African Names for Girls
- Taraja
Origin:
African, KiswahiliMeaning:
"hope"Description:
The raja sequence of sounds gives it a regal feel.
- Luanda
Origin:
African place-nameDescription:
This name of Angola's capital city has occasionally been used for baby girls.
- Salama
Origin:
African, SwahiliMeaning:
"peace, safety, security"Description:
The three soft a's make for a calm and rhythmic name, though some risk of salami jokes.
- Oluchi
Origin:
IgboMeaning:
"work of God"Description:
Nigerian-born supermodel Oluchi Orlandi brought this little-known (to non-Nigerians), lovely choice into the lexicon.
- Xois
Origin:
African place nameDescription:
This name of the capital of an ancient Egyptian dynasty makes Lois X-rated.
- Zagora
Origin:
North African place-name; also SwahiliDescription:
If you're looking for an African place-name, this one belongs to the main town in eastern Morocco.
- Tisa
Origin:
African, SwahiliMeaning:
"ninth born"Description:
Not many parents would want to use Tisa for its literal meaning in this era of smaller families, but Tisa is a name with much crossover appeal. Simple and straightforward, it's also both distinctive and feminine and relates to similar-sounding Western names such as Lisa and Trisha and Tea. If you're looking for an African name that can bridge cultures, Tisa is an excellent pick.
- Shany
Origin:
SwahiliMeaning:
"marvelous, wonderful"Description:
Peppy cheerleader with African roots.
- Folami
Origin:
Yoruba, AfricanMeaning:
"honor and respect me"Description:
Nigerian name with an honorable meaning.
- Senegal
Origin:
African place-nameDescription:
Unlikely to take over Kenya's spot as the dominant African place-name.
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