​
​
Advanced Search

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. Victoria

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "victory"

    • Description:

      Victoria is the Latin word for "victory" and a feminine form of Victor. It is the name of the ancient Roman goddess of victory, the equivalent of the Greek Nike, and also a popular third century saint.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Amaury

    • Origin:

      French form of Amalric

    • Meaning:

      "work power"

    • Description:

      Friendlier french form of ancient Germanic royal name Amalric or Emmerich.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

  8. Zeila

    • Origin:

      African place-name

    • Description:

      Zeila, the name of a port town in Somalia, has cultural resonance and an appealing sound.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. Zula

    • Origin:

      English, derived from Zulu, South African tribal name

    • Description:

      Related to the powerful South African warrior people, sometimes chosen by African-Americans to celebrate their heritage.
  12. Sima

    • Description:

      Sima is a feminine name with multicultural origins, appearing in Hebrew, Arabic, Indian, and Slavic naming traditions. In Hebrew, it means 'treasure' or 'valued,' while in Sanskrit it can mean 'boundary' or 'limit.' In Slavic languages, it may be related to the word for 'winter.' This short, melodic two-syllable name carries a gentle elegance and simplicity that transcends cultural boundaries. Sima has maintained consistent though modest usage across different regions, particularly in Jewish, Indian, and Eastern European communities. Its cross-cultural presence and positive meanings make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with both depth and accessibility.
  13. 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.
  14. Shire

    • Description:

      Shire is a feminine name with English origins, derived directly from the geographical term for a traditional county division in England. The word comes from Old English 'scir' meaning 'district' or 'office.' As a given name, Shire is quite rare, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive nature-inspired or place name with English heritage connections. It evokes pastoral landscapes and the rolling countryside of rural England, carrying associations with peaceful, bucolic settings. The name has a simple, clear pronunciation and spelling despite its uncommon usage. Some might also appreciate literary connections to J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Shire' in his Middle-earth works, suggesting a place of comfort, simplicity, and natural beauty.
  15. 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.

  16. 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.
  17. Raga

    • Origin:

      Sanskrit, musical term

    • Meaning:

      "color or melody"

    • Description:

      Raga is musical, yes, but that 'rag' syllable worries us.
  18. Adama

    • Origin:

      Variation of Adam, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "son of the earth"
  19. 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.
  20. 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.