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Swahili Names

  1. Siri

    • Origin:

      Norse, diminutive of Sigrid

    • Meaning:

      "fair victory"

    • Description:

      Siri is a charming and lively Scandinavian name that is no longer on the table given the ubiquity of Apple's digital Siri. Too bad, because Siri -- along with variations Syrie and Cyrie -- is unique, enchanting, and adorable. But now taken.
  2. Dalila

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "guide"

    • Description:

      Names that sound and/or are spelled like Dalila exist in several languages, from the Swahili Dalili to the Arabic Dalil to the Hebrew Delilah. A beautiful cross-cultural choice.
  3. Marjani

    • Origin:

      Arabic, Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "coral"

    • Description:

      A name with the kind of pan-cultural feel that's in vogue now... and forever. A French variant, Marjane, belongs to the author of the iconic graphic memoir Persepolis.
  4. Neema

    • Origin:

      Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "born during good times"

    • Description:

      Offbeat name sometimes heard in the African-American community.
  5. 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.
  6. Taraji

    • Origin:

      Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "hope"

    • Description:

      This name gained widespread attention via the actress Taraji P. Henson, who was nominated for an Academy Award as Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. A variant is Taraja.
  7. Azizi

    • Origin:

      Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "precious treasure"

    • Description:

      Two z's equal double pizzazz.
  8. Koffi

    • Origin:

      Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "born on Friday"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "born in daylight"

    • Description:

      Evocative African choice.
  10. Sultan

    • Origin:

      Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "ruler"

    • Description:

      Passé pasha image.
  11. 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.

  12. 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.
  13. Shany

    • Origin:

      Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "marvelous, wonderful"

    • Description:

      Peppy cheerleader with African roots.
  14. Amarli

    • Origin:

      African, Swahili; Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "occupation, activity; my work"

    • Description:

      This multi-cultural name has a pleasant, delicate sound. Variations include Amali and Amalya,both of which mean industrious.
  15. Sadik

    • Origin:

      Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "friend"

    • Description:

      Frequently found in all three forms: Sadik, Sadiki, and Sadiq.
  16. Subira

    • Origin:

      African, Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "patience"

    • Description:

      One African name that's virtually unknown in the western world, but sounds both soft and strong.
  17. Nuru

    • Origin:

      Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "light, born during the day"

    • Description:

      Related to the better-known Arabic name Noor.
  18. 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.

  19. Raziya

    • Origin:

      Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "agreeable, pleasant"

    • Description:

      An appealing East African possibility.
  20. Abdu

    • Origin:

      Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "worshipper of God"

    • Description:

      The vowel ending energizes this relative of Abdul.