Africa is a continent of immense diversity, with over 2,000 distinct ethnic groups and languages spoken.
This diversity extends to the realm of names, where each tribe and culture boasts a unique and fascinating array of boy and girl names.
African tribal names are more than mere labels; they carry deep cultural significance, reflecting traditions, beliefs, and values passed down through generations.
So here we will delve into the world of African tribal names, exploring their origins, meanings, and significance for both boys and girls.
Origins of African Tribal Names
African tribal names are deeply rooted in the history and traditions of the continent’s various ethnic groups. These names often draw inspiration from nature, spirituality, events, and even the circumstances of a child’s birth.
Many African tribes believe that a person’s name is intrinsically connected to their identity, destiny, and role within the community.
Common Themes in African Tribal Names
While the diversity of African tribal names is staggering, there are some common themes that can be found throughout the continent:
- Nature: Many African tribal names are inspired by elements of nature such as animals, plants, rivers, and weather phenomena. For example, in the Yoruba culture of Nigeria, names like Ifeoluwa (meaning “God’s love”) and Ayodele (meaning “joy has come home”) reflect a deep connection to nature and spirituality.
- Spirituality: Religion and spirituality play a significant role in African tribal life, and this is often reflected in names. Names like Mwamba (meaning “rock” in Swahili) or Obioma (meaning “good heart” in Igbo) are imbued with spiritual meaning and are chosen to invoke blessings and protection.
- Events and Circumstances: Some African tribal names are based on specific events or circumstances surrounding a child’s birth. Names like Kato (meaning “second-born twin” in Luganda) or Ayanda (meaning “they are increasing” in Zulu) provide insight into the circumstances of a child’s arrival into the world.
- Family and Ancestry: Names often carry a connection to a family’s history and ancestry. African tribes place a strong emphasis on lineage and heritage, so names like Keita (a common Malian name, famously borne by Sundiata Keita, the founder of the Mali Empire) reflect this emphasis on roots and lineage.
African Tribal Names for Boys
African tribal names for boys are both powerful and meaningful.
Here are a few examples from different regions of Africa:
- Kwame (Akan, Ghana): Kwame means “born on a Saturday” and reflects the Akan people’s practice of naming children based on the day of the week they were born.
- Jabari (Swahili, East Africa): Jabari means “brave” or “fearless,” symbolizing courage and strength.
- Thabo (Southern Sotho, Lesotho): Thabo means “joy” and is a name that reflects happiness and positivity.
- Kwasi (Akan, Ghana): Kwasi means “born on a Sunday,” following the Akan tradition of naming based on the day of the week.
African Tribal Names for Girls
African tribal names for girls are often imbued with grace, beauty, and significance. Here are a few examples:
- Zahara (Arabic, North Africa): Zahara means “flower” and reflects the beauty and elegance of a girl.
- Nia (Swahili, East Africa): Nia means “purpose” and signifies a sense of direction and meaning in life.
- Adanna (Igbo, Nigeria): Adanna means “father’s daughter” and underscores the importance of family and heritage.
- Sefu (Swahili, East Africa): Sefu means “sword” and symbolizes strength and resilience.
Famous African Tribal Names
- Adea: Also spelled Adia and Adiah, this Swahili baby name means âgift from Godâ. Yup, itâs hard not to see your little baby girl as anything other than that.
- Bokang:Â This name is a celebration in itself. From the Basotho people of Southern Africa, Bokang is an African baby name meaning âpraiseâ or ârejoiceâ. What better way to welcome your new arrival than through this joyful name?
- Furaha:Â This delightful Swahili baby name means, well, âdelightâ itself! When those little eyes are sparkling back at you with joy, youâll know that this was, of course, the right name to have chosen.
- Jemila: This is a beautiful African baby name for a beautiful bundle. An Arabic girlsâ name simply meaning âbeautifulâ, it is popular in various countries, including Somalia.
