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City Names - East Africa

Tabitha_Stone
By Tabitha_Stone
Updated Thu May 25 2023
A list of names that are also the names of cities, towns, and/or villages in East Africa.
  1. Adama

    • Origin:

      Variation of Adam

    • Meaning:

      "earth, soil, land"
  2. Albion

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "white, bright"

    • Description:

      Albion is an ancient, poetic, and literary name for Great Britain. As a name, Albion is a variation of Albus -- and Dumbledore fans might find it a congenial update. Attractive short forms include Al and Albie.
  3. Amaury

    • Origin:

      French form of Amalric

    • Meaning:

      "work power"

    • Description:

      Friendlier french form of ancient Germanic royal name Amalric or Emmerich.
  4. Arta

    • Description:

      Arta is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Albanian, it carries the beautiful meaning of 'golden' or 'precious,' while in Persian contexts, it relates to 'righteousness' or 'truth.' The name also appears in Latvian naming traditions. Arta possesses a striking simplicity with just two syllables and four letters, yet feels substantial and distinctive. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, the name enjoys moderate usage in Albania, Latvia, and parts of the Middle East. Arta's cross-cultural nature gives it versatility while its brevity makes it accessible internationally. The name's ancient roots and meaningful associations with positive qualities make it a subtly powerful choice.
  5. Bayla

    • Origin:

      Yiddish

    • Meaning:

      "white; bashful"

    • Description:

      Also written as Baila, Bayla is reminiscent of the Spanish word for "dance". Its meaning is debated: it may come from the Slavic root word for "white", or it may be a form of Bilhah, one of the four women who gave birth to the tribes of Israel. An offbeat approach to Bella.
  6. Dessie

    • Description:

      Dessie is a charming feminine name with multiple origins. Primarily considered a diminutive of Desdemona (from Greek, meaning 'ill-fated'), it's also used as a nickname for names like Desirée (French for 'desired') or Odessa (derived from a Ukrainian city name). Additionally, Dessie is the name of a city in Ethiopia, giving it geographical significance. The name peaked in popularity in the early 1900s in the United States, particularly in southern regions, and carries a sweet, vintage quality. With its soft sounds and approachable nature, Dessie evokes a friendly, warm personality. Though relatively uncommon today, it maintains appeal for parents seeking a distinctive yet accessible name with historical roots and a gentle, feminine quality.
  7. Edd

    • Origin:

      Short form of Edward, English

    • Meaning:

      "weathy guardian"

    • Description:

      Edd is a shortened form of Edward, a classic English name derived from Old English elements meaning 'wealthy guardian' or 'prosperous protector.' While Edward has been borne by kings and remains consistently popular, Edd represents a more casual, approachable variation.

  8. Jinja

    • Origin:

      African place-name

    • Description:

      Gingery.
  9. Juba

    • Origin:

      African

    • Meaning:

      "born on Monday"

    • Description:

      Juba, a strong and resonant unisex name, belonged to an ancient African king, is a city and river name, and is traditionally given to Ashanti (of Ghana) girls born on Monday.
  10. Kaya

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian, English, Literature, Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "pure; one who arranges rocks; perfume, incense; fruit, reward"

    • Description:

      A multicultural name, that's currently on style and fits right in with Kaia, Maya, Raya, and Mia. Currently in the Top 500 in both the UK and The Netherlands, it has several different origins and meanings.
  11. Keren

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "ram's horn, ray of light"

    • Description:

      Israeli-born singer Keren Ann introduced this traditional Hebrew name to the US, where it could well be mistaken for Karen. Nevertheless, 100 girls were given the name in a recent year.
  12. Kosti

    • Description:

      Kosti is a masculine name with Finnish and Greek origins. In Finland, it serves as a shortened form of Konstantin, while in Greek contexts it can be a diminutive of Konstantinos. Both derive from the Latin 'constans' meaning 'constant' or 'steadfast.' The name has particular relevance in Finnish, Estonian, and Greek communities, though it remains relatively uncommon globally. Kosti has a direct, strong sound with its brief two syllables, conveying simplicity and strength. Historical bearers include Finnish athletes and cultural figures, giving the name a national significance in Finland. The name offers the weight of its classical origins while providing a more distinctive alternative to the more common Constantin or Constantine. Its cross-cultural presence makes it versatile while maintaining specific cultural connections.
  13. Lindi

    • Description:

      Lindi is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It can be a diminutive of names ending in 'linda' such as Belinda or Melinda, or a variant spelling of Lindy, which itself developed as a nickname for names like Linda or Lindsay. In some African cultures, particularly in Tanzania, Lindi also exists as a place name. The name has a bright, cheerful quality with its ending 'i' giving it a playful, diminutive feel. While never reaching mainstream popularity, Lindi saw modest usage in the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s. It appeals to parents seeking a friendly, unpretentious name with a vintage charm that remains relatively uncommon in contemporary use.
  14. Moka

    • Description:

      Moka is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be inspired by the word for a type of coffee (mocha), which derives from Mocha, a port city in Yemen historically known for its coffee exports. Alternatively, it could have Japanese origins, where it can mean "fragrance" or "scent." As a contemporary given name, Moka has a brief, bright quality with its two distinct syllables. The name feels modern and unconventional in Western contexts, appealing to parents seeking something distinctive and easy to pronounce. Its coffee association might appeal to parents wanting a name with warm, comforting connotations, while its Japanese meaning offers a subtly poetic quality of ephemeral beauty.
  15. Moya

    • Description:

      Moya is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins, creating a rich tapestry of meanings. In Irish Gaelic, it derives from Máire (a form of Mary) and can mean "bitter" or "beloved." In African contexts, particularly Swahili and Zulu, Moya means "spirit" or "soul," giving it a profound spiritual dimension. The name also appears in Slavic languages with connections to concepts like "mine" or "my own." This multicultural background makes Moya especially appealing to families seeking names with global resonance. Its simple two-syllable structure and flowing sound give it an accessible yet distinctive quality. While never extremely common, Moya has maintained steady usage across different cultures, appreciated for its brevity and emotional depth.

  16. Nairobi

    • Origin:

      African place-name, Maasi

    • Meaning:

      "cold water"

    • Description:

      Kenya is fairly commonly heard as a girl's name, but its capital city makes a much more exceptional choice. The name comes from the Maasai phrase "Enkare Nairobi," which translates to "cold water." Nairobi is popularly known as the Green City.
  17. Nasir

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "helper"

    • Description:

      Similar to Nasser, with a slightly more altruistic meaning. Rapper Nas was born Nasir Bin Olu Dara Jones, and Nasir may have gotten a bump from 2016 show The Night Of, whose protagonist was named Nasir Kahn.
  18. Nyala

    • Origin:

      African, Ethiopian

    • Meaning:

      "mountain goat"

    • Description:

      Nyala is a secret nature name with a fashionable animal meaning. Nyala might be an appropriate name for a baby girl born under the sign of Capricorn, which is symbolized by the goat, or in the Chinese Year of the Goat -- though the last one was 2015 and we won't have another until 2027. Although the nee beginning is most frequently cited as the correct pronunciation, the name can -- and often will -- be pronounced with the first syllable rhyming with my and sigh.
  19. Raga

    • Origin:

      Sanskrit, musical term

    • Meaning:

      "color or melody"

    • Description:

      Raga is musical, yes, but that 'rag' syllable worries us.
  20. Randa

    • Origin:

      English, feminine variation of Randall; also Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "delicate desert tree"

    • Description:

      Sounds incomplete, like a pet form of Miranda.