The Christening

Find an African name for your child

252 names from across Africa — Akan, Ewe, Yoruba, Igbo, Fula, Hausa, Mande, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Shona, Zulu, Sotho, Amazigh, Malagasy — with their meaning, their origin and their pronunciation. Search by meaning, by people, by gender, or simply describe what you want to call upon your child.

For example: “a girl, something gentle that evokes light, easy to pronounce in French”.

Explore the directory

252 names shown

  • Girl

    Abeba

    a-BÉ-ba

    Flower.

    Origin
    Amharic
    Region
    Ethiopia
    Variants
    Abebe
    Nature & elements Beauty
  • Girl

    Abla

    a-BLA

    Born on a Tuesday (Ablavi: “Tuesday’s daughter”).

    Origin
    Ewe / Mina
    Region
    Togo, Benin
    Variants
    Ablavi
    Day & circumstances of birth
  • Girl

    Adaeze

    a-da-É-zé

    The king’s daughter, princess.

    Origin
    Igbo
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Ada
    Royalty & nobility Family & lineage
  • 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
  • Girl

    Adjo

    a-DJO

    Born on a Monday.

    Origin
    Ewe / Mina
    Region
    Togo, Benin
    Variants
    Adjoa
    Day & circumstances of birth
  • Girl

    Adjoua

    ad-JOU-a

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

    Origin
    Akan (Baoulé, Agni, Ashanti)
    Region
    Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana
    Variants
    Adwoa, Ajua
    Day & circumstances of birth
  • Unisex

    Adom

    a-DOM

    Grace, blessing.

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

    Affoué

    a-FOU-é

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

    Origin
    Akan (Baoulé, Agni, Ashanti)
    Region
    Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana
    Variants
    Afua, Afia
    Day & circumstances of birth
  • Girl

    Afi

    a-FI

    Born on a Friday.

    Origin
    Ewe / Mina
    Region
    Togo, Benin
    Variants
    Afiwa
    Day & circumstances of birth
  • 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
  • Girl

    Ahou

    a-OU

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

    Origin
    Akan (Baoulé, Agni, Ashanti)
    Region
    Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana
    Variants
    Akua, Ekua
    Day & circumstances of birth
  • Girl

    Akissi

    a-KI-ssi

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

    Origin
    Akan (Baoulé, Agni, Ashanti)
    Region
    Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana
    Variants
    Akosua, Esi
    Day & circumstances of birth
  • 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
  • Girl

    Amahoro

    a-ma-HO-ro

    Peace.

    Origin
    Kinyarwanda / Kirundi
    Region
    Rwanda, Burundi
    Peace & serenity
  • Unisex

    Amani

    a-MA-ni

    Peace.

    Origin
    Swahili
    Region
    Kenya, Tanzania
    Peace & serenity
  • Girl

    Amara

    a-MA-ra

    Grace (Amarachi: “God’s grace”).

    Origin
    Igbo
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Amarachi
    Faith & spirituality Beauty
  • Boy

    Amayas

    a-MA-yas

    Cheetah.

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

    Amenan

    a-mé-NAN

    Born on a Wednesday in the Baoulé calendar; the Twi equivalent is Abena (Tuesday).

    Origin
    Akan (Baoulé, Agni, Ashanti)
    Region
    Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana
    Variants
    Abena, Araba
    Day & circumstances of birth
  • Girl

    Amoin

    a-MOIN

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

    Origin
    Akan (Baoulé, Agni, Ashanti)
    Region
    Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana
    Variants
    Ama, Amba
    Day & circumstances of birth
  • 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
  • Girl

    Aya

    a-YA

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

    Origin
    Akan (Baoulé, Agni, Ashanti)
    Region
    Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana
    Variants
    Yaa, Aba
    Day & circumstances of birth
  • Girl

    Ayaan

    a-YAN

    Good luck, a good omen.

    Origin
    Somali
    Region
    Somalia, Djibouti
    Variants
    Ayan
    Hope & future
  • 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
  • Girl

    Bilan

    bi-LAN

    First-born; radiance, grace.

    Origin
    Somali
    Region
    Somalia
    Day & circumstances of birth Beauty
    meaning to be confirmed
  • 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
  • Girl

    Bontle

    BON-tlé

    Beauty.

