African Names
Across 7 pages
of 7
The names
Yaba
Twi
"Born on a Thursday"
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…
Efia
Akan
"born on 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…
Akosua
Twi, Ewe, Ghanaian
"born on Sunday"
Akosua means "born on a Sunday," which relates the name to the sun and thus to fire. The Akan people of Ghana and the Ivory Coast frequently name their children after the day of the week they were…
Halima
African
"gentle, humane"
This Swahili and Muslim female name referring to the Prophet Muhammed's nurse. It is a popular name in Egypt and Somalia.
Amadi
African
"free man"
Though this is traditionally a male name, it can work for a girl in our culture. Might also be considered a short form of the Italian Amadea.
Shanti
Hindi
"peace"
This Hindi word which is used in prayer is one of the prime names that mean peace , always a nice message to impart to a child. Nick Nolte used it for his daughter.
Baraka
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…
Bayo
African, Nigerian, Yoruba
"the crown meets joy"
Short form of Adebayo
Diarra
West African
"gift"
Diarra has a nice meaning, but we could see it leading to possible teasing re association with a certain digestive problem.
Falala
African, Fula
"born in abundance"
A wonderful meaning for a bright and musical West African name.
Fana
African
"light or jungle"
Simple, delicate, and unusual.
Fayola
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.
Folami
Yoruba, African
"honor and respect me"
Nigerian name with an honorable meaning.
Nilla
African
"glorious"
Something slightly negative about that Nil beginning; more positive similar names would be Lilla or Willa, Lucilla or Priscilla. Nilla may also be a short form of the Scandinavian Gunilla.
Habiba
Arabic
"beloved, sweetheart"
A name whose sweet sound matches with its meaning, Habiba is popular in Somalia and North Africa. It comes from the Arabic habib meaning "dear, beloved", making it a bright and endearing choice.
Imena
African, Arabic
"dream; faith"
A worthy update for Imani.
Iyabo
African, Yoruba
"mother has returned"
A lively name often used to honor a deceased grandmother in Yoruba culture.
Izara
Arabic, Basque, Hausa
"shawl; star; section of tree"
Attractive, rhythmic choice with roots in several languages and cultures. It's a lesser-known a celestial name, meaning "star" in Basque and referring to a star in the constellation Boötes in Arabic.
Jinja
African place-name
Gingery.
Juba
African
"born on Monday"
Juba, a strong and resonant unisex name, belonged to an ancient African king, is a city and river name, and is traditionally given to Ashanti (of Ghana) girls born on Monday.
