The Christening

An African name for a boy

71 African boys’ names, plus 75 unisex names that work just as well — Akan, Ewe, Yoruba, Igbo, Fula, Hausa, Mande, Swahili, Shona, Zulu, Amazigh, Malagasy. Meaning, origin and pronunciation for each.

For example: “a name that speaks of strength and courage, easy to pronounce in French”.

Explore the directory

146 names shown

  • Unisex

    Ade

    a-DÉ

    Crown.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Adé
    Royalty & nobility
  • Boy

    Adebayo

    a-dé-ba-YO

    The crown meets joy.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Adébáyọ̀
    Royalty & nobility Joy & happiness
  • Boy

    Adekunle

    a-dé-KOUN-lé

    The crown fills the house.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Adékúnlé
    Royalty & nobility Family & lineage
  • Unisex

    Adeola

    a-dé-O-la

    Crown of honour, crown of wealth.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Adéọlá
    Royalty & nobility
  • Unisex

    Adom

    a-DOM

    Grace, blessing.

    Origin
    Akan (Twi)
    Region
    Ghana
    Faith & spirituality Gift & blessing
  • Unisex

    Afriyie

    a-fri-YÉ

    Born at a favourable time; a child of good omen.

    Origin
    Akan (Twi)
    Region
    Ghana
    Variants
    Afriye
    Day & circumstances of birth Hope & future
    meaning to be confirmed
  • Boy

    Aksel

    ak-SEL

    7th-century Amazigh king (Kusayla); his name is associated with the leopard.

    Origin
    Amazigh
    Region
    Maghreb
    Variants
    Kusayla
    Historical figures Strength & courage
  • Unisex

    Amani

    a-MA-ni

    Peace.

    Origin
    Swahili
    Region
    Kenya, Tanzania
    Peace & serenity
  • Boy

    Amayas

    a-MA-yas

    Cheetah.

    Origin
    Amazigh (Kabyle, Tuareg)
    Region
    Algeria, Sahara
    Strength & courage Nature & elements
  • Boy

    Andile

    an-DI-lé

    The family has grown.

    Origin
    Zulu / Xhosa
    Region
    South Africa
    Family & lineage
  • Boy

    Andry

    AN-dri

    Pillar.

    Origin
    Malagasy
    Region
    Madagascar
    Strength & courage Family & lineage
  • Boy

    Ardo

    ar-DO

    Chief, the one who leads.

    Origin
    Fula (Fulfulde)
    Region
    Senegal, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Cameroon
    Royalty & nobility
  • Boy

    Awet

    a-OUÈT

    Victory.

    Origin
    Tigrinya
    Region
    Eritrea
    Strength & courage
  • Unisex

    Ayanda

    a-YAN-da

    They increase — the family is growing.

    Origin
    Zulu / Xhosa
    Region
    South Africa
    Family & lineage
  • Unisex

    Ayo

    a-YO

    Joy.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria, Benin
    Variants
    Ayọ̀
    Joy & happiness
  • Unisex

    Ayodele

    a-yo-dé-LÉ

    Joy enters the house.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria, Benin
    Variants
    Ayọ̀délé
    Joy & happiness Family & lineage
  • Unisex

    Ayomide

    a-yo-mi-DÉ

    My joy has arrived.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Ayọ̀midé
    Joy & happiness
  • Unisex

    Ayotunde

    a-yo-toun-DÉ

    Joy has come back.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Ayọ̀túndé
    Joy & happiness
  • Unisex

    Bahati

    ba-HA-ti

    Luck, fortune.

    Origin
    Swahili
    Region
    Kenya, Tanzania
    Hope & future Gift & blessing
  • Boy

    Bako

    ba-KO

    Born while guests were visiting — literally “the guest”.

    Origin
    Hausa
    Region
    Niger, Nigeria
    Day & circumstances of birth
  • Unisex

    Baraka

    ba-RA-ka

    Blessing.

    Origin
    Swahili
    Region
    Kenya, Tanzania
    Faith & spirituality Gift & blessing
  • Boy

    Behanzin

    bé-an-ZIN

    The last great king of Abomey, who resisted colonial conquest (“the shark king”).

    Origin
    Fon
    Region
    Benin
    Variants
    Gbêhanzin
    Historical figures Royalty & nobility Strength & courage
  • Unisex

    Bereket

    bé-ré-KÉT

    Blessing.

    Origin
    Amharic / Tigrinya
    Region
    Ethiopia, Eritrea
    Variants
    Berhane
    Faith & spirituality Gift & blessing
  • Unisex

    Bolingo

    bo-LIN-go

    Love.

    Origin
    Lingala
    Region
    DR Congo, Congo
    Love & tenderness
  • Unisex

    Bondeko

    bon-DÉ-ko

    Brotherhood.

    Origin
    Lingala
    Region
    DR Congo
    Family & lineage Peace & serenity
    meaning to be confirmed
  • Boy

    Bongani

    bon-GA-ni

    Be thankful.

    Origin
    Zulu
    Region
    South Africa
    Gratitude
  • Unisex

    Chidi

    tchi-DI

    God exists, God is present.

    Origin
    Igbo
    Region
    Nigeria
    Faith & spirituality
  • Boy

    Chidubem

    tchi-DOU-bèm

    God guides me.

