Swahili Names for Girls

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Nuru
    • Origin:

      Swahili
    • Meaning:

      "light, born during the day"
    • Description:

      Related to the better-known Arabic name Noor.
  4. Dalili
    • Origin:

      Swahili
    • Meaning:

      "a sign from the gods"
    • Description:

      Lovely, melodic Dalila/Delilah cousin.
  5. 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.
  6. Shafira
    • Origin:

      Swahili
    • Meaning:

      "distinguished"
    • Description:

      Elegant African choice.
  7. Koffi
    • Origin:

      Swahili
    • Meaning:

      "born on Friday"
    • Description:

      Authentic African name with unfortunate coffee association, also too close to the male Kofi.
  8. Subira
    • Origin:

      African, Swahili
    • Meaning:

      "patience"
    • Description:

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

      Swahili
    • Meaning:

      "agreeable, pleasant"
    • Description:

      An appealing East African possibility.
  10. Pilipili
    • Radhiya
      • Origin:

        Swahili
      • Meaning:

        "agreeable"
      • Description:

        See RADEYAH.
    • 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.