Connecting African Heritage - Male

Kellan Lutz is the attractive young actor who plays Emmett Cullen in the Twilight series.

Zaire was a Central African state from 1971 to 1997 that has recently risen up the charts as a boys name. Deriving from a Congo term meaning "the river that swallows all rivers", it makes a bold and wearable choice for a son.

A name with many spelling variations, including Malek, Melik, and Maliq, Malik is a popular name of Arabic and Semetic origin that is used internationally as both a given name and a surname. In terms of meaning, it can be considered a royal name meaning "king", though other sources suggest it is an alternative transcription of Maalik, making "owner, possessor" a more accurate meaning.

Water names are a cool category these days, and this one of the famous Egyptian river is no exception. It streamlines the fussier Niles and also may be thought of as a color name, meaning dark blue or indigo.

Basketball legend Kobe Bryant, whose name was inspired by a Japanese steak house, brought this energetic and appealing name into -- and out of -- the mix. Bryant's tragic death in a helicopter crash in 2020 increased the popularity of his name, as fans and admirers named their children Kobe in honor of the star.

Pleasing crossover possibility.

This Akan day name is very much associated with Kofi Annan, the seventh secretary general of the United Nations. The Akan people of Ghana and the Ivory Coast frequently name their children after the day of the week they were born and the order in which they were born. Most Ghanaians have a name using this system.

Kato gained a lot of attention during the O. J. Simpson trial via witness Kato Kaelin (born Brian). It is also the name of a fictional character in "The Green Hornet." Spelled Cato, it has a lot more credibility as an ancient name.

Tayo, also written as Táyò in Yoruba, is a name that sounds as joyful as its meaning.

Menelik is a masculine name of Ethiopian origin with profound historical significance. It means 'son of the wise one' and is most famously associated with Emperor Menelik II (1844-1913), who led Ethiopia to victory against Italian colonization and modernized the nation. According to Ethiopian tradition, the original Menelik was the son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, establishing the Solomonic dynasty. This name carries royal connotations and represents leadership, wisdom, and African pride. Though uncommon outside Ethiopia and the African diaspora, Menelik has seen increased interest among parents seeking names with authentic African heritage and historical importance. It offers a distinctive choice with rich cultural significance and a connection to one of Africa's most important historical narratives of independence and sovereignty.

An easily assimilated African name, a novel twist on Johnny.

The Akan people of Ghana and the Ivory Coast frequently name their children after the day of the week they were born and the order in which they were born. Most Ghanaians have a name using this system (think Kofi Annan, whose name means born on a Friday).

Zayn and the more Western-friendly Zain sound exactly like the popular Zane but have a different root, in Arabic and African cultures. The name was made familiar to Europeans and Americans by British singer-songwriter Zayn, born Zain Malik. This is an easily-translated choice for a family that wants to bridge cultures, but you have to accept that people will be forever spelling the name "wrong".

Mellow and musical.

Kion is a modern masculine name that gained recognition through Disney's "The Lion Guard," where Kion is the son of Simba. The name likely draws inspiration from "ki" sounds in Swahili or other African languages, connecting it to the continent where lions naturally roam. Kion has a strong, powerful sound befitting its leonine associations. Beyond its media connection, the name has an appealing brevity and contemporary feel that works well internationally. Though uncommon in historical records, Kion has seen modest usage since the 2010s, particularly among parents drawn to unique names with cultural resonance or meaningful media connections. The name conveys strength, leadership, and a touch of exotic appeal.

Tau, rhyming with cow, is a simple straightforward name with roots in two languages and cultures, the Kaurna language spoken by indigenous Australian people or the African Tswana language, a Bantu language spoken by five million people.

Kasim is a masculine name with Arabic origins, meaning 'one who divides' or 'distributor,' often interpreted as someone who distributes justice or fairness. The name appears in Islamic tradition and history, adding cultural significance for many families. With its strong consonants and clean, modern sound, Kasim offers cross-cultural appeal while maintaining its authentic roots. Though not extremely common in Western countries, the name has gained steady appreciation for its distinctive character and international recognition. Variations include Qasim, Kassim, and Kaasim, with the name being particularly popular in Muslim communities worldwide. Kasim blends tradition with a contemporary feel, making it both timeless and current.

The African name Ayan was first seen on the US Top 1000 for boys in 2014. It's both simple and distinctive, a winning combination.

The Akan people of Ghana and the Ivory Coast frequently name their children after the day of the week they were born and the order in which they were born. Most Ghanaians have a name using this system (think Kofi Annan, whose name means born on a Friday).