- Zikhona:Â From the Xhosa tribe of South Africa, the African baby name Zikhona translates to âwe are blessed with girlsâ. Yes, this is a name that speaks to gratitude itself.
- Adjo:Â This powerful African baby name hails from Nigeria and means ârighteousâ. What a way to start (and live) a life of honor.
- Bakari:Â A popular name found in various parts of Africa from Egypt to Kenya, Bakari is a Swahili baby name meaning âhopefulâ. Yup, your little treasure as the embodiment of hope strikes all the right chords.
- Bongani:Â From Southern Africa, this glorious African baby name means âgrateful oneâ. What better gift to give to your child than the practice of gratefulness?
- Dakarai:Â Of Zimbabwean origin, this cheerful African baby name means âhappinessâ. Now thereâs one way to give the new addition to your family joyful beginnings.
- Kwame:Â Hailing from Ghana, Kwame is an African baby name meaning âborn on a Saturdayâ. While you may have to wait until after your baby is born to confirm the accuracy of this moniker, itâs an assurance that all Saturdays to come will just be that much happier, right?
- Arno: Meaning âeagleâ. âď¸
- Elna: Meaning âbelovedâ. âď¸
- Imka: Meaning âwaterâ. âď¸
- Lerato: Meaning âloveâ. âď¸
- Luan: Meaning âlionâ. âď¸
- Masego: Meaning âblessed oneâ. âď¸
- Mieke: Meaning âwaterâ. âď¸
- Mpho: Meaning âgiftâ. âď¸âď¸
- Oratile: Meaning âoriginâ. âď¸âď¸
- Zola: Meaning âcalmâ. âď¸
- Aadan: Meaning âson of Adamâ. âď¸
- Amadi: Meaning âfree manâ. âď¸
- Amari: Meaning âpossesses great strengthâ. âď¸
- Chidike: Meaning âGod is strongâ. âď¸
- Diallo: Meaning âboldâ. âď¸
- Hadiza: Meaning âone with no desireâ. âď¸
- Ike: Meaning âGod will laughâ. âď¸
- Jawara: Meaning âlover of peaceâ. âď¸
- Kofi: Meaning âborn on a Fridayâ. âď¸
- Onika: Meaning âwho is greater than God?â. âď¸
- Abeba: Meaning âflowerâ. âď¸
- Aberash: Meaning âshiningâ. âď¸
- Azizi: Meaning âprecious oneâ. âď¸
- Badru: Meaning âborn on a full moonâ. âď¸
- Chiumbo: Meaning âsmall childâ. âď¸
- Imamu: Meaning âspiritual leaderâ. âď¸
- Juma: Meaning âborn on a Fridayâ. âď¸
- Kenya: Meaning âcountry of Kenyaâ. âď¸
- Makena: Meaning âhappy oneâ. âď¸
- Omari: Meaning âpraise Godâ. âď¸
- Akila: Meaning âintelligentâ. âď¸
- Asim: Meaning âprotectorâ. âď¸
- Bahiti: Meaning âfortuneâ. âď¸
