Swahili Names for Girls

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.

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.

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".

Related to the better-known Arabic name Noor.

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

Elegant African choice.

Lilting African name that translates perfectly into other cultures.

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

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.

Lovely, melodic Dalila/Delilah cousin.

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.

See RADEYAH.