    Origin
    Tswana
    Region
    Botswana, South Africa
    Beauty
  • Girl

    Busisiwe

    bou-si-SI-wé

    Blessed.

    Origin
    Zulu
    Region
    South Africa
    Variants
    Busi
    Faith & spirituality Gift & blessing
  • Girl

    Chaltu

    tchal-TOU

    The best.

    Origin
    Oromo
    Region
    Ethiopia
    Beauty
    meaning to be confirmed
  • Girl

    Chiamaka

    tchi-a-MA-ka

    God is splendid.

    Origin
    Igbo
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Amaka
    Faith & spirituality Beauty
  • Unisex

    Chidi

    tchi-DI

    God exists, God is present.

    Origin
    Igbo
    Region
    Nigeria
    Faith & spirituality
  • Girl

    Chidinma

    tchi-DIN-ma

    God is good.

    Origin
    Igbo
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Chidimma
    Faith & spirituality
  • Boy

    Chidubem

    tchi-DOU-bèm

    God guides me.

    Origin
    Igbo
    Region
    Nigeria
    Faith & spirituality
  • Girl

    Chinelo

    tchi-NÉ-lo

    God’s thought.

    Origin
    Igbo
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Nelo
    Faith & spirituality Wisdom & knowledge
  • Girl

    Chinwe

    TCHIN-oué

    God owns (short form of Chinwendu, “God owns life”).

    Origin
    Igbo
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Chinwendu
    Faith & spirituality
  • Girl

    Chioma

    tchi-O-ma

    Good God, good destiny.

    Origin
    Igbo
    Region
    Nigeria
    Faith & spirituality Hope & future
  • Girl

    Chipo

    TCHI-po

    Gift.

    Origin
    Shona
    Region
    Zimbabwe
    Gift & blessing
  • Boy

    Chukwuemeka

    tchou-kou-é-MÉ-ka

    God has done a great thing.

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

    Coumba

    koum-BA

    She who carries strength.

    Origin
    Fula / Wolof
    Region
    Senegal, Mali
    Variants
    Kumba
    Strength & courage
    meaning to be confirmed
  • 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
  • Girl

    Delu

    dé-LOU

    The first girl born after several boys.

    Origin
    Hausa
    Region
    Niger, Nigeria
    Variants
    Dela
    Day & circumstances of birth Family & lineage
  • 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
  • Girl

    Dihya

    DI-hia

    Amazigh warrior queen of the Aurès, 7th century.

    Origin
    Amazigh
    Region
    Algeria, Tunisia
    Variants
    Kahina
    Historical figures Strength & courage
  • 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
  • Girl

    Elikya

    é-LI-kia

    Hope.

    Origin
    Lingala
    Region
    DR Congo
    Variants
    Elikia
    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
  • Girl

    Falala

    fa-LA-la

    Born into abundance.

    Origin
    Fula (Fulfulde)
    Region
    Sahel
    Gift & blessing Day & circumstances of birth
    meaning to be confirmed
  • Girl

    Faniry

    fa-NI-ri

    Desired, longed for.

    Origin
    Malagasy
    Region
    Madagascar
    Hope & future
    meaning to be confirmed
  • Girl

    Fanta

    FAN-ta

    A very common Mande girl’s name; its etymology is disputed.

    Origin
    Mande
    Region
    Mali, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire
    Family & lineage
    meaning to be confirmed
  • 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
  • Girl

    Fikir

    FI-kir

    Love.

    Origin
    Amharic
    Region
    Ethiopia
    Variants
    Fikre
    Love & tenderness
  • Unisex

    Fitiavana

    fi-tia-VA-na

    Love.

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

    Furaha

    fou-RA-ha

    Joy, gladness.

    Origin
    Swahili
    Region
    Kenya, Tanzania
    Joy & happiness
  • 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
  • Girl

    Genet

    guè-NÈT

    Garden, paradise.

    Origin
    Amharic
    Region
    Ethiopia
    Nature & elements Faith & spirituality
  • Boy

    Gidado

    gui-DA-do

    Beloved.

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

    Haben

    ha-BÈN

    Pride.

    Origin
    Tigrinya
    Region
    Eritrea, Ethiopia
    Strength & courage
  • Unisex

    Hekima

    hé-KI-ma

    Wisdom.

