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Swahili Names

  1. Nuru

    • Origin:

      Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "born in daylight"

    • Description:

      Evocative African choice.
  2. Hasani

    • Description:

      Hasani is a masculine name of Swahili and Arabic origin meaning 'handsome' or 'beautiful.' It derives from the Arabic root 'hasan' (حسن) which relates to beauty, goodness, and excellence. In many East African communities, particularly in countries like Tanzania and Kenya, Hasani is bestowed upon boys as a wish for them to embody physical and spiritual beauty. The name carries melodic qualities with its flowing syllables and soft sounds. While not extensively used in Western countries, Hasani has gained some recognition among families seeking names with African heritage or meaningful international origins. The name conveys positive attributes of attractiveness and virtue while maintaining a strong masculine identity.

  3. Zaina

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "beauty, grace"

    • Description:

      Zaina is the simplified form of Zaynab, the name of the eldest daughter of Muhammad. Zayna is another accepted spelling, while international forms include Zainabu, which exists in both the Arabic and Swahili languages, and Zenja, which is popular in Bosnia.
  4. Shany

    • Origin:

      Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "marvelous, wonderful"

    • Description:

      Peppy cheerleader with African roots.
  5. Kamaria

    • Origin:

      Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "moonlight"

    • Description:

      Lush and unusual.
  6. Kito

    • Origin:

      Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "precious jewel"

    • Description:

      An energetic African name with a stylish o ending.
  7. Sadaka

    • Origin:

      Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "religious offering"

    • Description:

      This traditional Swahili folktale name could mark you as a Neil Sedaka fan.
  8. Sadik

    • Origin:

      Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "friend"

    • Description:

      Frequently found in all three forms: Sadik, Sadiki, and Sadiq.
  9. Aleela

    • Origin:

      Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "she cries"

    • Description:

      Lilting African name that translates perfectly into other cultures.
  10. Sultan

    • Origin:

      Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "ruler"

    • Description:

      Passé pasha image.
  11. Panya

    • Origin:

      African, Swahili; or, Russian, diminutive of Stephania

    • Meaning:

      "mouse, tiny one; or, crowned one"

    • Description:

      Panya is a multicultural possibility with a sound that's pleasing to the English-speaking ear, though the Swahili translation, which might also be "rat," makes it less than savory as an African name.
  12. Omavi

    • Description:

      Omavi is a masculine name with African origins, particularly from the Nigerian Yoruba and Igbo cultures. The name often carries meanings related to strength, wisdom, and divinity depending on specific cultural interpretations. In Yoruba, elements of the name may connect to concepts of beauty and knowledge. Omavi remains relatively uncommon in Western countries, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with deep cultural significance. The name's melodic three-syllable structure (oh-MAH-vee) gives it a rhythmic quality while its uniqueness ensures it stands out. As global naming trends increasingly embrace diverse cultural names, Omavi represents a meaningful option with strong heritage connections.

  13. Koffi

    • Origin:

      Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "born on Friday"

    • Description:

      Authentic African name with unfortunate coffee association, also too close to the male Kofi.
  14. Azizi

    • Origin:

      Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "precious treasure"

    • Description:

      Two z's equal double pizzazz.
  15. Dalili

    • Origin:

      Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "a sign from the gods"

    • Description:

      Lovely, melodic Dalila/Delilah cousin.
  16. Abdalla

    • Origin:

      African

    • Meaning:

      "servant of God"

    • Description:

      This Muslim name derived from the Arabic is found in North and East Africa.
  17. Neema

    • Origin:

      Swahili, Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "divine grace, blessing"

    • Description:

      Ultimately from the Arabic ni'ma, this Swahili name celebrates the blessing of a baby. Also used as a masculine name, Neema is notably borne by film director Neema Barnette and activist Neema Namadamu.
  18. Baraka

    • Origin:

      Kiswahili

    • Meaning:

      "blessings"

    • Description:

      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.
  19. Marini

    • Origin:

      Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "healthy, pretty"

    • Description:

      A gorgeous Swahili name for girls that hits multiple trends — Mar- names like Margot and Marley, and names that end in I, like Leilani and Zuri.
  20. Marjani

    • Origin:

      Swahili from Arabic, Hindi, Sanskrit

    • Meaning:

      "coral; cleansing, purification"

    • Description:

      A name with the kind of pan-cultural feel that's in vogue now... and forever, it is both a Swahili name meaning "coral", ultimately from the Arabic marjan, and a Hindi name, meaning "purification".