    Origin
    Igbo
    Region
    Nigeria
    Faith & spirituality
  • Boy

    Chukwuemeka

    tchou-kou-é-MÉ-ka

    God has done a great thing.

    Origin
    Igbo
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Emeka
    Faith & spirituality Gratitude
  • Unisex

    Damilola

    da-mi-LO-la

    Showered with blessings (short form of Oluwadamilola, “God has made me wealthy”).

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Dámilọ́lá
    Gift & blessing Royalty & nobility
  • Unisex

    Desta

    dès-TA

    Joy.

    Origin
    Amharic
    Region
    Ethiopia
    Joy & happiness
  • Unisex

    Diam

    DIAM

    Peace.

    Origin
    Wolof
    Region
    Senegal
    Variants
    Jàmm
    Peace & serenity
    meaning to be confirmed
  • Boy

    Diogoye

    dio-GOY

    Lion.

    Origin
    Serer
    Region
    Senegal
    Strength & courage Nature & elements
    meaning to be confirmed
  • Boy

    Djata

    DJA-ta

    Lion.

    Origin
    Maninka
    Region
    Mali, Guinea
    Variants
    Jata
    Strength & courage Nature & elements
  • Boy

    Dossou

    do-SSOU

    A boy born after twins.

    Origin
    Fon
    Region
    Benin
    Day & circumstances of birth Family & lineage
  • Unisex

    Ekene

    é-KÉ-né

    Praise, thanksgiving.

    Origin
    Igbo
    Region
    Nigeria
    Gratitude
  • Unisex

    Ekundayo

    é-koun-DA-yo

    Tears turn into joy.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Ekundayọ̀
    Joy & happiness Hope & future
  • Unisex

    Elom

    é-LOM

    God loves me.

    Origin
    Ewe
    Region
    Togo, Ghana
    Love & tenderness Faith & spirituality
  • Unisex

    Eniola

    é-ni-O-la

    A person of honour and wealth.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Eniọlá
    Royalty & nobility
  • Unisex

    Enitan

    é-ni-TAN

    The one who carries a story.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Ènítàn
    Historical figures Family & lineage
  • Unisex

    Esengo

    é-SEN-go

    Joy.

    Origin
    Lingala
    Region
    DR Congo, Congo
    Joy & happiness
  • Unisex

    Farai

    fa-RA-ï

    Rejoice.

    Origin
    Shona
    Region
    Zimbabwe
    Variants
    Farayi
    Joy & happiness
  • Unisex

    Faraja

    fa-RA-dja

    Consolation, comfort.

    Origin
    Swahili
    Region
    Tanzania, Kenya
    Peace & serenity Love & tenderness
    meaning to be confirmed
  • Boy

    Femi

    fé-MI

    God loves me.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Olufemi
    Love & tenderness Faith & spirituality
  • Unisex

    Fitiavana

    fi-tia-VA-na

    Love.

    Origin
    Malagasy
    Region
    Madagascar
    Variants
    Fitia
    Love & tenderness
    meaning to be confirmed
  • Unisex

    Gambo

    gam-BO

    A child born after twins.

    Origin
    Hausa
    Region
    Niger, Nigeria
    Day & circumstances of birth Family & lineage
  • Boy

    Gaya

    GA-ya

    Numidian king, father of Massinissa.

    Origin
    Amazigh (Numidian)
    Region
    Algeria
    Variants
    Gaia
    Historical figures Royalty & nobility
  • Boy

    Gidado

    gui-DA-do

    Beloved.

    Origin
    Fula (Fulfulde)
    Region
    Nigeria, Cameroon
    Love & tenderness
  • Unisex

    Hekima

    hé-KI-ma

    Wisdom.

    Origin
    Swahili
    Region
    Kenya, Tanzania
    Wisdom & knowledge
  • Boy

    Hery

    HÉ-ri

    Strength.

    Origin
    Malagasy
    Region
    Madagascar
    Strength & courage
  • Boy

    Idir

    i-DIR

    He will live — a name given to call life upon the child.

    Origin
    Kabyle
    Region
    Algeria
    Variants
    Yidir
    Hope & future Protection
  • Unisex

    Idowu

    i-do-WOU

    A child born straight after twins.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Ìdòwú
    Day & circumstances of birth Family & lineage
  • Unisex

    Ifeoluwa

    i-fé-o-LOU-wa

    Love of God.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Ife
    Love & tenderness Faith & spirituality
  • Boy

    Ikenna

    i-KÈN-na

    The father’s strength (God’s strength).

    Origin
    Igbo
    Region
    Nigeria
    Strength & courage Faith & spirituality
  • Unisex

    Iradukunda

    i-ra-dou-KOUN-da

    He (God) loves us.

    Origin
    Kinyarwanda
    Region
    Rwanda, Burundi
    Love & tenderness Faith & spirituality
  • Unisex

    Ishimwe

    i-CHIM-oué

    Gratitude, praise.

    Origin
    Kinyarwanda
    Region
    Rwanda
    Gratitude
  • Boy

    Itri

    IT-ri

    Star.

    Origin
    Amazigh
    Region
    Maghreb
    Light & stars
  • Boy

    Jabari

    dja-BA-ri

    Brave, fearless.

