City Names - East Africa

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

A multicultural choice with a distinctive sound, Moya may appeal as a unique alternative to Maia/Maya or Mia. Given to a handful of girls each year in the US, it is more commonly heard in the UK or in Ethiopia.

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

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.

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

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.

Reminiscent of well-established choices like Bella and Beulah, but also of trendy options like Baylor, Kayla, and Bailey, Bayla is a name with a variety of different origins. Also spelled as Baila and Baela, this spelling was chosen for 42 girls in the US in a recent year

Sounds incomplete, like a pet form of Miranda.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.