    Origin
    Swahili
    Region
    Kenya, Tanzania
    Wisdom & knowledge
  • Boy

    Hery

    HÉ-ri

    Strength.

    Origin
    Malagasy
    Region
    Madagascar
    Strength & courage
  • Girl

    Hiwot

    HI-wot

    Life.

    Origin
    Amharic
    Region
    Ethiopia
    Hope & future
  • 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
  • Girl

    Ife

    i-FÉ

    Love.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Ifẹ́
    Love & tenderness
  • Unisex

    Ifeoluwa

    i-fé-o-LOU-wa

    Love of God.

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

    Ifeoma

    i-fé-O-ma

    A beautiful thing, a good thing.

    Origin
    Igbo
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Ify
    Beauty Joy & happiness
  • Boy

    Ikenna

    i-KÈN-na

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

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

    Imani

    i-MA-ni

    Faith, trust.

    Origin
    Swahili
    Region
    Kenya, Tanzania
    Faith & spirituality Hope & future
  • Girl

    Ineza

    i-NÉ-za

    Kindness, gentleness.

    Origin
    Kinyarwanda
    Region
    Rwanda
    Love & tenderness
  • Unisex

    Iradukunda

    i-ra-dou-KOUN-da

    He (God) loves us.

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

    Ireti

    i-RÉ-ti

    Hope.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Ìrètí
    Hope & future
  • Unisex

    Ishimwe

    i-CHIM-oué

    Gratitude, praise.

    Origin
    Kinyarwanda
    Region
    Rwanda
    Gratitude
  • Boy

    Itri

    IT-ri

    Star.

    Origin
    Amazigh
    Region
    Maghreb
    Light & stars
  • Girl

    Iyabo

    i-ya-BO

    The mother has returned — a child born after the grandmother’s death.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Ìyábọ̀
    Family & lineage Day & circumstances of birth
  • 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
  • Girl

    Kemi

    ké-MI

    God takes care of me.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Oluwakemi
    Faith & spirituality Protection
  • Girl

    Keza

    ké-ZA

    Beautiful, graceful.

    Origin
    Kinyarwanda
    Region
    Rwanda, Burundi
    Beauty
  • Boy

    Kgosi

    KHO-si

    King, chief.

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

    Khanyisile

    ka-nyi-SI-lé

    She who brought the light.

    Origin
    Zulu
    Region
    South Africa
    Variants
    Khanyi
    Light & stars
  • 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
  • Girl

    Kimia

    ki-MI-a

    Peace, calm.

    Origin
    Lingala
    Region
    DR Congo
    Variants
    Kimya
    Peace & serenity
  • 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
  • Girl

    Lemlem

    lèm-LÈM

    Green, flourishing.

    Origin
    Amharic / Tigrinya
    Region
    Ethiopia, Eritrea
    Nature & elements
  • Boy

    Lencho

    lèn-TCHO

    Lion.

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

    Lerato

    lé-RA-to

    Love.

    Origin
    Sotho
    Region
    South Africa, Lesotho
    Love & tenderness
  • Girl

    Lesedi

    lé-SÉ-di

    Light.

    Origin
    Sotho / Tswana
    Region
    South Africa, Botswana
    Light & stars
  • Girl

    Lindiwe

    lin-DI-wé

    The one who was awaited.

    Origin
    Zulu
    Region
    South Africa
    Variants
    Lindi
    Hope & future Family & lineage
  • 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
  • Girl

    Makeda

    ma-KÉ-da

    The Ethiopian name of the Queen of Sheba.

    Origin
    Ge’ez / Amharic
    Region
    Ethiopia
    Historical figures Royalty & nobility
  • Girl

    Makena

    ma-KÉ-na

    She who brings joy.

    Origin
    Meru / Kikuyu
    Region
    Kenya
    Joy & happiness
  • Girl

    Malaika

    ma-la-I-ka

    Angel.

    Origin
    Swahili
    Region
    Kenya, Tanzania
    Faith & spirituality Beauty
  • 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
  • Girl

    Mekdes

    mèk-DÈS

    Sanctuary, holy place.

    Origin
    Amharic
    Region
    Ethiopia
    Faith & spirituality
    meaning to be confirmed
  • Girl

    Mossane

    mo-SSAN

    Beauty.

