Kimani

Native American, Shoshone
"butterfly"

Kimani Origin and Meaning

The name Kimani is a girl's name.

Kimani is a gender-neutral name with African origins, though it's slightly more common for girls in some regions. The name comes primarily from Kenya, where in Kikuyu (one of Kenya's major languages), it means 'beautiful' or 'sweet.' In some contexts, it may also mean 'traveler' or 'adventurous one.' Kimani gained modest popularity in the United States beginning in the 1990s as part of a broader appreciation for African names. The name has a melodious quality with its alternating consonants and vowels, making it appealing across cultural boundaries. Kimani balances uniqueness with relatively straightforward pronunciation, making it accessible to diverse communities. It represents a connection to African heritage while functioning well in multicultural settings, appealing to parents seeking names with cultural significance and contemporary appeal.

Famous People Named Kimani

  • Kimani Ffriend
    Jamaican male basketball player
  • Kimani Jones
    American NFL player
  • Kimani Njogu
    Kenyan male linguist
  • Kimani Nehusi
    Guyanese,American male historian
  • Kimani Ng'ang'a Maruge
    Kenyan man who holds the world record to be the oldest person to start primary school, at age 84