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Bored with my usual suspects, I've done a little research. I had a few African names on my long list, but I've added to them. What do you think? East, West or South after the name means its from Eastern, Western or Southern Africa.

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Female:

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Adisa -- one who is clear (Yoruba, West)
Aina -- ("EYE-nuh") Nigerian
Asha / Eshe -- life (Swahili, East)
Ife -- ("EE-fuh") love (Yoruba, West)
Imani -- faith (Swahili, East)
Johari -- jewel (Swahili, East)
Lindiwe -- have waited for (Zulu, South)
Marjani -- ("mar-ZHAH-nee") coral (Swahili, East)
Mirembe -- peace (Luganda, East)
Monifa -- I am lucky (Yoruba, West)
Nantale -- ("nahn-TAH-lay") gazelle
Nia -- purpose (Swahili, East)
Shandurai -- ("SHAN-door-eye") Ethiopian
Thandiwe -- loving one (Xhosa, South)
Thema -- queen (Akan, West)
Zola -- tranquil (Zulu, South)
Zuri -- beautiful (Swahili, East)

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Male:

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Annayo -- ("a-NIE-o") Nigerian
Jelani -- mighty (Swahili, East)
Mosi -- 1st child (Swahili, East)
Olanrewaju -- my wealth is the future (Yoruba, West)
Tafari -- inspires awe (Amharic, East)

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Note on pronunciaiton / useage: My cousins' names are Aina and Olanrewaju. That's how I know how to pronounce Aina. Her brother goes by Lanry. Nantale I saw in a baby name book once so I can't recall exactly which language / area it belongs to. Shandurai was the name of the female character in the movie, "Besieged." It starred Thandie Newton whose real name is Thandiwe. I met a little Johari once and asked the meaning. I also met an Annayo whose father is Nigerian.

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So what do you think? Do you like any? I realize they may not be the most useable names. But by themselves, do any strike your fancy?

This message was edited 5/27/2008, 12:14 PM