    Origin
    Serer
    Region
    Senegal
    Beauty
    meaning to be confirmed
  • 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
  • Girl

    Naledi

    na-LÉ-di

    Star.

    Origin
    Sotho / Tswana
    Region
    South Africa, Botswana
    Light & stars Nature & elements
  • Girl

    Ndèye

    n-DÈ-yé

    Mother — often placed before another given name.

    Origin
    Wolof
    Region
    Senegal
    Variants
    Ndeye
    Family & lineage
  • Girl

    Neema

    né-É-ma

    Grace, favour.

    Origin
    Swahili
    Region
    Kenya, Tanzania
    Variants
    Nema
    Faith & spirituality Gift & blessing
  • Unisex

    Neo

    NÉ-o

    Gift.

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

    Ngozi

    n-GO-zi

    Blessing.

    Origin
    Igbo
    Region
    Nigeria
    Faith & spirituality 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
  • Girl

    Nia

    NI-a

    Intention, purpose, aim.

    Origin
    Swahili
    Region
    Kenya, Tanzania
    Wisdom & knowledge Hope & future
  • 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
  • Girl

    Nneka

    n-NÉ-ka

    The mother is supreme.

    Origin
    Igbo
    Region
    Nigeria
    Family & lineage
  • Girl

    Nobuhle

    no-bou-HLÉ

    Mother of beauty.

    Origin
    Zulu / Ndebele
    Region
    South Africa
    Variants
    Buhle
    Beauty
  • Girl

    Nomsa

    NOM-sa

    Mother of kindness.

    Origin
    Zulu
    Region
    South Africa
    Love & tenderness Family & lineage
  • Girl

    Nomusa

    no-MOU-sa

    Mother of kindness and grace.

    Origin
    Zulu / Ndebele
    Region
    South Africa
    Love & tenderness Family & lineage
  • Girl

    Nomvula

    nom-VOU-la

    Mother of rain — born on a rainy day.

    Origin
    Zulu
    Region
    South Africa
    Nature & elements 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
  • Girl

    Nyota

    nio-TA

    Star.

    Origin
    Swahili
    Region
    Kenya, Tanzania
    Light & stars
    meaning to be confirmed
  • Girl

    Nzinga

    n-ZIN-ga

    Queen of Ndongo and Matamba, a figure of 17th-century resistance.

    Origin
    Kimbundu / Kikongo
    Region
    Angola, DR Congo
    Variants
    Njinga
    Historical figures Strength & courage Royalty & nobility
  • 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
  • Girl

    Palesa

    pa-LÉ-sa

    Flower.

    Origin
    Sotho
    Region
    South Africa, Lesotho
    Nature & elements Beauty
  • Girl

    Pokou

    po-KOU

    Founding queen of the Baoulé people (18th century), heroine of the sacrifice at the Comoé river.

    Origin
    Baoulé
    Region
    Côte d’Ivoire
    Variants
    Abla Pokou
    Historical figures Royalty & nobility
  • Girl

    Refilwe

    ré-FIL-wé

    We have been given a gift.

    Origin
    Sotho / Tswana
    Region
    South Africa
    Gift & blessing Gratitude
  • Girl

    Rehema

    ré-HÉ-ma

    Compassion, mercy.

    Origin
    Swahili
    Region
    Kenya, Tanzania
    Love & tenderness 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
  • Girl

    Rudo

    ROU-do

    Love.

    Origin
    Shona
    Region
    Zimbabwe
    Love & tenderness
  • Girl

    Rutendo

    rou-TEN-do

    Faith, gratitude.

    Origin
    Shona
    Region
    Zimbabwe
    Faith & spirituality Gratitude
  • Girl

    Sade

    cha-DÉ

    Short form of Folashade: “honour crowns me”.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Ṣadé, Folashade
    Royalty & nobility Beauty
  • Girl

    Salama

    sa-LA-ma

    Peace, safety.

    Origin
    Swahili
    Region
    Kenya, Tanzania
    Peace & serenity Protection
  • 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
  • Girl

    Sanaa

    sa-NA

    Art, a work of art.