- Chisisi: Meaning âsecretâ. âď¸
- Cleopatra: Meaning âglory of the fatherâ. âď¸
- Habibah: Meaning âloveâ. âď¸
- Khepri: Meaning âmorning sunâ. âď¸
- Mahmoud: Meaning âpraiseworthyâ. âď¸
- Mosi: Meaning âfirst-bornâ. âď¸
- Osiris: Meaning âstrong eyesightâ. âď¸
- Ada: Meaning âfirst daughterâ. âď¸
- Afamefuna: Meaning âmy name will not be lostâ. âď¸
- Amara: Meaning âgraceâ or âkindnessâ. âď¸
- Chidinma: Meaning âGod is goodâ. âď¸
- Chima: Meaning âGod knowsâ. âď¸âď¸
- Ganiru: Meaning âgood luckâ. âď¸
- Ifechukwu: Meaning âlight of Godâ. âď¸
- Ifunanya: Meaning âloveâ. âď¸
- Ikemba: Meaning âstrength of the nationâ. âď¸
- Nnamdi: Meaning âGod is aliveâ or âmy father livesâ. âď¸
- Absame: Meaning âgreat oneâ. âď¸
- Ayaan: Meaning âgift of Godâ or âgood luckâ. âď¸
- Diric: Meaning âcourageousâ. âď¸
- Fowsio: Meaning âsuccessâ. âď¸
- Geedi: Meaning âfree-spiritedâ or âtravelerâ. âď¸
- Hibo or Hiba: Meaning âgiftâ. âď¸
- Jamilah: Meaning âbeautifulâ. âď¸
- Nala: Meaning âusâ. âď¸
- Uba: Meaning âflowerâ. âď¸
- Yuusuf: Meaning âGod increasesâ. âď¸
- Amani: Meaning âpeaceâ. âď¸
- Ayubu: Meaning âpatienceâ and âperseveranceâ. âď¸
- Faraji: Meaning âconsolationâ. âď¸
- Imani: Meaning âfaithâ. âď¸âď¸
- Jabari: Meaning âbraveâ. âď¸
- Kamari: Meaning âmoonâ. âď¸
- Nia: Meaning âpurposeâ. âď¸
- Nuru: Meaning âborn in daylightâ. âď¸
- Taraji: Meaning âhopeâ. âď¸
- Zuri: Meaning âbeautifulâ. âď¸
- Abeni: Meaning âprayed forâ. âď¸
- Abidemi: Meaning âborn during his fatherâs absenceâ. âď¸
- Ayotola: Meaning âjoy is my wealthâ. âď¸âď¸
- Bamidele: Meaning âfollow me homeâ. âď¸
- Bisi: Meaning âfirst-born daughterâ. âď¸
- Femi: Meaning âlove meâ. âď¸âď¸
- Ola: Meaning âpreciousâ. âď¸
- Sade: Meaning âcrownâ. âď¸
- Seye: Meaning âhonorâ. âď¸
- Tayo: Meaning âfull of happinessâ. âď¸
- Amahle: Meaning âbeautiful oneâ. âď¸
- Gugulethu: Meaning âprideâ. âď¸
- Jabulani: Meaning ârejoiceâ. âď¸
- Jabulile: Meaning âshe is happyâ. âď¸
- Kaya: Meaning âplace to restâ. âď¸
- Kholwa: Meaning âbelieveâ. âď¸
- Lindiwe: Meaning âwaited forâ. âď¸
- Mandla: Meaning âstrengthâ. âď¸
- Nolwazi: Meaning âknowledgeable oneâ. âď¸âď¸
- Siphosethu: Meaning âour giftâ. âď¸
The above listed are the best African tribal names for boys which you can think about for your newborn too.
