Swahili Submitted Names

Swahili names are used by Swahili speakers in eastern Africa.
gender
usage
Submitted names are contributed by users of this website. The accuracy of these name definitions cannot be guaranteed.
Abdu m Swahili
Abdu is a name of Swahili origin meaning worshipper of God and the vowel at the end makes it sound like Abdul
Abigaili f Biblical, Swahili
Swahili form of Abigail.
Adamu m Amharic, Swahili, Hausa
Amharic, Swahili, and Hausa form of Adam.
Adhra f Swahili
Means "apology" in Swahili.
Adia f Igede, Swahili
Means "queen" in Igede and "(valuable) gift" in Swahili, from Hausa adia "gift".
Adimu f Swahili
Means “rare” in Swahili.
Aijuka m Swahili
Aijuka means "he knew' or 'he understands' in reference to gaining knowledge & education.
Akili m Swahili (Rare)
From Swahili akili meaning "mind, inteligence".
Almasi f Swahili
Means "diamond" in Swahili.
Amani f Swahili
Means "peace" in Swahili.
Amondi f Swahili
Swahili form of Amani.
Amri m Arabic, Indonesian, Malay, Swahili
Means "my command" from Arabic أمر ('amr) meaning "order, command, decree".
Anasa f Swahili
Means "joy" in Swahili.
Andwele m Swahili
Means "God brings me" in Swahili.
Angavu m Swahili
Swahili masculine name meaning "clear, lucid".
Anoni m Swahili
Variation of Anno.
Arusi f Swahili
Means "born at wedding time" in Swahili.
Asali f Swahili
Means "honey" in Swahili.
Asani m Swahili
Means "rebellious" in Swahili.
Asanti f & m Swahili, African
means "thank you"
Asatira f Swahili
Means "history, legend" in Swahili.
Asmini f Swahili
Swahili form of Jasmin 1.
Athumani m Swahili
Means "third one" in Swahili.
Atiena f Swahili
Means "guardian of the night" in Swahili.
Azizi f & m African American (Rare), Swahili
Means "treasure, rarity, something valuable; lover" in Swahili, derived from Arabic عَزِيز‎ (ʕazīz); compare Aziz. A known (female) bearer is American model Azizi Johari (1948-), in whose case it is a pseudonym.
Bahari f & m Swahili
Means "sea" or "ocean" in Swahili.
Bale m Swahili
Means “yes, correct” in Swahili.
Balinda m Swahili
Means “guard” in Swahili.
Bibuwa m Swahili
Means “boss” in Swahili.
Boma m & f Swahili
Meaning "fort or enclosure". The word actually originates from Swahili and is traditionally known as an enclosure, a stockade or fort used to protect people's livestock (usually sheep and cattle).
Busara f Swahili
Means "wisdom" in Swahili.
Chaniya f Swahili
Means "wealthy" in Swahili.
Chausiki f Swahili
Means "born at night" in Swahili.
Cheusi m Swahili
Means "black" in Swahili.
Chipukizi f Swahili
Means "bud, sprout, shoot" in Swahili.
Chuki f & m Swahili
Means "born during a time of hatred" in Swahili.
Dai m Swahili
Means "demand" in Swahili.
Dalili f Swahili (Rare)
Means "omen, symbol" in Swahili.
Daudi m Swahili
Daudi is an altered form of Daud, an Arabic name, which also is an altered form of the Hebrew name David, which means "beloved" or "uncle."
Duma m Swahili
Means "cheetah" in Swahili.... [more]
Dunia m Swahili
Neans "world, earth," ultimately from Arabic dunyā (دُنْيَا) meaning "world, kingdom, universe."
Ëakumbu m Swahili (Dutchified, Rare)
First used in Basali,DRC And Means "King Of Africa" May Be A Variant Of Xhoel
Ekundu m Swahili
Swahili masculine name meaning "red".
Enzi f & m Swahili
Means "powerful" in Swahili.
Fahari m & f Swahili
Means "fame, honour, splendour" in Swahili.
Faisa f Swahili
Swahili/Arabic, meaning successful/victorious
Fanaka f & m Swahili
Means “nice” in Swahili.
Faraja f & m Swahili
Means "consolation, comfort" in Swahili.
Farhiya f Swahili, Somali
Variant transcription of Fariha.
Farijika f Swahili
Means “be relieved” in Swahili.
Gethera f Swahili
Means "harvest" in Swahili.