    Origin
    Swahili
    Region
    Kenya, Tanzania
    Beauty
  • 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
  • Girl

    Selam

    sé-LAM

    Peace.

    Origin
    Amharic
    Region
    Ethiopia, Eritrea
    Variants
    Sélam
    Peace & serenity
  • 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
  • Girl

    Shiluva

    chi-LOU-va

    Flower.

    Origin
    Tsonga
    Region
    South Africa
    Nature & elements Beauty
  • Girl

    Sibongile

    si-bon-GHI-lé

    We give thanks.

    Origin
    Zulu / Ndebele
    Region
    South Africa, Zimbabwe
    Gratitude
  • 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
  • Girl

    Simisola

    si-mi-SO-la

    Rest in wealth.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Sìmisọ́lá
    Royalty & nobility Peace & serenity
  • Boy

    Sipho

    SI-po

    Gift, present.

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

    Sira

    SI-ra

    Path, way.

    Origin
    Bambara
    Region
    Mali
    Variants
    Syra
    Hope & future
    meaning to be confirmed
  • 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
  • Girl

    Soa

    SO-a

    Good, beautiful.

    Origin
    Malagasy
    Region
    Madagascar
    Beauty Love & tenderness
  • Girl

    Sogolon

    so-go-LON

    Mother of Sundiata Keita in the Mande epic.

    Origin
    Maninka
    Region
    Mali, Guinea
    Variants
    Sogolon Kédjou
    Historical figures Family & lineage
  • Girl

    Sokhna

    SOKH-na

    Lady, respected woman; a title of deference.

    Origin
    Wolof
    Region
    Senegal
    Royalty & nobility 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
  • Girl

    Subira

    sou-BI-ra

    Patience.

    Origin
    Swahili
    Region
    Kenya, Tanzania
    Wisdom & knowledge
  • Girl

    Tafat

    ta-FAT

    Light.

    Origin
    Kabyle
    Region
    Algeria
    Light & stars
  • Girl

    Tafsut

    taf-SOUT

    Spring.

    Origin
    Amazigh
    Region
    Maghreb
    Variants
    Tafsout
    Nature & elements Hope & future
  • 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
  • Girl

    Tanina

    ta-NI-na

    Golden eagle; the fabled bird of Kabyle tales.

    Origin
    Kabyle
    Region
    Algeria
    Nature & elements Strength & courage
  • Girl

    Tanirt

    ta-NIRT

    Angel.

    Origin
    Amazigh
    Region
    Morocco, Algeria
    Faith & spirituality Beauty
    meaning to be confirmed
  • 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
  • Girl

    Temitope

    té-mi-to-PÉ

    My reason to give thanks.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Tope
    Gratitude Faith & spirituality
  • 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
  • Girl

    Thandiwe

    tan-DI-wé

    Beloved, the one who is cherished.

    Origin
    Zulu / Xhosa
    Region
    South Africa, Zimbabwe
    Variants
    Thandi
    Love & tenderness
  • Unisex

    Themba

    TEM-ba

    Hope, trust.

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

    Thiziri

    ti-ZI-ri

    Moonlight.

    Origin
    Kabyle
    Region
    Algeria
    Variants
    Tiziri
    Light & stars Nature & elements
  • Girl

    Tilelli

    ti-lèl-LI

    Freedom.

    Origin
    Kabyle
    Region
    Algeria
    Freedom
  • Girl

    Tin-Hinan

    tin-hi-NAN

    Founding queen of the Tuareg of the Hoggar — “she of the tents”.

    Origin
    Tuareg
    Region
    Sahara (Hoggar)
    Variants
    Tinhinan
    Historical figures Royalty & nobility
  • Boy

    Tinashe

    ti-NA-ché

    God is with us.

    Origin
    Shona
    Region
    Zimbabwe
    Faith & spirituality
  • Girl

    Titilayo

    ti-ti-la-YO

    Joy for ever.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Títílayọ̀, Titi
    Joy & happiness
  • 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
  • Girl

    Ubax

    ou-BAH

    Flower.

    Origin
    Somali
    Region
    Somalia, Djibouti
    Variants
    Ubah
    Nature & elements Beauty
  • Unisex

    Uche

    ou-TCHÉ

    Thought, will, purpose.

