African Names

Might frequently be understood as "pilly." Can also be a short form of Pilar -- though the long form is better.

Has a feminine feline feel.

Militaristic.

A lively name often used to honor a deceased grandmother in Yoruba culture.

Sassy alternative to Cassandra -- maybe too sassy.

Ebo is a powerful African day name that can be used to fit its definition.

Kadida is an Anglicized form of the Arabic name Khadija, wife of the Muslim prophet Muhammad.

Djimon has become a familiar African name via powerful Benin-born, Oscar-nominated actor Djimon Hounsou.

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).

More substantial than it sounds: Shango was the god of thunder and legendary ancestor of the Yoruba people of Nigeria.

Energetic choice that bounces off the tongue.

The raja sequence of sounds gives it a regal feel.

Akosua means "born on a Sunday," which relates the name to the sun and thus to fire.

Used to honor Jomo Kenyatta, the first president of the independent Kenyan republic. The problem: with the name Kenya now used largely for girls, along with the vowel ending, Kenyatta sounds fairly feminine.

This obscure Zulu name was chosen by Stevie Wonder.

Adverse associations with the ruthless Ugandan dictator Idi Amin.

Adwoa is a given name used for women born on Monday in Western Africa, particularly Ghana and some parts of Togo and Ivory Coast. The male equivalent is Kwadwo.

Popular etymology derives this West African country's name from the Wolof words sunu gal, "our canoe". It's an appealing image, of a nation of people all in the same boat. Some country names have taken off as baby names, but this one, not yet.

A bit masculine in feel.

Ibo is short but striking. Another, unrelated but equally appealing name is Ivo.