Girlish, but has a nice feeling of uniqueness and unity.

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 Barack.

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).

Will be frequently misunderstood as Pele or, worse, "pilly".

This obscure Zulu name was chosen by Stevie Wonder.

A bright and melodic Swahili name with a positive meaning, Zuwena is particularly popular in Tanzania and Uganda. It also appears in the title of a song by Tanaznian artist Diamond Platnumz.

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).

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

Gingery.

Taye, also used as a short form of Taylor, began to stand on its own with the emergence of actor Taye (born Scott) Diggs. 

An African family name ripe for adoption in honor of Nelson Mandela, the South African activist imprisoned for almost thirty years for his antiapartheid activities.

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

Sassy alternative to Cassandra -- maybe too sassy.

Wesley Snipes chose this distinctive East African name for his son.

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.

Adverse associations with the ruthless Ugandan dictator Idi Amin.

The surname of the 44th US President has been been adopted as a first, for girls as well as boys, by admiring parents around the world. And the O beginning even makes it fashionable. Though Barack Obama's name derives from the Luo people of Kenya, Obama is also a Japanese place name and a surname that means "little beach."

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

A wonderful meaning for a bright and musical West African name.

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.