African Girl Names

Subtly royal, if Reign and Royalty aren't your style.

One African name that's virtually unknown in the western world, but sounds both soft and strong.

Traditionally given to girls who were thought to be reincarnations of their paternal grandmother.

The raja sequence of sounds gives it a regal feel.

Even if you're not planning on having five kids, Enu makes a cute name for a son or daughter.

Gasira is a journeyed name with an ancient history. It started as the Arabic word gezira (also commonly transliterated as jazira and jazeera), meaning "island," and sometimes "peninsula."

A stunning and unique West African name for a daughter.

This is a Muslim female name particularly popular in Somalia and North Africa.

More original than any made-up name.

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 Gaki referring to a traditional region of Kenya, now referred to as Nyeri. Olympic marathon runner, Mary Wagaki is a notable bearer.

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 or the Nzema language.

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 First Lady of Nigeria, Hafsatu Muhammad, and Olympic sprinter Hafsatu Kamara.

Derived from Arabic, this Hausa form of Hafsah is predominantly used in Nigeria. A notable bearer is Nigerian activist Hafsat Abiola-Costello. Hafsatu is another Hausa form.

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 meaning "expecting joy". Notable bearers include Nigerian politician and civil engineer Ireti Kingibe, fashion-entrepreneur Iretidayo "Ireti" Zaccheaus, and actress Iretiola "Ireti" Doyle.

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 name-like, reminiscent of Agnes, Ines, Tess, or even Constance. Notable bearers include jeweller and business owner Loveness Lee and bodybuilder and fitness trainer Loveness Tarimo.

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.

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 a given name in its native Zimbabwe. It might also be considered a short form of Vimbainashe, meaning "have trust and faith in God".

A Shona name with an interesting blend of strong yet gentle sounds, Vimbainashe is used predominantly in Zimbabwe.

This energetic Yoruba name comes with the trendy -o ending and the cute nickname Tai. It's traditionally given to the first twin to be born. While the name is unisex, male footballer Taiwo Awoniyi is the most well-known namesake.

Kuchena is an African name rarely used in English-speaking countries. Kuchenga Shenjé is an Afro-British journalist and author of The Library Thief.