    Origin
    Swahili
    Region
    Kenya, Tanzania
    Strength & courage
  • Boy

    Jabulani

    dja-bou-LA-ni

    Rejoice.

    Origin
    Zulu
    Region
    South Africa
    Variants
    Jabu
    Joy & happiness
  • Boy

    Kabelo

    ka-BÉ-lo

    A share, a portion received as a gift.

    Origin
    Sotho / Tswana
    Region
    South Africa
    Gift & blessing
  • Unisex

    Kagiso

    ka-GHI-so

    Peace.

    Origin
    Tswana
    Region
    Botswana, South Africa
    Peace & serenity
  • Unisex

    Karabo

    ka-RA-bo

    Answer (to prayers).

    Origin
    Sotho / Tswana
    Region
    South Africa
    Faith & spirituality Hope & future
  • Unisex

    Katlego

    kat-LÉ-go

    Success.

    Origin
    Tswana
    Region
    Botswana, South Africa
    Hope & future
  • Boy

    Kayode

    ka-YO-dé

    He brings joy.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Káyọ̀dé
    Joy & happiness
  • Unisex

    Kehinde

    ké-in-DÉ

    The second of the twins — the true elder, by tradition.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Kẹ́hìndé, Kenny
    Day & circumstances of birth Family & lineage
  • Unisex

    Kelechi

    ké-LÉ-tchi

    Give thanks to God.

    Origin
    Igbo
    Region
    Nigeria
    Gratitude Faith & spirituality
  • Boy

    Kgosi

    KHO-si

    King, chief.

    Origin
    Tswana
    Region
    Botswana, South Africa
    Royalty & nobility
  • Unisex

    Khathutshelo

    ka-tou-TSÉ-lo

    Forgiveness, mercy.

    Origin
    Venda
    Region
    South Africa
    Variants
    Khathu
    Peace & serenity Faith & spirituality
  • Unisex

    Khensani

    kèn-SA-ni

    Give thanks.

    Origin
    Tsonga
    Region
    South Africa, Mozambique
    Gratitude
  • Unisex

    Kiese

    ki-é-SÉ

    Joy.

    Origin
    Kikongo
    Region
    DR Congo, Congo
    Variants
    Kiessé
    Joy & happiness
  • Unisex

    Kito

    KI-to

    Jewel, a precious thing.

    Origin
    Swahili
    Region
    Kenya, Tanzania
    Beauty Gift & blessing
    meaning to be confirmed
  • Boy

    Kodjo

    ko-DJO

    Born on a Monday.

    Origin
    Ewe / Mina
    Region
    Togo, Benin
    Variants
    Codjo, Kojo
    Day & circumstances of birth
  • Boy

    Koffi

    ko-FI

    Born on a Friday (Twi tradition); Saturday in the Baoulé calendar.

    Origin
    Akan (Baoulé, Agni, Ashanti)
    Region
    Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana
    Variants
    Kofi, Kwafi
    Day & circumstances of birth
  • Boy

    Koku

    ko-KOU

    Born on a Wednesday.

    Origin
    Ewe
    Region
    Togo, Ghana
    Variants
    Kokou
    Day & circumstances of birth
  • Boy

    Komlan

    kom-LAN

    Born on a Tuesday.

    Origin
    Ewe / Mina
    Region
    Togo, Benin
    Variants
    Comlan, Komla
    Day & circumstances of birth
  • Boy

    Konan

    ko-NAN

    Born on a Wednesday (Baoulé calendar).

    Origin
    Baoulé
    Region
    Côte d’Ivoire
    Day & circumstances of birth
  • Boy

    Kossi

    ko-SSI

    Born on a Sunday.

    Origin
    Ewe / Mina
    Region
    Togo, Benin, Ghana
    Variants
    Kwassi
    Day & circumstances of birth
  • Boy

    Kouabena

    koua-bé-NA

    Born on a Tuesday (Twi tradition); the Baoulé equivalent for Wednesday is Konan.

    Origin
    Akan (Baoulé, Agni, Ashanti)
    Region
    Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana
    Variants
    Kwabena, Kobina
    Day & circumstances of birth
  • Boy

    Kouadio

    koua-DIO

    Born on a Monday (Twi tradition); Tuesday in the Baoulé calendar.

    Origin
    Akan (Baoulé, Agni, Ashanti)
    Region
    Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana
    Variants
    Kwadwo, Kojo
    Day & circumstances of birth
  • Boy

    Kouakou

    koua-KOU

    Born on a Wednesday (Twi tradition); Thursday in the Baoulé calendar.

    Origin
    Akan (Baoulé, Agni, Ashanti)
    Region
    Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana
    Variants
    Kwaku, Koku
    Day & circumstances of birth
  • Boy

    Kouamé

    koua-MÉ

    Born on a Saturday (Twi tradition); Sunday in the Baoulé calendar.

    Origin
    Akan (Baoulé, Agni, Ashanti)
    Region
    Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana
    Variants
    Kwame, Kwamena
    Day & circumstances of birth
  • Boy

    Kouassi

    koua-SSI

    Born on a Sunday (Twi tradition, Ghana); Monday in the Baoulé calendar.