African Spiritual Names for Boys
- Abdalla (AB-DAUL-LAH) – Servant of God in Swahili
- Abdu (AB-DOO) – Worshiper of God
- Abubakar (AH-BOO-BAH-CAR) – Father-in-law of Prophet Muhammed in West African
- Adom (AH-DOHM) – God’s blessing
- Barack (BAA-R-AA-K) – Blessed
- Chiamaka (CHEE-AM-ACK-AH) – God is splendid
- Chikae (CHE-KAY) – God’s power; West African name
- Dakarai (DAH-KAH-RAH-EE) – Rejoice; South African Shona name
- Enam (EH-NAHM) – God’s gift
- Haji (HAH-JEE) – Born during the hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca
- Issa (EE-SAH) – God is salvation
- Khalid (KHAH-LEED) – Eternal
- Muhammadu (MOO-HAH-MAHD-OO) – Praiseworthy in West African
- Olugbala (O-LOO-BAH-LAH) – God of the people
- Uchechi (OO-CHAY-CHEE) – God’s will
- Umi (U-MM-EE) – Life
African Spiritual Names for Girls
- Abeni (AH-BEH-NEE) – Girl prayed for in West African
- Aisha (AH-EE-SHAH) – Life
- Dalili (DAH-LEE-LEE) – Sign or omen
- Goitsemedime (COAT-SAY-MO-DEE-MEH) – God knows; long African name
- Imani (E-MAN-E) – Faith in Swahili
- Khadija (KAH-DEE-JAH) – Born premature (Muhammad’s wife)
- Malaika (MAH-LAH-EE-KAH) – Angel
- Mawiyah (MAH-WEE-YAH) – The essence of life
- Rukiya (ROO-KEE-YAH) – Ascend or rise up
Regal African Boy Names
- Abioye (AH-BE-OH-YAY) – Son of royalty; African surname
- Addo (AED-OW) – King of the road in Ghana
- Kgosi (KHO-SEE) – King in Tswana
- Mandlenkosi (MAHN-DLEN-KOH-SEE) – Strong king/chief long name in Zulu and Ndebele
- Nkosana (KOH-SAH-NAH) – Prince in Xhosa
- Obayana (AH-BAH-YAH-NAH) – The kings warm by the fire
- Shaka (SHA-KAH) The name of the Zulu tribal leader, sometimes compared to Attila the Hun
- Taj (T-AH-J) – Exalted
- Zane (Z-AI-N) – Well-born, noble
African Girl Names With Royal Meaning
If you are searching for the royal African girl names with meaning, then here your search ends. Please checkout the below listed awesome African girl names.
- Adaeze (UH-DAY-ZAY) – King’s daughter in Western African
- Bolanile (BO-LAH-NEE-LAH) – Our treasure in West African
- Nkosazana (N-KO-SAH-ZAH-NAH) – Princess in South African
- Thema (TAY-MAH) – Queen Ulu (OO-LOO), second-born female in West African
- Urbi (OOR-BE) – Princess
- Zalika (ZAH-LEE-KAH) – Well-born
Male African Names With Meanings Inspired by Nature
- Gowon (GO-WAHN) – Rainmaker
- Jafari (JAH-FAH-REE) – Stream
- Addae (AH-DAH-EH) – Morning sun
- Mashama (MAH-SHAM-BAH) – Leaves
- Ndulu (N-DOO-LOO) – Dove
- Njau (N-JOW) – Young bull
- Othenio (O-THEE-NEE-O) – Born at night
- Simba (SEEM-BAH) – Lion in South African
- Wambua (WAHM-BOO-AH) – Born during the rainy season
- Yonas (YOO-N-AS) – Dove
- Zahur (ZAH-HOOR) – Flower
Female African Names Derived From Nature
- Ayana (AY-YA-NA) – Pretty flower
- Lulu (LOO-LOO) – A pearl
- Kamaria (KAH-MAH-REE-AH) – Like the moon in Swahili