    Origin
    Igbo
    Region
    Nigeria
    Wisdom & knowledge
  • Girl

    Upendo

    ou-PEN-do

    Love.

    Origin
    Swahili
    Region
    Kenya, Tanzania
    Love & tenderness
  • Girl

    Vimbai

    vim-BA-ï

    Trust, and hope.

    Origin
    Shona
    Region
    Zimbabwe
    Hope & future
    meaning to be confirmed
  • Girl

    Voahangy

    voua-HAN-gui

    Pearl.

    Origin
    Malagasy
    Region
    Madagascar
    Beauty
  • 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
  • Girl

    Yawa

    ya-WA

    Born on a Thursday.

    Origin
    Ewe
    Region
    Togo, Ghana
    Variants
    Yawo (boy: Yao)
    Day & circumstances of birth
  • Girl

    Yennenga

    yèn-nèn-GA

    Horsewoman and warrior princess, founding mother of the Mossi people.

    Origin
    Mooré (Mossi)
    Region
    Burkina Faso
    Historical figures Strength & courage
  • Girl

    Yetunde

    yé-toun-DÉ

    The mother has returned — born after the grandmother’s death.

    Origin
    Yoruba
    Region
    Nigeria
    Variants
    Yétúndé, Yewande
    Family & lineage 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
  • Girl

    Zanele

    za-NÉ-lé

    They are enough — said of a family blessed with daughters.

    Origin
    Zulu
    Region
    South Africa
    Family & lineage
  • Girl

    Zawadi

    za-WA-di

    Gift, present.

    Origin
    Swahili
    Region
    Kenya, Tanzania
    Gift & blessing
  • Unisex

    Zola

    ZO-la

    Calm, quiet, at peace.

    Origin
    Xhosa / Zulu
    Region
    South Africa
    Peace & serenity
  • Girl

    Zuri

    ZOU-ri

    Beautiful.

    Origin
    Swahili
    Region
    Kenya, Tanzania
    Beauty

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.

  • Abla — Born on a Tuesday (Ablavi: “Tuesday’s daughter”) (Ewe / Mina, Girl)
  • Adjo — Born on a Monday (Ewe / Mina, Girl)
  • Adjoua — Born on a Monday (Twi tradition); Tuesday in the Baoulé calendar (Akan (Baoulé, Agni, Ashanti), Girl)
  • Affoué — Born on a Friday (Twi tradition); Saturday in the Baoulé calendar (Akan (Baoulé, Agni, Ashanti), Girl)
  • Afi — Born on a Friday (Ewe / Mina, Girl)
  • Ahou — Born on a Wednesday (Twi tradition); Thursday in the Baoulé calendar (Akan (Baoulé, Agni, Ashanti), Girl)
  • Akissi — Born on a Sunday (Twi tradition); Monday in the Baoulé calendar (Akan (Baoulé, Agni, Ashanti), Girl)
  • Amenan — Born on a Wednesday in the Baoulé calendar; the Twi equivalent is Abena (Tuesday) (Akan (Baoulé, Agni, Ashanti), Girl)
  • Amoin — Born on a Saturday (Twi tradition); Sunday in the Baoulé calendar (Akan (Baoulé, Agni, Ashanti), Girl)
  • Aya — Born on a Thursday (Twi tradition); Friday in the Baoulé calendar (Akan (Baoulé, Agni, Ashanti), Girl)
  • Bako — Born while guests were visiting — literally “the guest” (Hausa, Boy)
  • Delu — The first girl born after several boys (Hausa, Girl)
  • Dossou — A boy born after twins (Fon, Boy)
  • Gambo — A child born after twins (Hausa, Unisex)

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)
  • Dihya — Amazigh warrior queen of the Aurès, 7th century (Amazigh, Girl)
  • Djata — Lion (Maninka, Boy)
  • Haben — Pride (Tigrinya, Girl)
  • 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)
  • Nzinga — Queen of Ndongo and Matamba, a figure of 17th-century resistance (Kimbundu / Kikongo, Girl)

African names that mean light or star

Few in number, but among the easiest to carry in France. Sotho and Tswana give Lesedi and Naledi, Swahili gives Nuru, Kabyle gives Tafat and Thiziri — “moonlight”.