    Origin
    Akan (Baoulé, Agni, Ashanti)
    Region
    Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana
    Variants
    Kwasi, Akwasi
    Day & circumstances of birth
  • Boy

    Lencho

    lèn-TCHO

    Lion.

    Origin
    Oromo
    Region
    Ethiopia
    Strength & courage Nature & elements
  • Unisex

    Lulendo

    lou-LEN-do

    Pride.

    Origin
    Kikongo
    Region
    DR Congo, Angola
    Strength & courage
    meaning to be confirmed
  • Unisex

    Luzolo

    lou-ZO-lo

    Love, will.

    Origin
    Kikongo
    Region
    DR Congo, Angola
    Love & tenderness
    meaning to be confirmed
  • Boy

    Makasi

    ma-KA-si

    Strong, solid.

    Origin
    Lingala
    Region
    DR Congo, Congo
    Strength & courage
    meaning to be confirmed
  • Boy

    Mandla

    MAND-la

    Strength, power.

    Origin
    Zulu
    Region
    South Africa
    Strength & courage
  • Boy

    Mansa

    MAN-sa

    King, sovereign — the title borne by Mansa Musa.

    Origin
    Mande
    Region
    Mali, Guinea
    Variants
    Massa
    Royalty & nobility Historical figures
  • Boy

    Massinissa

    ma-si-NI-sa

    First king of a unified Numidia, 2nd century BC.

    Origin
    Amazigh (Numidian)
    Region
    Algeria, Maghreb
    Variants
    Massin
    Historical figures Royalty & nobility
  • Boy

    Mawuli

    ma-wou-LI

    God exists.

    Origin
    Ewe
    Region
    Togo, Ghana
    Faith & spirituality
  • Unisex

    Mpho

    m-PO

    Gift.

    Origin
    Sotho / Tswana
    Region
    South Africa, Botswana
    Gift & blessing
  • Boy

    Mugisha

    mou-GHI-cha

    Blessing, good fortune.

    Origin
    Kinyarwanda / Kirundi
    Region
    Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda
    Gift & blessing Faith & spirituality
  • Boy

    Musa

    MOU-sa

    Kindness, mercy.

    Origin
    Zulu
    Region
    South Africa
    Love & tenderness
  • Unisex

    Mwinda

    mouin-DA

    Light.

    Origin
    Kikongo
    Region
    DR Congo
    Light & stars
    meaning to be confirmed
  • Unisex

    Neo

    NÉ-o

    Gift.

    Origin
    Sotho / Tswana
    Region
    South Africa
    Gift & blessing
  • Unisex

    Nhlanhla

    n-hlan-hla

    Luck, good fortune.

    Origin
    Zulu
    Region
    South Africa
    Hope & future
  • Unisex

    Nhyira

    n-YI-ra

    Blessing.

    Origin
    Akan (Twi)
    Region
    Ghana
    Faith & spirituality
    meaning to be confirmed
  • Unisex

    Nkembo

    n-KEM-bo

    Glory, praise.

    Origin
    Lingala
    Region
    DR Congo
    Faith & spirituality Gratitude
    meaning to be confirmed
  • Boy

    Nkosi

    n-KO-si

    King, lord, chief.

    Origin
    Zulu
    Region
    South Africa
    Royalty & nobility
  • Unisex

    Nkululeko

    n-kou-lou-LÉ-ko

    Freedom.

    Origin
    Zulu
    Region
    South Africa
    Freedom
  • Boy

    Nnamdi

    n-NAM-di

    My father lives — often given in memory of the grandfather.

    Origin
    Igbo
    Region
    Nigeria
    Family & lineage Day & circumstances of birth
  • Unisex

    Nsuku

    n-SOU-kou

    Gold.

    Origin
    Tsonga
    Region
    South Africa
    Beauty
  • Unisex

    Ntando

    n-TAN-do

    Will.

    Origin
    Ndebele / Zulu
    Region
    South Africa
    Wisdom & knowledge
  • Unisex

    Nuru

    NOU-rou

    Light.

    Origin
    Swahili
    Region
    Kenya, Tanzania
    Light & stars
  • Unisex

    Nyamekye

    nia-mé-TCHÉ

    Gift of God.

    Origin
    Akan (Twi)
    Region
    Ghana
    Gift & blessing Faith & spirituality
  • Unisex

    Nyasha

    nia-CHA

    Grace, kindness.

    Origin
    Shona
    Region
    Zimbabwe
    Faith & spirituality Love & tenderness
  • Unisex

    N’Guessan

    n-guè-SSAN

    A child born straight after twins.

    Origin
    Baoulé
    Region
    Côte d’Ivoire
    Variants
    Nguessan
    Day & circumstances of birth Family & lineage
  • Unisex

    Obi

    O-bi

    Heart; also “the chief’s dwelling”.

    Origin
    Igbo
    Region
    Nigeria
    Love & tenderness Royalty & nobility
  • Boy

    Obinna

    o-BIN-na

    The father’s heart.

    Origin
    Igbo
    Region
    Nigeria
    Family & lineage Love & tenderness
  • Unisex

    Obioma

    o-bi-O-ma

    A good heart, kindness.

