Swahili Names that Start With N

  1. Nia
    • Origin:

      Swahili; Welsh form of the Irish Niamh
    • Meaning:

      "resolve; brilliance"
    • Description:

      Short but energetic and substantial, Nia has special meaning for African-American parents, as it's one of the days of Kwanza. Nia also benefits by its similarity to (yet differentness from) the megapopular Mia.
  2. Nuru
    • Origin:

      Swahili
    • Meaning:

      "born in daylight"
    • Description:

      Evocative African choice.
  3. Neema
    • Origin:

      Swahili, Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "divine grace, blessing"
    • Description:

      Ultimately from the Arabic ni'ma, this Swahili name celebrates the blessing of a baby. Also used as a masculine name, Neema is notably borne by film director Neema Barnette and activist Neema Namadamu.
  4. Nuru
    • Origin:

      Swahili
    • Meaning:

      "light, born during the day"
    • Description:

      Related to the better-known Arabic name Noor.