- Mesi (MEH-SEE) – Water
- Panya (PAHN-YAH) – Mouse
- Rabiah (RAH-BE-AH) – Spring
- Sanura (SAH-NOO-RAH) – Kitten-like
- Zahra (ZAH-RAH) – Flower
African Girl Names Based on Traits and Characteristics
- Abrihet (AH-BREE-HET) Shines with light
- Afiya (AH-FEE-YAH) – Health in West African
- Alake (AH-LAH-KEH) – One to fuss over
- Amina (UH-MEE-NUH) – Trustworthy
- Anika (AH-NEE-KAH) – Sweet-faced
- Anuli (AH-NOO-LEE) – Joyous in West African
- Asha (AH-SH-AH) – Lively, woman, life in Swahili
- Aziza (AH-ZEE-ZAH) – Precious
- Bahati (BAH-HAH-TEE) – Fortunate
- Chipo (CHEE-PO) – Gift in South African; also common African surname
- Dada (DAH-DAH) – Child born with curly hair in West African
- Ebun (EH-BOON) – Gift
- Faizah (FAH-EE-ZAH) – Winner
- Folayan (FAW-LAH-YAHN) – Walking proud
- Habiba (HAH-BE-BAH) – Sweetheart
- Halima (HAH-LEE-MAH) – Kind and patient, gentle
- Jaha (JAH-HA) – Dignity
- Jamila (JAH-ME-LAH) – Elegant
- Kali (KAI-LEE) -Energetic
- Mandisa (MAN-DEE-SAH) – Sweet
- Leila (LAH-EE-LAH) – Dark beauty
- Muteteli (MOO-TAY-TAH-LEE) – Dainty
- Nabelung (NAH-BEH-LUNG) – Beautiful one
- Naeemah (NAH-EE-MAH) – Benevolent and contented
- Nailah (NY-EE-LA) – Successful
- Nombeko (NOM-BEH-KO) – Respect
- Nomusa (NO-MOO-SAH) – Compassionate in South African
- Oni (O-NEE) – Desired in West African
- Salihah (SAH-LEE-HAH) – Virtuous or correct
- Sanaa (SAH-NAA) – Work of beauty in Swahili
- Sekai (SAY-KAH-EE) – Be humorous in Shona
- Urenna (OO-REN-NAH) – Father’s pride
- Yamina (YAH-ME-NAH) – Of moral excellence
African Boy Names Based on Revered Qualities
- Ahmed (AH-MUH-D) – Praiseworthy
- Akiki (AH-KEE-EE-KEE) – Friend
- Amare- (UH-MAH-REH)- Possesses great strength
- Bem (BEHM) – Peace
- Bomani (B-OH-MAH-NEE) – Great warrior
- Chionesu (CHEH-NEH-SOO) – Guiding light
- Fenyang (FEHN-YANG) – Conqueror
- Gamba (GAM-BAH) – Warrior
- Hansani (HAH-SAH-NEE) – Handsome
- Hondo (HAH-N-DOH) – Warrior
- Ishaq (ESS-HAHK) – Laughter
- Jaja (JAH-JAH) – Honored
- Kellan (KEH-L-EH-N) – Powerful
- Lateef (LAH-TEFF) – Gentle and kind
- Mwai (MWAH-EE) – Good fortune
- Nassor (NAH-SOR) – Victorious
- Oladele (AH-LAH-DEH-LEH) – Honored at home
- Omar (O-MAR) – Flourishing
- Rafiki (RAH-FEE-KEE) – Companion
- Rudo (ROO-DOH) – Love in South African
- Sadiki (SAH-DEE-KEE) – Faithful
- Salehe (SAH-LEH-HEE) – Good
- Salim (SAH-LEEM) – Safe and secure
- Tahir (TAH-HEER) – Chaste
- Talib (TAH-LIB) – Seeker of knowledge
- Thadiwe (TAN-DI-WAY) – Beloved
- Themba (TEHM-BAH) – Hope in South African
- Unika (OO-NEE-KAH) – To shine
- Yafeu (YAH-FEH-O) – Bold
- Ziyad (ZEE-YAAD) – To become greater
- Zuberi (ZOO-BEH-REE) – Strong in Swahili
Popular African Baby Names
Below listed are some of the most popular afircan baby names which you must be know and aware of before you finalise the name for your newborn.