    Origin
    Igbo
    Region
    Nigeria
    Love & tenderness
  • Unisex

    Ola

    o-LA

    Honour, wealth, dignity.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Ọlá
    Royalty & nobility
  • Unisex

    Olamide

    o-la-mi-DÉ

    My wealth has arrived.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Ọlámidé
    Royalty & nobility Gift & blessing
  • Boy

    Olumide

    o-lou-mi-DÉ

    My Lord has come.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Olúmidé
    Faith & spirituality
  • Unisex

    Oluwaseun

    o-lou-wa-SHEUN

    Thank you, Lord.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Seun
    Gratitude Faith & spirituality
  • Unisex

    Oluwatobi

    o-lou-wa-TO-bi

    God is great.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Tobi
    Faith & spirituality
  • Boy

    Roble

    rob-LÉ

    The one who brings rain — born during the rainy season.

    Origin
    Somali
    Region
    Somalia
    Variants
    Rooble
    Nature & elements Day & circumstances of birth
  • Boy

    Rolihlahla

    ro-li-hla-hla

    The one who pulls the branch — figuratively, the one who shakes up the established order. Nelson Mandela’s birth name.

    Origin
    Xhosa
    Region
    South Africa
    Historical figures Freedom
  • Boy

    Samori

    sa-mo-RI

    Samori Touré, founder of the Wassoulou empire, who resisted colonial conquest.

    Origin
    Maninka
    Region
    Guinea, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire
    Variants
    Samori
    Historical figures Strength & courage
  • Boy

    Sandile

    san-DI-lé

    We have multiplied — the family has grown.

    Origin
    Zulu / Xhosa
    Region
    South Africa
    Family & lineage
  • Boy

    Segun

    ché-GOUN

    To conquer, to prevail (Olusegun: “God has conquered”).

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Ṣẹ̀gun, Olusegun
    Strength & courage
  • Unisex

    Sena

    sé-NA

    Gift of God (short form of Mawusena).

    Origin
    Ewe
    Region
    Togo, Ghana
    Variants
    Mawusena
    Gift & blessing Faith & spirituality
  • Boy

    Shaka

    CHA-ka

    Founder of the Zulu nation in the 19th century.

    Origin
    Zulu
    Region
    South Africa
    Variants
    Chaka, Tshaka
    Historical figures Strength & courage Royalty & nobility
  • Boy

    Sifiso

    si-FI-so

    Wish, vow.

    Origin
    Zulu
    Region
    South Africa
    Hope & future
  • Boy

    Simba

    SIM-ba

    Lion.

    Origin
    Swahili
    Region
    Kenya, Tanzania
    Strength & courage Nature & elements
  • Boy

    Sipho

    SI-po

    Gift, present.

    Origin
    Zulu / Xhosa
    Region
    South Africa
    Gift & blessing
  • Boy

    Siyabonga

    si-ya-BON-ga

    We give thanks.

    Origin
    Zulu
    Region
    South Africa
    Variants
    Siya
    Gratitude
  • Boy

    Sizwe

    si-ZOUÉ

    Nation, people.

    Origin
    Zulu / Xhosa
    Region
    South Africa
    Strength & courage Family & lineage
  • Unisex

    Somto

    SOM-to

    Praise God with me (short form of Somtochukwu).

    Origin
    Igbo
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Somtochukwu
    Gratitude
  • Boy

    Soundiata

    soun-DIA-ta

    Founder of the Mali Empire in the 13th century; “the lion of Sogolon”.

    Origin
    Maninka
    Region
    Mali, Guinea
    Variants
    Sundiata, Sunjata
    Historical figures Strength & courage Royalty & nobility
  • Unisex

    Taiwo

    ta-I-wo

    The first of the twins, the one sent ahead to taste the world.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Táíwò
    Day & circumstances of birth Family & lineage
  • Boy

    Tanko

    tan-KO

    A boy born after several girls.

    Origin
    Hausa
    Region
    Niger, Nigeria
    Day & circumstances of birth Family & lineage
  • Unisex

    Tapiwa

    ta-PI-oua

    The one who was received as a gift.

    Origin
    Shona
    Region
    Zimbabwe
    Gift & blessing
  • Unisex

    Tendai

    tèn-DA-ï

    Give thanks.

    Origin
    Shona
    Region
    Zimbabwe
    Variants
    Tendayi
    Gratitude
  • Boy

    Tesfaye

    tès-FA-yé

    My hope.

    Origin
    Amharic
    Region
    Ethiopia
    Variants
    Tesfa
    Hope & future
  • Boy

    Thabo

    TA-bo

    Joy.

    Origin
    Sotho / Tswana
    Region
    South Africa, Lesotho
    Joy & happiness
  • Unisex

    Themba

    TEM-ba

    Hope, trust.

    Origin
    Zulu / Xhosa
    Region
    South Africa
    Hope & future
  • Boy

    Tinashe

    ti-NA-ché

    God is with us.

    Origin
    Shona
    Region
    Zimbabwe
    Faith & spirituality
  • Boy

    Tshepo

    TSÉ-po

    Hope, faith.

    Origin
    Sotho
    Region
    South Africa, Lesotho
    Hope & future
  • Unisex

    Tumaini

    tou-ma-I-ni

    Hope.

