African Girl Names

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

A gender-neutral name in its native Nigeria, but more often borne on males in the US.

Sassy alternative to Cassandra -- maybe too sassy.

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.

This name of the capital of an ancient Egyptian dynasty makes Lois X-rated.

Although the best-known Kehinde is the male painter Kehinde Wiley, this name is used for both genders in its native Nigeria and can be just as attractive for a girl.

An African option for people looking for alternatives for Stella and Estelle, with a starry meaning.

A sweet but solid name of Somali origin, sources suggest Filsan could mean "the best of her age", "the most knowledgeable" or "the most beautiful". Alternatively, it could be drawn from la filayo, meaning "expected".

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.

Ameyo is a common name in West Africa, where it is traditional to give a child a name that reflects their time of birth. Ameyo means "born on Saturday" and is derived from the word mene. Kwame is the masculine counterpart.

A bright, joyful and unisex name of Shona origin, also used as the name of a fashion brand.

A striking option among African girl names, reminiscent of the up-and-coming name Alaia.

A unisex name used among the Urhobo people of Southern Nigeria.

A rare and beautiful name that could easily cross cultures.

West African name best known as that of Yetunde Price, half-sister of Venus and Serena Williams who was tragically murdered in 2003.

Upbeat and attractive girl name from Nigeria.

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

A variant spelling of Maryam, most often seen in North Africa.

A spirited and distinctive name, used predominantly in its native Ethiopia, Tigst can also be spelled as Tigist. Derived from Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia, it has the virtuous meaning of "patience". A notable bearer is Tigst Assefa, a long-distance runner who was the first woman to break the 2-hour 12-minute barrier in a marathon. She won the 2025 London Marathon.

A virtuous and distinctive name, Tigist is used almost exclusively in its native Ethiopia or among Amharic speakers. Meaning "patience", it is notably born by singer and hiphop artist Tigist Shibabaw, long-distance runner Tigist (or Tigst) Assefa, and Paralympian athlete Tigist Gezahagn Mengistu.