African Names for Girls

  1. Taraja
    • Origin:

      African, Kiswahili
    • Meaning:

      "hope"
    • Description:

      The raja sequence of sounds gives it a regal feel.
  2. Luanda
    • Origin:

      African place-name
    • Description:

      This name of Angola's capital city has occasionally been used for baby girls.
  3. Salama
    • Origin:

      African, Swahili
    • Meaning:

      "peace, safety, security"
    • Description:

      The three soft a's make for a calm and rhythmic name, though some risk of salami jokes.
  4. Oluchi
    • Origin:

      Igbo
    • Meaning:

      "work of God"
    • Description:

      Nigerian-born supermodel Oluchi Orlandi brought this little-known (to non-Nigerians), lovely choice into the lexicon.
  5. Xois
    • Origin:

      African place name
    • Description:

      This name of the capital of an ancient Egyptian dynasty makes Lois X-rated.
  6. Zagora
    • Origin:

      North African place-name; also Swahili
    • Description:

      If you're looking for an African place-name, this one belongs to the main town in eastern Morocco.
  7. Tisa
    • Origin:

      African, Swahili
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  8. Shany
    • Origin:

      Swahili
    • Meaning:

      "marvelous, wonderful"
    • Description:

      Peppy cheerleader with African roots.
  9. Folami
    • Origin:

      Yoruba, African
    • Meaning:

      "honor and respect me"
    • Description:

      Nigerian name with an honorable meaning.
  10. Senegal
    • Origin:

      African place-name
    • Description:

      Unlikely to take over Kenya's spot as the dominant African place-name.

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