African Girl Names

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

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.

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

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.

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

Ayan is an African name heard for both sexes.

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

A cool -o girl name most often used in Nigeria, with a charmingly cheerful and celebratory meaning. A famous namesake is Nigerian professional wrestler Odunayo Adekuoroye.

The raja sequence of sounds gives it a regal feel.

Achol is an African name that usually means more specifically, "second born after the first child dies," making it a name often used for rainbow babies. Achol Ayor is a South Sudanese model.

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

This melodic name of East African origin appears in Mufasa: The Lion King, the prequel (and sequel) to the Disney animated classic. In the film, it is the title of a song which describes a promised paradise where everything is bountiful.

Also the name of a multi-purpose stadium in Zimbabwe, where Bob Marley and Paul Simon have performed, Rufaro is a cheerful choice of Shona origin, used predominantly as a feminine name.

U is an oft-rejected first initial, but a name like Uzoma makes it cool.

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

Sweet but spirited, Nunana is a name used by the Ewe tribe of West Africa and is most familiar as a given name in Ghana. Derived from the word for "gift", it is a pleasant choice with nicknames Nuna and Anna.

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

The spirited and bright 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 aspirational name for someone who is either organized, ready for a challenge, or prepared to deal with anything as it arises.

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 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.