- Aba (AH-BAH) – (Female) Born on Thursday
- Abagbe (AH-BAH-BEH) – (Female) Child that was wished for
- Abena (AH-BEH-NAH) – (Female) Born on Tuesday in West African
- Ada (AH-DAH) – (Female) First-born female
- Adesina (AH-DAY-SEE-NAH) – (Female) This child opens the way for more children
- Amahle (Ah-MAH-SHE) – (Female) The beautiful one in Zulu; third most popular name for girls in South Africa
- Jabari (JAH-BAH-REE) – (Male) Brave; African surname
- Keisha (KEE-SHAH) – (Female) Favorite
- Kofi (K-OH-FEE) – (Male) Born on a Friday in West African
- Nia (NEE-AH) – (Female) Purpose in Swahili
- Omari (OH-MAH-R-EE) – (Male) God the highest
- Zola (ZOH-LUH) – (Female) Peaceful
- Zuri (ZUH-OO-REE) – (Female) Beautiful in Swahili
Unisex African Names for Babies
- Abayomi (AH-BAH-YO-ME) – Bringer of joy
- Akuchi (AH-KOO-CHI) – Wealth from God in Igbo
- Abimbola (AH-BIM-BAW-LAH) – Rich child
- Ayo (AH-YAW) – Full of joy
- Desta (DES-tÉ) – Full of pleasure
- Enzokuhle (ENZO-COOL) – Do well, do good
- Femi (FEH-MEE) – Love me
- Lethabo (LE-TA-BO) – Happiness
- Melokuhle (MEH-LO-COOL) – Stand for what is right
African Boy Names With Interesting Meanings
- Aswald (AHS-WALD) – Black
- Bandile (BAND-EEL) – The family is growing; South African name
- Jengo (JEHN-GOO) – Building in Swahili
- Kafele (KAH-FEH-LEH) – Worth dying for
- Kapeni (KAH-PEH-NEE) – Knife
- Kufuo (KOO-FOO-O) – Father shared the pains of birth
- Sekani (SEH-KAH-NEE) – Laugh in Tumbuka
- Mandala (MAHN-DAH-LAH) – Spectacles
- Mazi (MAH-ZEE) – Sir
- Madu (MAH-DOO) – People
- Obi (O-BEE) – Heart in Western African
- Paki (PAH-KEE) – Witness
- Sefu (SEH-FOO) – Sword in Swahili
- Selassie (SUH-LASS-SEE) – One that refers to a trinity
- Taye (TAI) – He who has been seen
- Useni (UW-SEN-EE) – Tell me
- Walid (WAH-LEED) – Newborn
- Zikomo (ZEE-KO-MO) – Thank you in South African
African Girl Names With Unique Meanings
- Alkebulan (Al-KEH-BOO-LAN) – Mother of Mankind; said to be the oldest name for Africa from indigenous African origins
- Aluna (AH-LOO-NAH) – Come here
- Bayo (BAH-YO) – Great joy a child brings to a family
- Fujo (FOO-JO) – Born after the parents have separated
- Hawa (HAH-WAH) – Longing
- Kibibi (KEE-BE-BE) – Little lady
- Linda (LEEN-DAH) – Wait
- Ode (O-DEH) – Born along the road
- Ikuseghan (EE-KOO-SHE-HAN) – Peace is better than war; long African name
- Ramla (RAHM-LAH) – Predictor of the future
- Suma (SOO-MAH) – Ask
- Tale (TAH-LEH) – Green
- Teleza (TAH-LEH-ZAH) – Slippery
- Umm (OOM) – Mother
- Waseme (WAH-SEH-MEH) – Let them talk
- Ye (YEH-EH) – Elder of twins
African Baby Names Based on Days of the Week and Birth Order
- Adika (AH-DEE-KAH) – (Male) The first child of a second husband
- Akua (AH-KOO-AH) – (Male) Born on a Thursday; African surname
- Anane (AH-HAH-NEH) – (Male) Fourth son
- Atu (AH-TOO) – (Male) Born on Saturday
- Jojo (JO-JO) – (Male) Born on Monday
- Kizza (KEEZ-SAH) – (Male) Born after twins
- Kontar (KOHN-TAR) – (Male) Only child
- Kwasi (KWAH-SEE) – (Male) Born on Sunday in West African
- Mosi (MO-SEE) – (Male) First-born in Swahili
