Kojo
- Origin: Akan, Ghanaian
- Meaning: born on Monday
- Tradition: name given to a boy born on Monday
- Kwabena
- Origin: Akan, Ghanaian
- Meaning: born on Tuesday
- Tradition: name given to a boy born on Tuesday
- Taiwo
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: the first to taste the world
- Tradition: name given to oldest twin
- Yaa
- Origin: Akan, Ghanaian
- Meaning: born on Thursday
- Tradition: name given to a girl born on Thursday
Beautiful African Names
Our list of African baby names wouldn’t be complete without a selection of beautiful girl’s names. With lovely pronunciations and charming meanings, these African first names have a lot going for them and are worth considering if you’re expecting a little girl.
- Abena
- Origin: Akan, Ghanaian
- Meaning: born on Tuesday
- Adeola
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: the crown of wealth
- Ameena
- Origin: Swahili, Tanzanian
- Meaning: trustworthy
- Chidimma
- Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
- Meaning: God is good
- Damini
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: God holds onto me
- Short for: Oluwadamini
- Derinsola
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: crowned with prosperity
- Short for: Aderinsola
- Farai
- Origin: Shona, Zimbabwean
- Meaning: rejoice, be happy
- Fife
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: a child to love
- Short for: Fifelomo
- Funmi
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: God gave me joy
- Short for: Oluwafunmilayo, Olufunmilola
- Gbemi
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: carry me into wealth
- Short for: Gbemisola
- Idia
- Origin: Urhobo, Nigerian
- Meaning: stand right
- Ifeoma
- Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
- Meaning: good thing
- Imisi
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: the breathe of God
- Short for: Imisioluwa
- Lola
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: a wealthy child has arrived
- Short for: Omolola, Lolade
- Palesa
- Origin: Sesotho, Lesotho
- Meaning: flower
- Rumbi
- Origin: Shona, Zimbabwean
- Meaning: praise
- Short for: Rumbidzai
- Simisola
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: rest in wealth
- Tadala
- Origin: Chewa, Malawian
- Meaning: we have been blessed
- Ntombi
- Origin: Zulu, South African
- Meaning: girl
- Nnenna
- Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
- Meaning: father's mother
- Tradition: name given in honour of the child's paternal grandmother
- Onyinye
- Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
- Meaning: gift
- Yamikani
- Origin: Chewa, Malawian
- Meaning: be grateful, praise
- Yewande
- Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
- Meaning: mother has returned
- Tradition: name given in honour of the child's paternal grandmother
- Zuri
- Origin: Swahili, Tanzanian
- Meaning: beautiful
