Swahili Names
Across 3 pages
of 3
Marini
Swahili
"healthy, pretty"
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.
Marjani
Swahili from Arabic, Hindi, Sanskrit
"coral; cleansing, purification"
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".…
Neema
Swahili, Arabic
"divine grace, blessing"
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…
Nuru
Swahili
"light, born during the day"
Related to the better-known Arabic name Noor.
Nuru
Swahili
"born in daylight"
Evocative African choice.
Omarr
Omarr is a masculine name that represents a distinctive variation of the more common Omar. With Arabic origins, it relates to Omar meaning 'flourishing,' 'long-lived,' or 'eloquent speaker.' The…
Omavi
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…
Panya
African, Swahili; or, Russian, diminutive of Stephania
"mouse, tiny one; or, crowned one"
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.
Pilipili
Pilipili is a feminine name with East African origins, particularly found in Swahili-speaking regions. The name derives from the Swahili word for "pepper" or "chili," suggesting a personality that is…
Radhiya
Swahili
"agreeable"
See RADEYAH.
Raziya
Swahili
"agreeable, pleasant"
An appealing East African possibility.
Sadaka
Swahili
"religious offering"
This traditional Swahili folktale name could mark you as a Neil Sedaka fan.
Sadik
Swahili
"friend"
Frequently found in all three forms: Sadik, Sadiki, and Sadiq.
Sanaa
Swahili; Arabic
"work of art; shining light"
Simple-yet-unusual name with a creative meaning. Actress Sanaa Lathan promoted it, and it was on the U.S. popularity list from 2003 to 2011. Shaquille O'Neal used it as the middle name of his…
Shafira
Swahili
"distinguished"
Elegant African choice.
Shany
Swahili
"marvelous, wonderful"
Peppy cheerleader with African roots.
Simba
Swahili or Shona
"lion; strength"
Traditional African name made cartoonish by the Disney character in The Lion King. In Shona it means "strength".
Siri
Norse, diminutive of Sigrid
"fair victory"
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,…
Subira
African, Swahili
"patience"
One African name that's virtually unknown in the western world, but sounds both soft and strong.
Sultan
Swahili
"ruler"
Passé pasha image.