International Baby Names · Boy Names Lists
African Boy Names
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Ositadimma
Igbo
"if it starts to get better today it started early"
Ositadimma comes from longer Igbo phrase Osi-ta-dị-mma-ọdịbalụ-gboo meaning "if it starts to get better today it started early", though it is sometimes interpreted as "may all be well from now". A…
Lovemore
Southern African, English
"loving and kind person"
Used as a surname and as a first name, Lovemore is predominantly given to boys in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Botswana. It is a virtue name with spiritual undertones, and may be used alongside names…
Nuname
Ewe
"gift"
Also spelled as Nunamé, Nuname is a name used by the Ewe tribe of West Africa. Derived from the word nunana meaning "gift", it is a pleasant sounding choice. Nunana is the used as a feminine form.
Sundiata
Mandinka/Malinke, West African
"Sogolon's lion, lion king, lion prince"
A grand, bright, and powerful feeling name, Sundiata was notably borne by Sundiata Keita, the 13th century founder and prince of the Mali Empire in Western Africa. He is remembered and celebrated in…
Sundjata
Variation of Sundiata, Mandinka/Malinke, West African
"Sogolon's lion, lion king, lion prince"
An alternative form of the bright, leonine name Sundiata, Sundjata is associated with Sundiata Keita, the 13th century founder and prince of the Mali Empire in Western Africa. He is remembered and…
Okonkwo
Igbo
"born on Nkwo day"
Given to boys born on the last of the four Igbo market days ( Nkwo Things Fall Apart , in which Okonkwo is a famous wrestling champion and feared warrior, who opposes the Christian missionaries and…
Ikemefuna
Igbo
"may my strength not be in vain, let my strength not be wasted"
Predominantly used in Nigeria, Ikemefuna is a name of Igbo origin, with a hopeful and determined meaning. It appears in Chinua Achebe's classic novel, Things Fall Apart , borne by an ill-fated boy…
Komla
Western African, Akan, Ewe
"born on Tuesday"
Predominantly used in Ghana and the Togolese Republic, Komla is a handsome and friendly sounding name from the Ewe language. Given to boys born on Tuesdays, it was been notably borne by Komla Dumor,…
Tayari
Swahili
"prepared, ready"
The sharp yet lively Tayari is a name of Swahili origin, notably used in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and Tanzania. It is adapted from the word for "ready, prepared", making this an…
Feyisa
Oromo
"healer"
Alternatively spelled as Fayyisaa or Feissa, this name comes from the Oromo word for "healer." It is used predominantly in Ethiopia, and is borne by long-distance runner, Feyisa Lilesa.
Bahari
Swahili
"ocean, sea"
A unisex name of Swahili origin, this spirited and sunny sounding choice means "sea, ocean". In this case, it is ultimately derived from the Arabic baḥriyy meaning "maritime" or "of the sea", which…
Milele
Swahili
"forever, eternity"
Sparky and poetic, Milele is of East African origin and is used occasionally as a unisex name in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Papua New Guinea, Uganda, and Tanzania. It is derived from the…
Nwosu
Igbo
"child dedicated to the Gods"
With its highly spiritual meaning, Nwosu is a popular choice among Nigerian parents, though it also appears as a surname. Notable bearers include footballers Nathaniel Nwosu, Nwankwo Christian Nwosu…
Abanu
African, Ibo
"I have joined the family"
Rhythmic, strong, and buoyant.
Ncuti
Rwandan
"friend"
Actor Ncuti Gatwa brought this Rwandan name into the spotlight following his appearance n the show Sex Education and then again when he starred as the Fifteenth Doctor in Dr Who . Derived from the…
Adebayo
Yoruba
"the crown meets joy"
Ajani
Nigerian, Yoruban
"the victor"
An easily assimilated African name, a novel twist on Johnny.
Akachi
Igbo
"the hand of God"
A name of Igbo origin with a spiritual meaning, Akachi is unisex though it is used slightly more often on boys in Nigeria.
Akello
Ugandan
"I have brought forth"
Energetic but mellow.