  • Itri — Star (Amazigh, Boy)
  • Khanyisile — She who brought the light (Zulu, Girl)
  • Lesedi — Light (Sotho / Tswana, Girl)
  • Naledi — Star (Sotho / Tswana, Girl)
  • Nuru — Light (Swahili, Unisex)
  • Tafat — Light (Kabyle, Girl)
  • Thiziri — Moonlight (Kabyle, Girl)
  • Mwinda — Light (Kikongo, Unisex)
  • Nyota — Star (Swahili, Girl)

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)
  • Furaha — Joy, gladness (Swahili, Girl)
  • Ifeoma — A beautiful thing, a good thing (Igbo, Girl)
  • Jabulani — Rejoice (Zulu, Boy)
  • Kayode — He brings joy (Yoruba, Boy)
  • Kiese — Joy (Kikongo, Unisex)

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)
  • Fikir — Love (Amharic, Girl)
  • Gidado — Beloved (Fula (Fulfulde), Boy)
  • Ife — Love (Yoruba, Girl)
  • Ifeoluwa — Love of God (Yoruba, Unisex)
  • Ineza — Kindness, gentleness (Kinyarwanda, Girl)
  • Iradukunda — He (God) loves us (Kinyarwanda, Unisex)
  • Lerato — Love (Sotho, Girl)
  • Musa — Kindness, mercy (Zulu, Boy)
  • Nomsa — Mother of kindness (Zulu, Girl)
  • Nomusa — Mother of kindness and grace (Zulu / Ndebele, Girl)
  • Nyasha — Grace, kindness (Shona, 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.

  • Amahoro — Peace (Kinyarwanda / Kirundi, Girl)
  • Amani — Peace (Swahili, Unisex)
  • Kagiso — Peace (Tswana, Unisex)
  • Khathutshelo — Forgiveness, mercy (Venda, Unisex)
  • Kimia — Peace, calm (Lingala, Girl)
  • Salama — Peace, safety (Swahili, Girl)
  • Selam — Peace (Amharic, Girl)
  • Simisola — Rest in wealth (Yoruba, Girl)
  • Zola — Calm, quiet, at peace (Xhosa / Zulu, Unisex)
  • Bondeko — Brotherhood (Lingala, Unisex)
  • Diam — Peace (Wolof, Unisex)
  • Faraja — Consolation, comfort (Swahili, Unisex)

African names that evoke beauty

Often simple words — Zuri in Swahili, Keza in Kinyarwanda, Bontle in Tswana, Soa in Malagasy — and sometimes images: Voahangy, “pearl”, Abeba and Palesa, “flower”.

  • Abeba — Flower (Amharic, Girl)
  • Amara — Grace (Amarachi: “God’s grace”) (Igbo, Girl)
  • Bontle — Beauty (Tswana, Girl)
  • Chiamaka — God is splendid (Igbo, Girl)
  • Ifeoma — A beautiful thing, a good thing (Igbo, Girl)
  • Keza — Beautiful, graceful (Kinyarwanda, Girl)
  • Malaika — Angel (Swahili, Girl)
  • Nobuhle — Mother of beauty (Zulu / Ndebele, Girl)
  • Nsuku — Gold (Tsonga, Unisex)
  • Palesa — Flower (Sotho, Girl)
  • Sade — Short form of Folashade: “honour crowns me” (Yoruba, Girl)
  • Sanaa — Art, a work of art (Swahili, Girl)
  • Shiluva — Flower (Tsonga, Girl)
  • Soa — Good, beautiful (Malagasy, Girl)

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.

  • Adaeze — The king’s daughter, princess (Igbo, Girl)
  • 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)
  • Makeda — The Ethiopian name of the Queen of Sheba (Ge’ez / Amharic, Girl)
  • Mansa — King, sovereign — the title borne by Mansa Musa (Mande, Boy)
  • Massinissa — First king of a unified Numidia, 2nd century BC (Amazigh (Numidian), Boy)

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)
  • Dihya — Amazigh warrior queen of the Aurès, 7th century (Amazigh, Girl)
  • Enitan — The one who carries a story (Yoruba, Unisex)
  • Gaya — Numidian king, father of Massinissa (Amazigh (Numidian), Boy)
  • Makeda — The Ethiopian name of the Queen of Sheba (Ge’ez / Amharic, Girl)
  • Mansa — King, sovereign — the title borne by Mansa Musa (Mande, Boy)
  • Massinissa — First king of a unified Numidia, 2nd century BC (Amazigh (Numidian), Boy)
  • Nzinga — Queen of Ndongo and Matamba, a figure of 17th-century resistance (Kimbundu / Kikongo, Girl)
  • Pokou — Founding queen of the Baoulé people (18th century), heroine of the sacrifice at the Comoé river (Baoulé, Girl)
  • 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)
  • Sogolon — Mother of Sundiata Keita in the Mande epic (Maninka, Girl)

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.

