By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 9 pages
of 9
Akan
"born on Friday"
One of the many gorgeous names originally used for children born on a specific day of the week, popular in West African culture. Effia is Akan in origin — the Akan people originate in southern Ghana…
Variation of Abraham, Hebrew
"father of multitudes"
A variation of the Biblical Abraham, predominantly used in Latin America and in French- and Spanish-speaking African countries, most notably the Democratic Republic of Congo. The 'H' at the beginning…
Swahili
"first fruits"
Most people think of Kwanza, or Kwanzaa, as the seven-day holiday celebrated by African-Americans at the end of December. It's also occasionally used as a first names, notably by Kwanza Jones,…
Kwanza, or Kwanzaa, is best known as a non-religious holiday celebrated by African-Americans for seven days between Christmas and New Years. As a first name for girls, Kwanza is identified with…
African place-name
Libya is an ancient place-name taken the Egyptian word for the people of Berber tribes who lived in the region. English speakers might relate the name to the word liberty, from which the African…
Amharic
"pearl"
A sweet Lu- name with a gemstone meaning, Lulit is predominately used in Ethiopia and by those with Ethiopian heritage.
Irish variation of Máire or Mary, Spanish place name, Zulu, Sotho, Lala
"beloved, bitter; estate of Modius, estate of measure; spirit, wind"
A multicultural choice with a distinctive sound, Moya may appeal as a unique alternative to Maia/Maya or Mia. Given to a handful of girls each year in the US, it is more commonly heard in the UK or…
Rwandan
"friend"
Actor Ncuti Gatwa brought this Rwandan name into the spotlight following his appearance n the show Sex Education and then again when he starred as the Fifteenth Doctor in Dr Who . Derived from the…
Shona
"stars"
A unisex Shona word name with a celestial meaning, Nyeredzi appeared in the 2023 novel Ndima Ndima by Tsitsi Mapepa and in the title of a song by artist Jah Prayza. An alternative form is Nyenyedzi.
Senegalese
"unknown; lucky, happy"
Sadio Mané is a Senegalese footballer who plays for the Bayern Munich football club as well as Senegal's national team. He was injured and unable to play in the 2022 World Cup, but increased soccer…
West African, Fula
"second son"
A Western African name meaning "second son", Samba is also a style of Brazilian music and dance. It is particularly popular in Senegal and Mali.
Afrikaans and Dutch form of Charles, French, German
"free man"
An Afrikaans variation of Charles, likely adapted other forms such as Carel and Charl, Sarel is also used occasionally among Dutch speakers. A historic bearer is Sarel Cilliers, a 19th-century…
Somali
"see no evil, hear no evil, protect from evil; honor and blessings"
Also spelled as Sharmarke and Shemarke, this Somali name may reflect the phrase "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil". While it is a double-edged proverb, associated with deliberate ignorance,…
"daylight, sunlight"
A zippy, cheerful name with a bright meaning to match, Zuva is a Shona name, used in Zimbabwe. Meaning "sunlight" or "daytime", it is one that could easily work in multiple languages. It appeared in…
Igbo
"work of God"
Nigerian-born supermodel Oluchi Orlandi brought this little-known (to non-Nigerians), lovely choice into the lexicon.
Kiswahili
"blessings"
Its resonant rhythm and positive connotations have led to some popularity with African-American parents, though it tends to have a masculine feel, particularly considering the rise of a certain…
African, Nigerian, Yoruba
"the crown meets joy"
Short form of Adebayo
West African
"gift"
Diarra has a nice meaning, but we could see it leading to possible teasing re association with a certain digestive problem.
African, Fula
"born in abundance"
A wonderful meaning for a bright and musical West African name.
Yoruba, "lucky, good fortune, blessed"
"lucky, good fortune, blessed"
A beautiful Yoruban name associated with honor and good fortune. Both fy-o-la and fay-OH-luh are used as pronunciations. Instagrammer Fayola Leo and musician Sri Fayola are notable bearers.
