International Baby Names
African Girl Names
Across 8 pages
of 8
Zahara
Hebrew; Swahili
"to shine; flower"
Zahara, a delicate but strong multicultural name, came into the spotlight when Angelina Jolie bestowed it on her Ethiopian-born daughter, and we predict other parents will adopt it as well. If you…
Zaire
Place-name
While this African place-name is much more popular for boys, nearly 40 girls were named Zaire last year. Among African baby names , this is one of the best-known in the US.
Zella
African, Bobangi, Libyan place name, diminutive of Rosella, Marcella, Gizella, or Isabella
"lacking nothing, one who knows the way"
Sunny, sassy, and stylish, Zella is a multicultural and versatile choice which works across multiple languages. Popular back in the early 19th century, Zella is now catching the attention of…
Zendaya
Shona
"to give thanks"
Zendaya has propelled her unusual African name into the spotlight and up the popularity charts. Zendaya is one of the major baby name influencers of our era. What does Zendaya's name mean? The name…
Zenzile
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…
Zizi
African, Kiswahili
"pledged to God"
Despite its varied cultural ties, Zizi still sounds like a cancan dancer or a fluffy lapdog.
Zola
African, Congolese; also literary name
"piece of earth"
When the Eddie Murphys named their fourth daughter Zola, it affirmed the up-and-coming status of the name, which has African roots, but also literary links to Emile Zola. Zola may also be…
Zuwena
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.
Serwaa
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,…
Serwa
Ghanaian, Akan
"woman of noble character; a jewel character"
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…
Coumba
West African
"dove, peaceful; one who has the strength"
A distinctive yet gentle looking name, Coumba is predominantly used in Senegal. While the exact origins of the name are uncertain, one possible theory is that it borrows from the Latin Columba (or…
Wagaki
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…
Bozoma
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…
Hafsatu
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…
Hafsat
Hausa form of Hafsa, Arabic
"gathering; young lioness"
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…
Ireti
Yoruba
"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…
Loveness
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…
Moreblessing
Southern African, English
"more blessings; given blessings by God"
While Blessing is familiar in the US and the UK, this compound, spiritual word name is predominantly used in Zimbabwe and Malawi. Moby is sometimes used as a short form.
Vimbai
Shona
"have hope and trust"
A name a pleasing blend of softness and strength, Vimbai has the appealing meaning "have hope, trust, or faith". Also used as a surname, it comes from the Shona language and is predominantly seen as…
Vimbainashe
Shona
"have trust and faith in God"
A Shona name with an interesting blend of strong yet gentle sounds, Vimbainashe is used predominantly in Zimbabwe.