    Origin
    Swahili
    Region
    Kenya, Tanzania
    Hope & future
  • Unisex

    Tumelo

    tou-MÉ-lo

    Faith, belief.

    Origin
    Sotho / Tswana
    Region
    South Africa, Lesotho
    Faith & spirituality
  • Boy

    Tunde

    toun-DÉ

    The father has returned — a child born after the grandfather’s death.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Babatunde
    Family & lineage Day & circumstances of birth
  • Unisex

    Uche

    ou-TCHÉ

    Thought, will, purpose.

    Origin
    Igbo
    Region
    Nigeria
    Wisdom & knowledge
  • Unisex

    Wendkouni

    ouènd-kou-NI

    God has given.

    Origin
    Mooré (Mossi)
    Region
    Burkina Faso
    Variants
    Wendkuni
    Gift & blessing Faith & spirituality
    meaning to be confirmed
  • Boy

    Yao

    ya-O

    Born on a Thursday (Twi tradition); Friday in the Baoulé calendar.

    Origin
    Akan (Baoulé, Agni, Ashanti)
    Region
    Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana
    Variants
    Yaw, Kwaw
    Day & circumstances of birth
  • Boy

    Yuba

    YOU-ba

    Numidian king, a scholar and man of letters of antiquity.

    Origin
    Amazigh (Numidian)
    Region
    Algeria, Morocco
    Variants
    Juba
    Historical figures Royalty & nobility Wisdom & knowledge
  • Unisex

    Zola

    ZO-la

    Calm, quiet, at peace.

    Origin
    Xhosa / Zulu
    Region
    South Africa
    Peace & serenity

African names tied to the day and circumstances of birth

This is the most widespread naming logic in West Africa. Among the Akan of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, every day of the week has its male and female name; among the Ewe of Togo and Benin, the system runs in parallel. Elsewhere it is birth order that decides: twins, a child born after twins, a boy born after several girls.

  • Bako — Born while guests were visiting — literally “the guest” (Hausa, Boy)
  • Dossou — A boy born after twins (Fon, Boy)
  • Gambo — A child born after twins (Hausa, Unisex)
  • Idowu — A child born straight after twins (Yoruba, Unisex)
  • Kehinde — The second of the twins — the true elder, by tradition (Yoruba, Unisex)
  • Kodjo — Born on a Monday (Ewe / Mina, Boy)
  • Koffi — Born on a Friday (Twi tradition); Saturday in the Baoulé calendar (Akan (Baoulé, Agni, Ashanti), Boy)
  • Koku — Born on a Wednesday (Ewe, Boy)
  • Komlan — Born on a Tuesday (Ewe / Mina, Boy)
  • Konan — Born on a Wednesday (Baoulé calendar) (Baoulé, Boy)
  • Kossi — Born on a Sunday (Ewe / Mina, Boy)
  • Kouabena — Born on a Tuesday (Twi tradition); the Baoulé equivalent for Wednesday is Konan (Akan (Baoulé, Agni, Ashanti), Boy)
  • Kouadio — Born on a Monday (Twi tradition); Tuesday in the Baoulé calendar (Akan (Baoulé, Agni, Ashanti), Boy)
  • Kouakou — Born on a Wednesday (Twi tradition); Thursday in the Baoulé calendar (Akan (Baoulé, Agni, Ashanti), Boy)

African names that mean strength and courage

The lion metaphor crosses the continent with a different word in each language: Simba in Swahili, Djata in Maninka, Diogoye in Serer, Lencho in Oromo. Other languages name the quality directly — Mandla, “strength” in Zulu, Hery in Malagasy.

  • Aksel — 7th-century Amazigh king (Kusayla); his name is associated with the leopard (Amazigh, Boy)
  • Amayas — Cheetah (Amazigh (Kabyle, Tuareg), Boy)
  • Andry — Pillar (Malagasy, Boy)
  • Awet — Victory (Tigrinya, Boy)
  • Behanzin — The last great king of Abomey, who resisted colonial conquest (“the shark king”) (Fon, Boy)
  • Djata — Lion (Maninka, Boy)
  • Hery — Strength (Malagasy, Boy)
  • Ikenna — The father’s strength (God’s strength) (Igbo, Boy)
  • Jabari — Brave, fearless (Swahili, Boy)
  • Lencho — Lion (Oromo, Boy)
  • Mandla — Strength, power (Zulu, Boy)
  • Samori — Samori Touré, founder of the Wassoulou empire, who resisted colonial conquest (Maninka, Boy)
  • Segun — To conquer, to prevail (Olusegun: “God has conquered”) (Yoruba, Boy)
  • Shaka — Founder of the Zulu nation in the 19th century (Zulu, Boy)

African names that mean joy

Yoruba turns them into whole sentences: Ayodele, “joy enters the house”, Ekundayo, “tears turn into joy”. Shona and Lingala prefer the imperative: Farai, “rejoice”, Esengo, “joy”.

