Connecting African Heritage - Male

A common unisex name used frequently in South Africa.

The Akan people of Ghana and the Ivory Coast frequently name their children after the day of the week they were born and the order in which they were born. Most Ghanaians have a name using this system (think Kofi Annan, whose name means born on a Friday). Kwasi is the name for boys born on a Sunday. (The name for girls born on a Sunday is Akosua).

Rarely used these days, Onesimus was the name of an escaped enslaved man in the Bible who met St. Paul in prison. Its Greek sound is obvious, and its four syllables make it one that might be hard to wear in the twenty-first century.

Themba is a common male name in southern African countries such as Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Eswatini.

Energetic but mellow.

Tau, rhyming with cow, is a simple straightforward name with roots in two languages and cultures, the Kaurna language spoken by indigenous Australian people or the African Tswana language, a Bantu language spoken by five million people.

The African name Ayan was first seen on the US Top 1000 for boys in 2014. It's both simple and distinctive, a winning combination.

Dakarai is a masculine name of Shona origin from Zimbabwe meaning 'happiness' or 'joy.' This distinctive name carries positive connotations and cultural significance in African naming traditions. While not commonly used in Western countries, it has gained some recognition as part of the growing appreciation for names with African roots. Dakarai offers a melodic sound with its alternating consonants and vowels, making it both distinctive and relatively easy to pronounce. The name's meaningful association with happiness makes it an uplifting choice that connects to African heritage while conveying universal positive qualities. Its uniqueness ensures a child named Dakarai will stand out while carrying a name with deep cultural roots.

Mellow and musical.

Unusual and attractive name, might be worth considering if you're expecting twins.

The Akan people of Ghana and the Ivory Coast frequently name their children after the day of the week they were born and the order in which they were born. Most Ghanaians have a name using this system (think Kofi Annan, whose name means born on a Friday).

The Akan people of Ghana and the Ivory Coast frequently name their children after the day of the week they were born and the order in which they were born. Most Ghanaians have a name using this system (think Kofi Annan, whose name means born on a Friday).

Kasim is a masculine name with Arabic origins, meaning 'one who divides' or 'distributor,' often interpreted as someone who distributes justice or fairness. The name appears in Islamic tradition and history, adding cultural significance for many families. With its strong consonants and clean, modern sound, Kasim offers cross-cultural appeal while maintaining its authentic roots. Though not extremely common in Western countries, the name has gained steady appreciation for its distinctive character and international recognition. Variations include Qasim, Kassim, and Kaasim, with the name being particularly popular in Muslim communities worldwide. Kasim blends tradition with a contemporary feel, making it both timeless and current.

An easily assimilated African name, a novel twist on Johnny.

A very common boys' name (and nickname) in Nigeria that some Americans will recognize as the name of one of the main characters on NBC's The Good Place.

A beautiful meaning for a long-awaited child.

Variant of Kwasi, given to boys born on a Sunday among the Akan people of Ghana.

The Akan people of Ghana and the Ivory Coast frequently name their children after the day of the week they were born and the order in which they were born. Most Ghanaians have a name using this system (think Kofi Annan, whose name means born on a Friday).

This obscure Zulu name was chosen by Stevie Wonder.