Hafidh m Arabic, Swahili, Indonesian
Alternate transcription of Arabic حافظ or حفيظ (see Hafiz), as well as a Swahili and Indonesian variant.
Haiba f Swahili
It means charm, grace, beauty in Kiswahili
Halisi f Swahili
Means "genuine" in Swahili.
Hamis m Swahili
From Swahili Alhamisi meaning "Thursday" (ultimately of Arabic origin).
Hanja f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "brown".
Harambee m Swahili
Means "all pull together" in Swahili. It is the official motto of Kenya.
Hashiki f Swahili
Means “doesn’t hold” in Swahili.
Hatima f Swahili
Means "fate" in Swahili.
Hekima f & m Swahili
Means "wisdom" in Swahili.
Hidaya f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "beautiful".
Hodari f Swahili
Means “strong” in Swahili.
Imany f Swahili
A variant of Imani.
Imara f Swahili
Means "strong, firm, stable" in Swahili.
Isaya m Swahili
Swahili form of Isaiah.
Itanya f Swahili
Means "hope" in Swahili.
Ituri m Swahili
Means perfume, scent, fragrance in Kiswahili
Jahi f Swahili
Worthy
Jalia m Swahili
Honorary
Jana f Swahili
Means "yesterday" in Swahili.
Jangwa m Swahili
Means "desert" in Swahili.
Jasiri f Swahili
Means "bold, courageous" in Swahili.
Jelani m Swahili
Powerful
Jina f Swahili
Means "to walk" in Swahili.
Jua m & f Swahili
Means "sun" in Swahili.
Jumaane m Swahili
Means “Tuesday” in Swahili.
Justiniani m Swahili
Swahili variation of Justinianus.
Kaluwa f Swahili
Means "forgotten one" in Swahili.
Karama f Swahili
Means “gift” in Swahili.
Kashangaki m Swahili
Means "surprise" in Swahili.
Kaskazi f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "north wind" or "hot season, summer".
Kenyangi m Swahili
Means “in the countryside” in Swahili.
Khamani m Swahili
Meaning “son of king”, “first born”, or “great king” in Swahili.
Khamisi m Swahili
Means “Thursday” in Swahili.
Kiah f Swahili
Means "dawn" in Swahili.
Kiapo m Swahili
Swahili masculine name meaning "oath".
Kibafupia f Swahili
The name originates from the Swahili words Kibali "acceptance" and Fupi "low". The combination of words combine to make the phrase, "to accept being low", referencing the people in Swahili countries who are poor or lack education... [more]
Kibibi f Swahili
Means "little lady" in Swahili.
Kiburi f & m Swahili
Means "pride" in Swahili.
Kijana m & f Swahili, African American (Modern)
Means "young person" in Swahili. This is the nickname of American football player Kenneth Leonard 'Ki-Jana' Carter (1973-), given to him by his mother, who was inspired by a minor character in the movie Shaft in Africa (1973).
Kijani m Swahili
Means "warrior" in Swahili.
Kimbilio m Swahili
Swahili masculine name meaning "refuge".
Kimya f Swahili
Means "silent" in Swahili. This is the name of musician Kimya Dawson.
Kinaya f Swahili
Means "independance" in Swahili.
Kinubi m Swahili
Swahili masculine name meaning "harp".
Kiojah f Swahili
Means "miracle" in Swahili.
Kipenzi f & m Swahili, African
means "darling", "favorite", "loved one"
Kipepeo f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "butterfly".
Kisima f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "water spring".
Kiume m Swahili
Swahili masculine name meaning "stamina, strength".
Kiwara f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "savannah".
Kondo m Swahili, African
means "war"
Konradi m Swahili
Variation of Conrad.
Kovu m Swahili
It's Kiswahili for "Scar" and possibly, and is used in the Lion King 2. Kovu was chosen by Scar to become King before Simba returned to Pride Rock. Kovu's Mother Zira almost let Simab kill him when he was just a cub when they were caught in the Pridelands, but Simba told her to take him and leave before departing with his own daughter Kiara... [more]
Kuchanua f Swahili
Means "blossom" in Swahili.
Kurunzi m Swahili
Swahili masculine name meaning "torch".
Kurwa f & m Swahili
Means "first of twins" in Swahili.
Kusiima m Ganda (Modern), Swahili, Kiga
Means "thankful" in Swahili, Kiga, and Ganda.