  • Adebayo — The crown meets joy (Yoruba, Boy)
  • Ayo — Joy (Yoruba, Unisex)
  • Ayodele — Joy enters the house (Yoruba, Unisex)
  • Ayomide — My joy has arrived (Yoruba, Unisex)
  • Ayotunde — Joy has come back (Yoruba, Unisex)
  • Desta — Joy (Amharic, Unisex)
  • Ekundayo — Tears turn into joy (Yoruba, Unisex)
  • Esengo — Joy (Lingala, Unisex)
  • Farai — Rejoice (Shona, Unisex)
  • Jabulani — Rejoice (Zulu, Boy)
  • Kayode — He brings joy (Yoruba, Boy)
  • Kiese — Joy (Kikongo, Unisex)
  • Thabo — Joy (Sotho / Tswana, Boy)

African names that mean love

Almost every language has its word, and it makes a name: Rudo in Shona, Lerato in Sotho, Upendo in Swahili, Bolingo in Lingala, Ife in Yoruba, Fikir in Amharic.

  • Bolingo — Love (Lingala, Unisex)
  • Elom — God loves me (Ewe, Unisex)
  • Femi — God loves me (Yoruba, Boy)
  • Gidado — Beloved (Fula (Fulfulde), Boy)
  • Ifeoluwa — Love of God (Yoruba, Unisex)
  • Iradukunda — He (God) loves us (Kinyarwanda, Unisex)
  • Musa — Kindness, mercy (Zulu, Boy)
  • Nyasha — Grace, kindness (Shona, Unisex)
  • Obi — Heart; also “the chief’s dwelling” (Igbo, Unisex)
  • Obinna — The father’s heart (Igbo, Boy)
  • Obioma — A good heart, kindness (Igbo, Unisex)
  • Faraja — Consolation, comfort (Swahili, Unisex)
  • Fitiavana — Love (Malagasy, Unisex)
  • Luzolo — Love, will (Kikongo, Unisex)

African names that mean peace

Amani, in Swahili, is the best known and is used for either gender. Kinyarwanda says Amahoro, Tswana Kagiso, Lingala Kimia, Amharic Selam.

  • Amani — Peace (Swahili, Unisex)
  • Kagiso — Peace (Tswana, Unisex)
  • Khathutshelo — Forgiveness, mercy (Venda, Unisex)
  • Zola — Calm, quiet, at peace (Xhosa / Zulu, Unisex)
  • Bondeko — Brotherhood (Lingala, Unisex)
  • Diam — Peace (Wolof, Unisex)
  • Faraja — Consolation, comfort (Swahili, Unisex)

African names that mean king, queen or nobility

Yoruba builds dozens of names on Adé, “crown”, and Ọlá, “honour”. Elsewhere the title itself becomes the name: Nkosi in Zulu, Kgosi in Tswana, Mansa in Mande.

  • Ade — Crown (Yoruba, Unisex)
  • Adebayo — The crown meets joy (Yoruba, Boy)
  • Adekunle — The crown fills the house (Yoruba, Boy)
  • Adeola — Crown of honour, crown of wealth (Yoruba, Unisex)
  • Ardo — Chief, the one who leads (Fula (Fulfulde), Boy)
  • Behanzin — The last great king of Abomey, who resisted colonial conquest (“the shark king”) (Fon, Boy)
  • Damilola — Showered with blessings (short form of Oluwadamilola, “God has made me wealthy”) (Yoruba, Unisex)
  • Eniola — A person of honour and wealth (Yoruba, Unisex)
  • Gaya — Numidian king, father of Massinissa (Amazigh (Numidian), Boy)
  • Kgosi — King, chief (Tswana, Boy)
  • Mansa — King, sovereign — the title borne by Mansa Musa (Mande, Boy)
  • Massinissa — First king of a unified Numidia, 2nd century BC (Amazigh (Numidian), Boy)
  • Nkosi — King, lord, chief (Zulu, Boy)
  • Obi — Heart; also “the chief’s dwelling” (Igbo, Unisex)

African names of historical figures

Giving your child the name of an African queen or king is handing them a story they will have to be able to tell. Better to know it before passing it on.

  • Aksel — 7th-century Amazigh king (Kusayla); his name is associated with the leopard (Amazigh, Boy)
  • Behanzin — The last great king of Abomey, who resisted colonial conquest (“the shark king”) (Fon, Boy)
  • Enitan — The one who carries a story (Yoruba, Unisex)
  • Gaya — Numidian king, father of Massinissa (Amazigh (Numidian), Boy)
  • Mansa — King, sovereign — the title borne by Mansa Musa (Mande, Boy)
  • Massinissa — First king of a unified Numidia, 2nd century BC (Amazigh (Numidian), Boy)
  • Rolihlahla — The one who pulls the branch — figuratively, the one who shakes up the established order. Nelson Mandela’s birth name (Xhosa, Boy)
  • Samori — Samori Touré, founder of the Wassoulou empire, who resisted colonial conquest (Maninka, Boy)
  • Shaka — Founder of the Zulu nation in the 19th century (Zulu, Boy)
  • Soundiata — Founder of the Mali Empire in the 13th century; “the lion of Sogolon” (Maninka, Boy)
  • Yuba — Numidian king, a scholar and man of letters of antiquity (Amazigh (Numidian), Boy)

African names inspired by nature

Rain, flowers, spring, the eagle: the weather at the time of birth has produced lasting names, such as Nomvula, “mother of rain” in Zulu, or Roble, “the one who brings rain” in Somali.

