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Swahili Names for Girls

  1. Koffi

    • Origin:

      Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "born on Friday"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "moonlight"

    • Description:

      Lush and unusual.
  3. Aleela

    • Origin:

      Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "she cries"

    • Description:

      Lilting African name that translates perfectly into other cultures.
  4. 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.
  5. Subira

    • Origin:

      African, Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "patience"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "distinguished"

    • Description:

      Elegant African choice.
  7. Zaynabu

    • Origin:

      Arabic and Swahili variation of Zaynab

    • Meaning:

      "beauty, grace"

    • Description:

      Zaynab is the name of the Prophet Muhammad's oldest daughter. When written as Zaynabu or Zainabu, it's a name found in both the Arabic and Swahili languages and cultures.
  8. Pilipili

    • Description:

      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 vibrant, spicy, and full of energy. In various African cultures, names often connect to natural elements that represent desired qualities or circumstances. As a given name, Pilipili remains quite rare globally, making it a distinctive choice that carries cultural significance. The repeating syllables create a rhythmic, musical quality that reflects the linguistic patterns of Swahili. For families with East African heritage or those drawn to names with meaningful connections to African languages, Pilipili offers a unique option that celebrates cultural traditions while conveying strength and vivacity through its association with the bold, flavorful spice.

  9. 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.
  10. Nuru

    • Origin:

      Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "light, born during the day"

    • Description:

      Related to the better-known Arabic name Noor.
  11. 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.
  12. Radhiya

    • Origin:

      Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "agreeable"

    • Description:

      See RADEYAH.