- Akua (AH-KOO-AH) – (Female) Born on Wednesday
- Ama (AH-MA) – (Female) Born on Saturday in West African
- Asya (AHS-YAH) – (Female) Born at a time of grief
- Chuki (CHOO-KEE) – (Female) Born during a time of hatred
- Efia (EH-FEE-AH) – (Female) Born on a Friday
- Hasana (HAH-SAH-NAH) – (Female) First-born twin
- Koko (KO-KO) – (Female) Born second
- Naki (NAH-KEE) – (Female) First-born girl
- Neema (NEH-EH-MAH) – (Female) Born during good times
- Omolara (O-MO-LAH-RAH) – (Female) Born at the right time in West African
- Sisi (SEE-SEE) – (Female) Born on a Sunday
Strong & Powerful African Names For Girls
- Ahnika (African) â âBeautiful ornamentâ or âruler of the houseâ
- Aiysha (African and Arabic) â âPowerful and completeâ or âprosperousâ
- Amandla (African) â âPowerful womanâ
- Amari (African, Latin, and Hebrew) â âImmortalâ or âpossesses great strengthâ
- Dalma (African, Hungarian, and Latin) â âMade of metalâ or âone from Dalmatia (now a part of Croatia)â
- Diata (African) â âBrave as a lionâ
- Eshe (African and Egyptian) â âImmortalâ
- Gasira (African â Kenyan) â âBraveâ
- Jabari (African â Swahili) â âBrave oneâ
- Jadwiga (African, German, and Polish name) â âFighting a battleâ or âsafety in battleâ
- Jelani (African and American unisex name) â âMightyâ and âstrongâ
- Kacela (African) â âGreat huntressâ
- Kimonia (African) â âGreat womanâ
- Nichelle (African, American, and Hebrew) â âLike Godâ
- Nontle (African) â âThe ruler of the deep seaâ or âbeautyâs motherâ
African Girl Names That Mean Blessing Or Gift
- Addiah (African â Swahili and Hebrew) â âGift from Godâ or âornament of Godâ
- Anaya (African and Sanskrit) â âBlessing of Godâ or âgracefulâ
- Ashida (African, Arabic, and Japanese name) â âBlessings from Godâ or ârice fieldâ
- Asis (African and Hebrew) â âOf the sunâ or ânew wineâ
- Ayaan (African, Indian, and Arabic) â âGift of Godâ or âgood luckâ
- Babette (African and French girl name) â âPromise of Godâ or âmy God is plentifulâ
- Bunme (African) â âA gift thatâs mineâ
- Chinue (African â Ibo) â âGodâs blessingâ
- Chipo (African) â âA giftâ
- Efuru (African) â âBlessedâ or âdaughter of heavenâ
- Fabee (African and Arabic) â âBlessingâ or âfavorâ
- Fabunni (African) â âGiven to me by Godâ
- Hadaya (African and Arabic) â âGiftâ
- Hibo (Eastern African â Somalian) â âGiftâ
- Inayat (African and Arabic) â âBlessing of Godâ or âkindnessâ
- Kirabo (African unisex name) â âGift of the Godâ
- Makana (African â Swahili and Hawaiian) â âGirl whoâs a gift to the worldâ or ârewardâ
- Masego (Southern African â Tswana) â âA blessingâ
- Miesha (African and Arabic) â âGift or blessing of Godâ or âalive and wellâ
- Mugisa (African â Ugandan) â âBlessingâ
- Neliah (African) â âGift or present from the townâ
- Nkiru (African) â âThe greatest will comeâ or âGod will provide the excellent gift once moreâ
- Olufunke (African) â âGifted from God to be lovedâ
- Oluyomi (African unisex name) â âSent or delivered by Godâ
- Omphile (South African) â âGod gaveâ or âgift from Godâ
- Tapiwa (African) â âShe who was given as a giftâ
- Zawadi (African â Swahili) â âGiftâ
