International Baby Names
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 8 pages
of 8
Zulu, Ndebele
"lovely"
The more familiar name Thandi is often used as a nickname for Thandeka.
South African, Xhosa
"beloved"
A captivating and sprightly name brought into the limelight by actress Thandiwe Newton.
African, Akan
"queen"
Subtly royal, if Reign and Royalty aren't your style.
Zulu
"quiet; peaceful"
Bouncy South African girl name whose sound doesn't quite match its meaning.
African, Swahili
"ninth born"
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…
Ibibio
"will, desire"
A gender-neutral name in its native Nigeria, but more often borne on males in the US.
Africa, Igbo
"good way"
U is an oft-rejected first initial, but a name like Uzoma makes it cool.
African place name
This name of the capital of an ancient Egyptian dynasty makes Lois X-rated.
Yoruba
"mother returned"
West African name best known as that of Yetunde Price, half-sister of Venus and Serena Williams who was tragically murdered in 2003.
Zulu, Xhosa
"you're responsible for what you've become"
Zenzile derives from the word uzenzile , meaning "you bought this upon yourself." It was the given name of Miriam Makeba, a singer known as Mama Africa. Her mother gave Makeba the name after a…
African, Kiswahili
"pledged to God"
Despite its varied cultural ties, Zizi still sounds like a cancan dancer or a fluffy lapdog.
Swahili
"beautiful, good"
A bright and melodic Swahili name with a positive meaning, Zuwena is particularly popular in Tanzania and Uganda. It also appears in the title of a song by Tanaznian artist Diamond Platnumz.
Ghanaian, Akan
"woman of noble character; a jewel character"
Used as both a surname and a given name in Ghana, Serwaa is of Akan origin, likely referring to a woman who is noble, righteous and outstanding. Notable bearers include journalist and news presenter,…
Used as both a surname and a given name in Ghana, Serwa, also spelled Serwaa, is of Akan origin, likely referring to a woman who is noble, righteous and outstanding. From Polish, the name could…
Kikuyu, Kenyan
"of Gaki"
Used predominantly in Kenya but also by Kenyan families around the world, Wagaki is a given name and a surname of Kikuyu origin. It could be a geographical name, with the prefix Wa- meaning "of" and…
Western African, Ghanaian, Nzema
A name of Ghanaian origin, used by the Nzema or Appolo people. The exact meaning is unknown, but some sources note that it means "goddess" while others suggest its a local name, perhaps from a place…
Hausa, Yoruba, and Nigerian form of Hafsa, Arabic
"gathering; young lioness"
A variation of the Arabic name Hafsa, Hafsatu is used predominantly in Nigeria, though it is also familiar in Ghana, Tanzania, and Sierra Leone. Notable bearers include conservationist and former…
Hausa form of Hafsa, Arabic
Derived from Arabic, this Hausa form of Hafsa is predominantly used in Nigeria. A notable bearer is Nigerian activist Hafsat Abiola-Costello. Hafsatu is another Hausa form. Hafsa and its variants are…
"hope, expectance"
Ireti is a name of Yoruba origin, predominantly used in Nigeria. Translating to "hope" or "expectance", it is sometimes used as a short form of Iretioluwa meaning "the expectance of God" or Iretiayo…
African, English
"love, affection, caring"
From an archaic English word, Loveness is a distinctive yet gentle name, popularly used in Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Meaning "love and affection", the "-ness" ending helps it feel more…