Kweli m Swahili (Rare), African American (Modern, Rare)
From Swahili kweli meaning "truth".
Lailati f Indonesian, Swahili
Derived from Arabic لَيْل (layl) meaning "night".
Laini f Swahili
Means "fine, soft, smooth" in Swahili.
Madaha f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "grace".
Madini f Swahili
Means "gem" in Swahili.
Madoa f Swahili
This name means ''freckle''.
Mahali f Swahili
Means "place" in Swahili.
Maisha f Swahili (Modern)
Means "life" in Swahili.
Majani f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "leaves (of a plant)".
Makini m & f Swahili
Means "of good character" or "strength of character" in Swahili.
Makunga m Swahili
Means "crazy" in Swahili.
Makuu m Swahili
This name means Great in Swahili. Known for the crocodile leader in The Lion Guard, also a name for the Swahili people. It is a male name.
Maliza f Swahili
Accomplished woman
Marini f Swahili
Means "pretty" in Swahili.
Marjani f Swahili, Eastern African
Means ‘Coral’.
Matunda f & m Swahili
Means "fruit" in Swahili.
Maua f Swahili
Means "flower" in Swahili.
Mavuno m Swahili
Swahili masculine name meaning "harvest time".
Misuli f Swahili
Means "muscle" in Swahili.
Mkarkara f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "passion flower".
Mrihani f Swahili
Swahili form of Reyhan.
Mulele m African, Swahili
"Flying man," "man who flies," or "man of flight." The prefix "mu-" expresses "man of" or "man from" in the Swahili language. One interpretation would be that this is approximately equal to "angel," but because there are numerous parts of Africa where there are lots of devout Christians, I would lean towards the interpretation "man who runs quickly."
Mwamini f Swahili
Means "honest" in Swahili.
Mwasaa f Swahili
Means “time” in Swahili.
Mwezi m Swahili
Swahili masculine name meaning "moon" or "month".
Najuma f Swahili
Means "abounding in joy" in Swahili.
Naki f Swahili
the first born girl in the family
Nashipie f Swahili
This is a Maasai name given to young girls, meaning "joy"
Nasra f Arabic, Somali, Swahili
Means 'helper, support" in Arabic.
Nathari f Swahili
Means "prose" in Swahili.
Nayfa f Swahili
Means "benefit" in Swahili.
Nelah f Swahili (Rare)
Gift with purpose. Composition if Nia (meaning purpose) and Nala (meaning gift)
Ngamia m Swahili
Means "camel" in Swahili.
Ngeni m Swahili
Means "stranger" in Swahili.
Niara f Eastern African, Swahili
Means of high purpose
Nigesa f Swahili
Means "born during the harvest season" in Swahili.
Njozi f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "dream".
Ntimi m Eastern African, Swahili (?)
From southern Tanzania, Mbeya region meaning a pastor.
Nuhu m Hausa, Swahili
Hausa and Swahili form of Noah 1.
Nula f Swahili
Variant of Nola and Nala 2.
Nwabudike m African, Swahili
A name in the Swahili language, which means "the son is the father's power," or "the strength of a father comes from his son."... [more]
Nyasi f Swahili
Means "grass" in Swahili.
Nyoni f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "bird".
Nyota f Swahili, Lingala
Derived from Swahili and Lingala nyota meaning "star".
Nyuki f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "bee".
Osogo m Swahili
Means “movement” in Swahili.
Pambe m Eastern African, Swahili
Means "decorated" in Swahili.
Panya f Swahili
The crowned one.
Pelaji m Swahili
Variation of Pelagius.
Popobawa m Swahili
Name of a shape-shifting shetani (evil spirit) in Zanzibar mythology. It is derived from Swahili elements popo (bat) and bawa (wing), therefore literally meaning "bat-wing" or "winged bat"... [more]
Pumbaa m Popular Culture, Swahili
Means "to be foolish, silly, weak-minded, careless, negligent" in Swahili. This is the name of the warthog in Disney's 'The Lion King' (1994).
Ramadhan m Arabic, Indonesian, Swahili
Alternate transcription of Arabic رمضان (see Ramadan), as well as the Indonesian and Swahili form.
Rashidi m Eastern African, Swahili, Malay
Form of Rashid used in parts of Eastern Africa as well as Malaysia.
