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 “gift from God”. Yup, it’s hard not to see your little baby girl as anything other than that.
- Bokang: This name is a celebration in itself. From the Basotho people of Southern Africa, Bokang is an African baby name meaning “praise” or “rejoice”. What better way to welcome your new arrival than through this joyful name?
- Furaha: This delightful Swahili baby name means, well, “delight” itself! When those little eyes are sparkling back at you with joy, you’ll 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 girls’ name simply meaning “beautiful”, it is popular in various countries, including Somalia.
- Zikhona: From the Xhosa tribe of South Africa, the African baby name Zikhona translates to “we are blessed with girls”. Yes, this is a name that speaks to gratitude itself.
- Adjo: This powerful African baby name hails from Nigeria and means “righteous”. What a way to start (and live) a life of honor.
- Bakari: A popular name found in various parts of Africa from Egypt to Kenya, Bakari is a Swahili baby name meaning “hopeful”. Yup, your little treasure as the embodiment of hope strikes all the right chords.
- Bongani: From Southern Africa, this glorious African baby name means “grateful one”. What better gift to give to your child than the practice of gratefulness?
- Dakarai: Of Zimbabwean origin, this cheerful African baby name means “happiness”. Now there’s one way to give the new addition to your family joyful beginnings.
- Kwame: Hailing from Ghana, Kwame is an African baby name meaning “born on a Saturday”. While you may have to wait until after your baby is born to confirm the accuracy of this moniker, it’s an assurance that all Saturdays to come will just be that much happier, right?
- Arno: Meaning “eagle”. ♂️
- Elna: Meaning “beloved”. ♀️
- Imka: Meaning “water”. ♀️
- Lerato: Meaning “love”. ♀️
- Luan: Meaning “lion”. ♂️
- Masego: Meaning “blessed one”. ♀️
- Mieke: Meaning “water”. ♀️
- Mpho: Meaning “gift”. ♀️♂️
- Oratile: Meaning “origin”. ♀️♂️
- Zola: Meaning “calm”. ♀️
- Aadan: Meaning “son of Adam”. ♂️
- Amadi: Meaning “free man”. ♂️
- Amari: Meaning “possesses great strength”. ♀️
- Chidike: Meaning “God is strong”. ♂️
- Diallo: Meaning “bold”. ♂️
- Hadiza: Meaning “one with no desire”. ♀️
- Ike: Meaning “God will laugh”. ♂️
- Jawara: Meaning “lover of peace”. ♀️
- Kofi: Meaning “born on a Friday”. ♂️
- Onika: Meaning “who is greater than God?”. ♀️
- Abeba: Meaning “flower”. ♀️
- Aberash: Meaning “shining”. ♀️
- Azizi: Meaning “precious one”. ♂️
- Badru: Meaning “born on a full moon”. ♂️
- Chiumbo: Meaning “small child”. ♂️
- Imamu: Meaning “spiritual leader”. ♂️
- Juma: Meaning “born on a Friday”. ♂️
- Kenya: Meaning “country of Kenya”. ♀️
- Makena: Meaning “happy one”. ♀️
- Omari: Meaning “praise God”. ♂️
- Akila: Meaning “intelligent”. ♀️
- Asim: Meaning “protector”. ♂️
- Bahiti: Meaning “fortune”. ♀️
- Chisisi: Meaning “secret”. ♂️
- Cleopatra: Meaning “glory of the father”. ♀️
- Habibah: Meaning “love”. ♀️
- Khepri: Meaning “morning sun”. ♀️
- Mahmoud: Meaning “praiseworthy”. ♂️
- Mosi: Meaning “first-born”. ♂️
- Osiris: Meaning “strong eyesight”. ♂️
- Ada: Meaning “first daughter”. ♀️
- Afamefuna: Meaning “my name will not be lost”. ♂️
- Amara: Meaning “grace” or “kindness”. ♀️
- Chidinma: Meaning “God is good”. ♀️
- Chima: Meaning “God knows”. ♀️♂️
- Ganiru: Meaning “good luck”. ♂️
- Ifechukwu: Meaning “light of God”. ♀️
- Ifunanya: Meaning “love”. ♀️
- Ikemba: Meaning “strength of the nation”. ♂️
- Nnamdi: Meaning “God is alive” or “my father lives”. ♂️
