Middle name for African-American girl?

[maepae]

I want something with some sort of traditional African flair, but without being too in-your-face. I really liked the name Markai from 16 and Pregnant, and I was hoping to find something similar?

[nono]

What about Farai? I just found it listed on Behind the Name, and it's listed as meaning "rejoice" in Shona. I'm assuming it's pronounced like a mix between Farah / Farrah and Sarai - fah-rye. Or maybe it's something like fah-ree? This is the first time I've ever heard of it, but I think the sound could be gorgeous.

There's also Zuri, which I love.

Otherwise maybe ...

Shanti
Imani
Sekai ("be humorous" in Shona)
Nyarai (Behind the Name says that it means "be humble" in Shona and is pronounced n-JAHR-ie, which I honestly can't quite figure out. The look of it's gorgeous, though.)

Or maybe even Behati?

These are Biblical, but their vibe is sort of similar to Markai, and I love them both ...

Sarai
Vashti

Also, this doesn't have quite the same vibe as Markai, but for traditional African flair I think that Sanaa is absolutely gorgeous. I'm not sure if it would make a great middle name, though.

[lineska]

I second Imani, such a gorgeous name.

Other thoughts:
Amina
Amira
Mariama
Aminata
Nakia
Nia
Zina
Nana (maybe doesnt translate the best to the US, but I know a Nana who makes it work!)

And one I've only ever heard on one African American girl, but I adore it: Sunia.

[alexnichelle]

I want something with some sort of traditional African flair, but without being too in-your-face. I really liked the name Markai from 16 and Pregnant, and I was hoping to find something similar?

Markai was one of my favorites from 16 and pregnant and her daughter's name is gorgeous too,
Za'Karia. I'm also African American and I struggle with names that will suit her African flair.

I'm not too sure about "African" based names but, these names I see often on African American children.

Aniyah
Aaliyah
Gabrielle
Jada
Ciara
Kayla
Madison
Destiny
Jasmine
Jordan
Selah.

Now Selah is one of my favorite names. It's my sister's name and it's biblical. I wish I thought of it before her mother did.

[r_j]

I have questions.

Is this for a real child or a character? What is her first name? Is there a country in Africa we should respect? Or is it just the sound you want? Africa contains many different cultures, just like Europe or Asia. I just want to make sure I am understanding what you want!

I like the name Thandie which is South African, Xhosa, according to nameberry.

[cupcakelove888]

Ebele has always sounded extremely pretty to me, and means kindness. The belle part makes it sound more modern and usable.

[melissaintlouis]

My friend is dating a Rafinae, which I think is pretty cute.

Some other names of AA friends and acquaintances that might appeal to you:
Malaika
Abria
Lakoa
Yoleine
Nava
Nachet
Sola
Alaina
Zakya
Deja/Dieja
Seymone

[hazysummerskies]

Imani would get my vote based on suggestions in this thread. Have you considered looking at your family names?

[dantea]

I also want to know all the same things r-j wants to know. Otherwise, here's some African names I love:

Abena -- West African, Ghana
Abyssinia -- the ancient name of Ethiopia
Adanna -- Igbo
Anika
Asha -- Swahili
Chizoba -- Igbo
Ekene -- Igbo
Imani -- Swahili
Imara -- Kiswahili
Kamali -- Mashona
Kamaria -- Swahili
Lumusi -- Ewe
Makena -- Kikuyu
Sekai -- Shona
Shafira -- Swahili
Zaina -- Swahili
Zala -- Ethiopian
Zola -- Zulu
Zuri -- Swahili

[lori johnson]

My recommendation is ...

Aaliyah

... a currently popular African name.

Source: "The Baby Name Wizard" book [2009] by Laura Wattenberg