Names from Books written by POC authors
- Abdul
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"servant of Allah"Description:
Widespread choice in the Muslim world, this was the name of both the father of the Prophet Mohammed and one of his sons.
- Abebe
Origin:
AmharicMeaning:
"flower"Description:
Masculine variation of Abeba.
- Adwoa
Origin:
Akan, GhanaianMeaning:
"born on Monday"Description:
Adwoa is a given name used for women born on Monday in Western Africa, particularly Ghana and some parts of Togo and Ivory Coast. The male equivalent is Kwadwo.
- Afua
Origin:
AkanMeaning:
"born on Friday"Description:
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.
- Alim
Description:
Alim is a masculine name with Arabic origins, meaning 'knowledgeable,' 'learned,' or 'wise.' The name derives from the Arabic word for knowledge ('ilm') and holds particular significance in Islamic tradition, where Al-Alim is one of the 99 names of Allah, referring to 'The All-Knowing.' Alim is used throughout Muslim communities worldwide, including the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and among Muslim diaspora populations. The name carries prestigious connotations of scholarship and wisdom in many cultures. While not extremely common in Western countries, Alim has gained some recognition globally. Its simple pronunciation and meaningful etymology make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with intellectual and spiritual significance.
- Ama
Origin:
Ewe, Akan, Ghanaian, CherokeeMeaning:
"born on Saturday; water"Description:
Ama is a day name used by the Akan people of Ghana for girls born on Saturday. Names that reference a baby's birth by day of the week, time of day, or season of the year are common in many African cultures. Ama is one that can be used happily by parents who live in English-speaking countries.
- Aminah
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"trustworthy, faithful"Description:
The usage of this Arabic name has been increasing in the US, joining the Top 1000 for the first time in 2015. Aminah bint Wahb was the mother of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.
- Aminata
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"trustworthy, faithful"Description:
This elaboration of the Arabic amīn, meaning "trustworthy" or "to feel safe" was a fast riser in 2022, but has yet to crack the Top 1000. Latvian musical artist Aminata Savadogo's 2021 song "It's Written in the Heavens (Milky Way)" was nominated for Song of the Year at the 2022 Latvian Music Recording Awards, potentially bringing the name into the spotlight.
- Arti
- Abebe
- Adekola
- Ae Ri
- Ai Ling
- Arrah
- Assibi
- Assibi
- Ayoola
- Beatrix
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"she who brings happiness; blessed"Description:
Beatrix has a solid history of its own apart from Beatrice, with that final x adding a playful, animated note to the name's imposing history and stately vibe.
- Boo
Origin:
Word name or nicknameDescription:
Boo may have started out as a nickname for the male character Arthur "Boo" Radley in To Kill A Mockingbird and these days may be closely associated with another male Boo, the "world's cutest dog" or with the adorable little girl in Monsters, Inc.
- Bem