Rua m & f Swahili
used mainly among swahili community for both boys and girls. ... [more]
Rubani m Swahili
A pilot
Ruhiu m Swahili
Means “spirit” in Swahili.
Rungo m Swahili
The name Rungo has different meaning but they all mean the same thing. It mewns a “”weapon of war”” mostly a “”war club””... [more]
Sadaka m Swahili
Means "a religious offering" in Swahili.
Sadao f Swahili
Means "leader" in Swahili.
Sadiki m Swahili
Means "believe" in Swahili.
Sadiki m Egyptian, Arabic, Swahili
Translating to “faithful” or “loyal,” it can always remind baby to stay dedicated to the people they love. Whether it’s through a ride-or-die friendship or sticking by their own beliefs, the name Sadiki is a constant reminder to keep a steadfast heart.
Safari f & m Swahili, Bantu, American (Modern, Rare)
Means "journey" in Swahili, from Arabic سَفَر‎ (safar). It is commonly used by Eastern Bantus in Kenya, given to babies born when traveling or given in reference to a lot of traveling by a relative... [more]
Safiri f Swahili
Means “traveler” in Swahili.
Samweli m Swahili
Swahili form of Samuel.
Sarabi f Swahili, Popular Culture
Means "mirage" in Swahili. This is the name of the mother of Simba and mate of Mufasa and in the Disney movie The Lion King (1994).
Sarafina f Swahili
Apparently means "bright star" in Swahili. The name might be best known from the South African musical "Sarafina!" Also, the name is often easily confused with the Hebrew name Seraphina, but despite looking similar in appearance, both names clearly have completely different etymologies.
Sauti f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "voice, noise".
Seif m Arabic (Maghrebi), Arabic (Egyptian), Swahili
Maghrebi and Egyptian transcription of Saif.
Shani f African American, Swahili (?)
Allegedly means "wonder" in Swahili.
Shida m & f Swahili, Persian
The name is originated from Arabic language meaning horrible, suffering, hardness or struggles
Sifa m & f Swahili
Means "Praise"
Siku m & f Swahili
Means "day" in Swahili.
Sungara f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "rabbit, hare".
Swala f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "antelope".
Takatifu m Swahili
Swahili masculine name meaning "sacred, holy".
Tambika f Swahili
Means "offering" in Swahili.
Tamu f Swahili
Means "sweet" in Swahili.
Thabiti m Swahili
Means “stable” in Swahili.
Tisa m & f Swahili
Means "nine" in Swahili. It is often given to the ninth-born child.
Tuere f Swahili (Rare)
Means "sacred" in Swahili.
Tufani f & m Swahili
Means "storm" in Swahili.
Tukufu m Swahili
Means "exalted" in Swahili.
Udeera f Swahili
Udeera was a baby born in the covenant of kings in africa she went through trials and tribulations growing up , stories told that god helped her throughout hard times and starvation.... [more]
Ujamaa f Swahili
Means “socialist” in Swahili.
Umande f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "dew".
Umoja f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "unity, harmony".
Ushindi m Swahili
Swahili masculine name meaning "victory, triumph".
Usiku m Swahili
Swahili masculine name meaning "night".
Uzima f & m Swahili
Life
Wamwema m & f Swahili (Modern, Rare)
A Christian surname with swahili origin that mean belonging to the one that is good. Belonging to God who is the only one that is good.
Waridi f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "rose", ultimately from the Arabic Warda.
Waseme f Swahili
Means "let them talk" in Swahili.
Yakobo m Swahili
Swahili form of Jacob or James.
Yasinta f Indonesian, Javanese, Swahili
Most likely an elaboration of Sinta. Indonesian model Yasinta Aurellia is a well-known bearer.
Yohana m Swahili
Swahili form of John.
Yohane m Swahili
Swahili from of John.
Zabibu f Swahili
Swahili name meaning "grapes" which comes originally from Arabic word zabīb meaning 'raisins', given to five girls in the US in 2023
Zahur m Swahili
Means "flower" in Swahili.
Zaituni f Eastern African, Swahili, Indonesian
From Swahili zeituni meaning "olive", ultimately from Arabic زيتون (zaytun).
Zende m Swahili
Means "strong, firm" in Swahili.
Zuba m Swahili
Means "jump" in Swahili.
Zumaridi f Swahili
Means "emerald" in Swahili.
Zuwena f Swahili
Means "small and beautiful" in Swahili.
Zwatie m Swahili
Means "people of language" in Swahili.