Favorite African-American Names For Girls
- Akilah â âIntelligent and logicalâ
- Ashanti â âAfrican tribe nameâ
- Brianna â âStrong and virtuousâ
- Gabrielle â âWoman of Godâ
- Jendayi â âThankfulâ
- Keisha â âFavoriteâ
- Kimmie â âRock with diamondsâ
- Makena â âHappy oneâ
- Natoya â âOne who can danceâ
- Samiya â âHigh personâ or âsublime and nobleâ
- Sarda â âHurriedâ
- Shakini â âThe most beautiful oneâ
- Shanti â âPeaceâ
African Girl Names Meaning Princess
- Adaeze (African â Igbo and Nigerian) â âPrincessâ or âdaughter of the kingâ
- Jahzara (African) â âBlessed princessâ
- Nkosazana (African â Xhosa) â âPrincessâ
- Shahina (African and Arabic) â âPrincessâ or âfalconessâ (falcons are associated with royalty)
- Sura (African and Arabic) â âPrincess,â âbrave,â or âtraveling by nightâ
- Urbi (African and Egyptian) â âPrincessâ
African Girl Names That Mean Love
- Adenike (African) â âAffectionate,â âthe crown is loving,â or âcherished crownâ
- Bisa (African) â âGreatly lovedâ
- Charminique (African and English) â âFemale child born out of loveâ
- Habika (African) â Pet name for girls meaning âdarling,â âbeloved,â or âsweetheartâ
- Hashiki (African â Swahili) â âPassionâ
- Hoyam (African and Arabic) â âPassionate loveâ
- Jumoke (African and Egyptian) â âEverybody loves the childâ or âloved by allâ
- Kaweria (African â Kenyan) â âThe loving oneâ
- Kendi (African unisex name) â âOne who is lovedâ or âcherishedâ
- Lolovivi (African) â âLove is always thereâ
- Omolara (West African) â âThe loving child of the familyâ or âchild born at the right timeâ
- Oratilwe (African) â Pet name for a loved one meaning âdearest and darling oneâ
- Penda (African â Swahili and Namibian) â âLoved,â âbeloved,â âadmired,â or âbe braveâ
- Temwa (African â Senga) â âLove and happinessâ
- Tene (African â Euroba) â âLoveâ
- Thandeka (African) â âThe loved oneâ
- Thandi (African â Zulu) â âOne who loves deeplyâ
- Thandolwethu (African) â âOur loveâ
African Girl Names That Mean Light & Bright
- Aberash (Eastern African and Amharic) â âShiningâ or âgiving off lightâ
- Dazzline (African and English) â âDazzlingâ
- Lesedi (Southern African â Sesotho) â âBeam of lightâ or âray of lightâ
- Liseli (African â Zambia) â âLightâ
- Nomalanga (African â Zulu) â âSunshine lightâ or âbrilliant â
- Nuru (African, Aramaic, and Arabic) â âLightâ
- Sanaa (African â Swahili) â âRadiance,â âshine above others,â or âluminosity reflected by somethingâ
- Zala (African) â âShine and brightnessâ or a name that means âRoseâ
West African Names For Girls
- Ahanti (African â Twi, language in Ghana) â Warrior name meaning âwarlikeâ
- Asabi (African â Yoruban in southwestern Nigeria) â âOne of select birthâ
- Ayoka (African â Yoruban) â âOne who causes joy all aroundâ
- Ghana (African) â âCountry in Africaâ
- Jenue (African) â âFrom the city of Jenue, Nigeria)
- Monifa (African â Yoruban) â âLuckyâ
- Nasha (African â Nigerian and Persian) â âBorn during the rainy seasonâ or âjudgeâ
- Niana (African) â Place name after an African city in Mali
- Toure (Africa) â âOne who belongs to Soussou (ethnic group in Sierra Leone)â