- Absame: Meaning “great one”. ♂️
- Ayaan: Meaning “gift of God” or “good luck”. ♂️
- Diric: Meaning “courageous”. ♂️
- Fowsio: Meaning “success”. ♀️
- Geedi: Meaning “free-spirited” or “traveler”. ♂️
- Hibo or Hiba: Meaning “gift”. ♀️
- Jamilah: Meaning “beautiful”. ♀️
- Nala: Meaning “us”. ♀️
- Uba: Meaning “flower”. ♀️
- Yuusuf: Meaning “God increases”. ♂️
- Amani: Meaning “peace”. ♀️
- Ayubu: Meaning “patience” and “perseverance”. ♂️
- Faraji: Meaning “consolation”. ♂️
- Imani: Meaning “faith”. ♀️♂️
- Jabari: Meaning “brave”. ♂️
- Kamari: Meaning “moon”. ♀️
- Nia: Meaning “purpose”. ♀️
- Nuru: Meaning “born in daylight”. ♀️
- Taraji: Meaning “hope”. ♀️
- Zuri: Meaning “beautiful”. ♀️
- Abeni: Meaning “prayed for”. ♀️
- Abidemi: Meaning “born during his father’s absence”. ♂️
- Ayotola: Meaning “joy is my wealth”. ♀️♂️
- Bamidele: Meaning “follow me home”. ♂️
- Bisi: Meaning “first-born daughter”. ♀️
- Femi: Meaning “love me”. ♀️♂️
- Ola: Meaning “precious”. ♀️
- Sade: Meaning “crown”. ♀️
- Seye: Meaning “honor”. ♂️
- Tayo: Meaning “full of happiness”. ♂️
- Amahle: Meaning “beautiful one”. ♀️
- Gugulethu: Meaning “pride”. ♀️
- Jabulani: Meaning “rejoice”. ♂️
- Jabulile: Meaning “she is happy”. ♀️
- Kaya: Meaning “place to rest”. ♀️
- Kholwa: Meaning “believe”. ♀️
- Lindiwe: Meaning “waited for”. ♀️
- Mandla: Meaning “strength”. ♂️
- Nolwazi: Meaning “knowledgeable one”. ♀️♂️
- Siphosethu: Meaning “our gift”. ♂️
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-tə) – 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) – “Beautiful ornament” or “ruler of the house”
- Aiysha (African and Arabic) – “Powerful and complete” or “prosperous”
- Amandla (African) – “Powerful woman”
- Amari (African, Latin, and Hebrew) – “Immortal” or “possesses great strength”
- Dalma (African, Hungarian, and Latin) – “Made of metal” or “one from Dalmatia (now a part of Croatia)”
- Diata (African) – “Brave as a lion”
- Eshe (African and Egyptian) – “Immortal”
- Gasira (African – Kenyan) – “Brave”
- Jabari (African – Swahili) – “Brave one”
- Jadwiga (African, German, and Polish name) – “Fighting a battle” or “safety in battle”
- Jelani (African and American unisex name) – “Mighty” and “strong”
- Kacela (African) – “Great huntress”
- Kimonia (African) – “Great woman”
- Nichelle (African, American, and Hebrew) – “Like God”
- Nontle (African) – “The ruler of the deep sea” or “beauty’s mother”
African Girl Names That Mean Blessing Or Gift
- Addiah (African – Swahili and Hebrew) – “Gift from God” or “ornament of God”
- Anaya (African and Sanskrit) – “Blessing of God” or “graceful”
- Ashida (African, Arabic, and Japanese name) – “Blessings from God” or “rice field”
- Asis (African and Hebrew) – “Of the sun” or “new wine”
- Ayaan (African, Indian, and Arabic) – “Gift of God” or “good luck”
- Babette (African and French girl name) – “Promise of God” or “my God is plentiful”
- Bunme (African) – “A gift that’s mine”
- Chinue (African – Ibo) – “God‘s blessing”
- Chipo (African) – “A gift”
- Efuru (African) – “Blessed” or “daughter of heaven”
- Fabee (African and Arabic) – “Blessing” or “favor”
- Fabunni (African) – “Given to me by God”
- Hadaya (African and Arabic) – “Gift”
- Hibo (Eastern African – Somalian) – “Gift”
- Inayat (African and Arabic) – “Blessing of God” or “kindness”
- Kirabo (African unisex name) – “Gift of the God”
- Makana (African – Swahili and Hawaiian) – “Girl who’s a gift to the world” or “reward”
- Masego (Southern African – Tswana) – “A blessing”
- Miesha (African and Arabic) – “Gift or blessing of God” or “alive and well”