  • Amayas — Cheetah (Amazigh (Kabyle, Tuareg), Boy)
  • Djata — Lion (Maninka, Boy)
  • Lencho — Lion (Oromo, Boy)
  • Roble — The one who brings rain — born during the rainy season (Somali, Boy)
  • Simba — Lion (Swahili, Boy)
  • Diogoye — Lion (Serer, Boy)

Short African names, easy to pronounce in French

Five letters at most, two syllables, no sound foreign to French: these will never be mangled at roll call, at school or later.

  • Ade — Crown (Yoruba, Unisex)
  • Adom — Grace, blessing (Akan (Twi), Unisex)
  • Aksel — 7th-century Amazigh king (Kusayla); his name is associated with the leopard (Amazigh, Boy)
  • Amani — Peace (Swahili, Unisex)
  • Andry — Pillar (Malagasy, Boy)
  • Ardo — Chief, the one who leads (Fula (Fulfulde), Boy)
  • Awet — Victory (Tigrinya, Boy)
  • Ayo — Joy (Yoruba, Unisex)
  • Bako — Born while guests were visiting — literally “the guest” (Hausa, Boy)
  • Chidi — God exists, God is present (Igbo, Unisex)
  • Desta — Joy (Amharic, Unisex)
  • Djata — Lion (Maninka, Boy)
  • Ekene — Praise, thanksgiving (Igbo, Unisex)
  • Elom — God loves me (Ewe, Unisex)

Frequently asked questions

What does an African boy’s name say?

Very often a circumstance of birth rather than a quality. In Yoruba, Babatunde means “the father has returned” and is given to a child born after the grandfather’s death; Taiwo and Kehinde name the first and the second twin. In Hausa, Tanko is the boy born after several girls, Gambo the child born after twins. In Igbo, Nnamdi says “my father lives”. The name writes the child into a family story; it does not describe them.

Which African names evoke strength or courage?

Several traditions have their word: Mandla, “strength” in Zulu, Jabari, “brave” in Swahili, Hery, “strength” in Malagasy, Segun, “to conquer” in Yoruba, Ikenna, “the father’s strength” in Igbo. The lion metaphor comes back everywhere, with different words: Simba in Swahili, Djata in Maninka, Diogoye in Serer, Lencho in Oromo. The “Strength & courage” filter brings them together.

Can you give your son the name of an African historical figure?

It is a living practice. Sundiata, founder of the Mali Empire in the 13th century; Samori, who stood up to colonial conquest; Béhanzin, the last great king of Abomey; Massinissa, first king of a unified Numidia; Shaka, founder of the Zulu nation. These are names that carry a story — better to know it before passing it on, because the child will have to tell it all their life.

Which boys’ names are easy to pronounce in French?

Yao, Koffi, Thabo, Musa, Sipho, Hery, Idir, Chidi, Femi, Tunde fit into two syllables and pose no difficulty. Longer Yoruba and Igbo names shorten naturally: Oluwaseun becomes Seun, Chukwuemeka becomes Emeka, Siyabonga becomes Siya. Each entry gives an approximate pronunciation in French.

Where do the meanings shown here come from?

From cross-checked linguistic and ethnographic sources, reviewed by the team at Ultimes Griots, a publishing house based in Abidjan. Names whose meaning is disputed carry the note “meaning to be confirmed”: we would rather show that than invent an etymology. If you speak one of these languages and spot an error, write to us.

The name first, then the story behind it

An African name opens a door: the door to the stories it comes from. Ultimes Griots publishes illustrated books of African tales from Abidjan, along with KUMA, the app that reads those stories aloud to children.

Browse the books Listen to the tales on KUMA

Looking for a girl’s name? See girls’ names. Or browse the full directory.

How this directory is compiled

Ultimes Griots is an African publishing house, based in Abidjan since 2020. Our work is the collection of Africa’s oral heritage: this directory continues that work, it is not a sideline to it.

  • Every meaning is cross-checked against linguistic and ethnographic sources before it is published. No etymology is inferred from the shape of a name.
  • What we are unsure of is flagged — 14 names out of 146 carry the note “meaning to be confirmed”, and say so on screen. We would rather show that than fill a gap with an invention.
  • Ambiguous cases are explained rather than settled. The Akan day-name calendar shifts by one day between the Twi tradition of Ghana and the Baoulé calendar of Côte d’Ivoire: the entries concerned give both.
  • Human review comes before any publication. African languages are living and regional: one spelling can carry several meanings depending on the area.

Compiled by the editorial team at Ultimes Griots — who we are. Last updated: .

A name is missing? Suggest it

This directory is incomplete by design: Africa has thousands of languages. If you bear a name that is missing here, or if you know its exact meaning in your own language, add it. Every suggestion is reviewed before publication — we never publish a meaning we cannot cross-check.

Your address is only used to get back to you about this suggestion. Nothing is published without verification.

Directory maintained by the editorial team at Ultimes Griots (Abidjan). 132 names out of 146 have a widely attested meaning; the others carry the note “meaning to be confirmed”. African languages are living and regional: one spelling can carry several meanings depending on the area. If you speak the language and spot an error, tell us — we will correct it.