  • Abeba — Flower (Amharic, Girl)
  • Amayas — Cheetah (Amazigh (Kabyle, Tuareg), Boy)
  • Djata — Lion (Maninka, Boy)
  • Genet — Garden, paradise (Amharic, Girl)
  • Lemlem — Green, flourishing (Amharic / Tigrinya, Girl)
  • Lencho — Lion (Oromo, Boy)
  • Naledi — Star (Sotho / Tswana, Girl)
  • Nomvula — Mother of rain — born on a rainy day (Zulu, Girl)
  • Palesa — Flower (Sotho, Girl)
  • Roble — The one who brings rain — born during the rainy season (Somali, Boy)
  • Shiluva — Flower (Tsonga, Girl)
  • Simba — Lion (Swahili, Boy)
  • Tafsut — Spring (Amazigh, Girl)
  • Tanina — Golden eagle; the fabled bird of Kabyle tales (Kabyle, Girl)

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.

  • Abeba — Flower (Amharic, Girl)
  • Abla — Born on a Tuesday (Ablavi: “Tuesday’s daughter”) (Ewe / Mina, Girl)
  • Ade — Crown (Yoruba, Unisex)
  • Adjo — Born on a Monday (Ewe / Mina, Girl)
  • Adom — Grace, blessing (Akan (Twi), Unisex)
  • Afi — Born on a Friday (Ewe / Mina, Girl)
  • Ahou — Born on a Wednesday (Twi tradition); Thursday in the Baoulé calendar (Akan (Baoulé, Agni, Ashanti), Girl)
  • Aksel — 7th-century Amazigh king (Kusayla); his name is associated with the leopard (Amazigh, Boy)
  • Amani — Peace (Swahili, Unisex)
  • Amara — Grace (Amarachi: “God’s grace”) (Igbo, Girl)
  • Amoin — Born on a Saturday (Twi tradition); Sunday in the Baoulé calendar (Akan (Baoulé, Agni, Ashanti), Girl)
  • Andry — Pillar (Malagasy, Boy)
  • Ardo — Chief, the one who leads (Fula (Fulfulde), Boy)
  • Awet — Victory (Tigrinya, Boy)

Frequently asked questions

How do you choose an African name for your child?

Three things matter: the meaning (what do you want to call upon your child?), how it is pronounced in the country where they will grow up, and the real link with your family history. A name carried without knowing its meaning can turn against the child: among the Akan, for instance, a day name states the day of birth, and getting the day wrong raises a smile for a lifetime.

What is the difference between an Akan, Yoruba, Swahili or Zulu name?

They are different languages and different naming logics. Akan names (Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana) mark the day of birth: Kouassi, Adjoua, Kouamé. Yoruba names (Nigeria, Benin) form sentences: Ayodele, “joy enters the house”. Swahili names (Kenya, Tanzania) are often simple words: Amani, “peace”. Zulu and Sotho names (Southern Africa) tell a circumstance: Lindiwe, “the one who was awaited”.

Is an African name easy to carry in France?

Many are: Aya, Nia, Zola, Ife, Amani, Thabo, Naledi fit into two syllables and are pronounced effortlessly in French. Longer ones shorten naturally in family use — Oluwaseun becomes Seun, Chukwuemeka becomes Emeka. 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.

Can you give an African name to a child born in France?

Yes. In France parents choose the given name freely, and the registrar may refuse it only if it is contrary to the child’s interest. None of the names in this directory pose any difficulty; simply check the spelling you want on the birth record, as several spellings often coexist (Kouamé / Kwame, Thandiwe / Thandi).

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

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 — 26 names out of 252 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). 226 names out of 252 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.