- Mugisa (African – Ugandan) – “Blessing”
- Neliah (African) – “Gift or present from the town”
- Nkiru (African) – “The greatest will come” or “God will provide the excellent gift once more”
- Olufunke (African) – “Gifted from God to be loved”
- Oluyomi (African unisex name) – “Sent or delivered by God”
- Omphile (South African) – “God gave” or “gift from God”
- Tapiwa (African) – “She who was given as a gift”
- Zawadi (African – Swahili) – “Gift”
Favorite African-American Names For Girls
- Akilah – “Intelligent and logical”
- Ashanti – “African tribe name”
- Brianna – “Strong and virtuous”
- Gabrielle – “Woman of God”
- Jendayi – “Thankful”
- Keisha – “Favorite”
- Kimmie – “Rock with diamonds”
- Makena – “Happy one”
- Natoya – “One who can dance”
- Samiya – “High person” or “sublime and noble”
- Sarda – “Hurried”
- Shakini – “The most beautiful one”
- Shanti – “Peace”
African Girl Names Meaning Princess
- Adaeze (African – Igbo and Nigerian) – “Princess” or “daughter of the king”
- Jahzara (African) – “Blessed princess”
- Nkosazana (African – Xhosa) – “Princess”
- Shahina (African and Arabic) – “Princess” or “falconess” (falcons are associated with royalty)
- Sura (African and Arabic) – “Princess,” “brave,” or “traveling by night”
- Urbi (African and Egyptian) – “Princess”
African Girl Names That Mean Love
- Adenike (African) – “Affectionate,” “the crown is loving,” or “cherished crown”
- Bisa (African) – “Greatly loved”
- Charminique (African and English) – “Female child born out of love”
- Habika (African) – Pet name for girls meaning “darling,” “beloved,” or “sweetheart”
- Hashiki (African – Swahili) – “Passion”
- Hoyam (African and Arabic) – “Passionate love”
- Jumoke (African and Egyptian) – “Everybody loves the child” or “loved by all”
- Kaweria (African – Kenyan) – “The loving one”
- Kendi (African unisex name) – “One who is loved” or “cherished”
- Lolovivi (African) – “Love is always there”
- Omolara (West African) – “The loving child of the family” or “child born at the right time”
- Oratilwe (African) – Pet name for a loved one meaning “dearest and darling one”
- Penda (African – Swahili and Namibian) – “Loved,” “beloved,” “admired,” or “be brave”
- Temwa (African – Senga) – “Love and happiness”
- Tene (African – Euroba) – “Love”
- Thandeka (African) – “The loved one”
- Thandi (African – Zulu) – “One who loves deeply”
- Thandolwethu (African) – “Our love”
African Girl Names That Mean Light & Bright
- Aberash (Eastern African and Amharic) – “Shining” or “giving off light”
- Dazzline (African and English) – “Dazzling”
- Lesedi (Southern African – Sesotho) – “Beam of light” or “ray of light”
- Liseli (African – Zambia) – “Light”
- Nomalanga (African – Zulu) – “Sunshine light” or “brilliant ”
- Nuru (African, Aramaic, and Arabic) – “Light”
- Sanaa (African – Swahili) – “Radiance,” “shine above others,” or “luminosity reflected by something”
- Zala (African) – “Shine and brightness” or a name that means “Rose”
West African Names For Girls
- Ahanti (African – Twi, language in Ghana) – Warrior name meaning “warlike”
- Asabi (African – Yoruban in southwestern Nigeria) – “One of select birth”
- Ayoka (African – Yoruban) – “One who causes joy all around”
- Ghana (African) – “Country in Africa”
- Jenue (African) – “From the city of Jenue, Nigeria)
- Monifa (African – Yoruban) – “Lucky”
- Nasha (African – Nigerian and Persian) – “Born during the rainy season” or “judge”
- Niana (African) – Place name after an African city in Mali
- Toure (Africa) – “One who belongs to Soussou (ethnic group in Sierra Leone)”
