Submitted Names in Kenya

This is a list of submitted names in which the place is Kenya.
gender
usage
place
Submitted names are contributed by users of this website. The accuracy of these name definitions cannot be guaranteed.
Hidaya f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "beautiful".
Hiérothée m History (Ecclesiastical), French (African, Rare)
French form of Hierotheus, which is the latinized form of Hierotheos.
Hirsi m Eastern African, Somali
Variant spelling of Xirsi, which is used outside of Somalia.
Hodari f Swahili
Means “strong” in Swahili.
Hondo m Shona, African
means "war"
Honest m & f English (Puritan), African
From the English word meaning "honorable, virtuous". This was one of the virtue names adopted by the Puritans around the 17th century.
Honeste f French (African, Rare), African American (Modern, Rare)
French feminine form of Honest 2. As an African American name, it may be used as a variant of Honesty.
Honnête m & f French (African)
Derived from French honnête, meaning "honest".
Houevi f Ewe, African
Name of Ewe origin, meaning "joy".
Hyelni f African
Name means 'God has given me'. It is used by the burah's of Garkida in Adamawa state of Nigeria.
Ibironke f African
Nigerian meaning 'you are to be cared for and pampered' or 'family has someone to care for.'
Ibiye m & f African
An ancient Kalabari meaning Good mainly used as a prefix.
Ibsituu f Eastern African, Oromo
Means "light" in Oromo.
Igolo f & m African
Meaning: Biblical name (in Nigeria of Africa) that means 'the star that the three wise men followed when Christ was born.'... [more]
Ikeem m African
africa
Illuminée f French (Quebec, Archaic), French (African)
French form of Illuminata, mainly used in Rwanda. It is also a French vocabulary word meaning "illuminated, brightened, filled with light".
Imagine f English (African, Rare)
Taken from the English word imagine. This can also be used as a variant of Imogene.
Imany f Swahili
A variant of Imani.
Ima-obong f African
Nigerian(Akwa-Ibom)
Imara f Swahili
Means "strong, firm, stable" in Swahili.
Imenti m Kikuyu
Means "believer of faith" in Kikuyu.
Immaculate f English (African), Filipino (Rare), Indian (Christian, Rare)
English form of Inmaculada. It is mainly used in African countries where English is one of the official languages.
Immaculée f French (African, Rare)
French cognate of Inmaculada. A known bearer is Rwandan writer Immaculée Ilibagiza (1972-), a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Inalegwu m African
popular among the Idoma people of Benue State of Nigeria.translate in English 'as Innocent'.
Innocence f & m English (African, Rare)
From the English word innocence.
Inocência f Portuguese (African)
Portuguese feminine form of Innocentius (see Innocent).
Inocêncio m Portuguese (African)
Portuguese form of Innocentius (see Innocent).
Irekanmi f African, Yoruba
"It is now my turn for good things"
Ireneu m Catalan, Corsican, Sicilian, Portuguese, Portuguese (Brazilian), Portuguese (African), Galician
Catalan, Corsican, Sicilian, Galician and Portuguese form of Ireneus.
Isabellah f English (African)
Variant of Isabella, primarily used in Kenya.
Isaya m Swahili
Swahili form of Isaiah.
Isse m Eastern African, Somali
Somali form of Isa 1.
Itanya f Swahili
Means "hope" in Swahili.
Ituri m Swahili
Means perfume, scent, fragrance in Kiswahili
Ivoire f English (American, Rare), French (African, Rare)
Derived from French ivoire meaning "ivory", which makes this name a cognate of Ivory.
Iwani f African
Means "speak out".
Izmael m Hungarian (Rare), Eastern African (Rare), Judeo-Catalan, Biblical Hungarian, Biblical Polish, Biblical Czech, Spanish (Latin American, Rare), Portuguese (Brazilian, Rare)
Hungarian, Polish, Czech, Judeo-Catalan and Somali form of Ishmael, as well as a Spanish and Portuguese variant of Ismael.
Jabai m African
Named after a african serial killer in the 5th century.
Ja'ebun m African
Used for the warrior of the tribe KIKI in Nigeria
Jafari m African American (Rare), Swahili
Swahili version of, and elaboration of, Jafar that came into popular usage in the 1970s due to many parents choosing Afrocentric names, in this particular case an Islamic name.
Jahi f Swahili
Worthy
Jakubu m Kikuyu
Kikuyu form of James.
Jalaysia f English (African, Modern)
Possibly a combination of Jayla and Alicia, Alice, Asia 1 or Malaysia
Jalia m Swahili
Honorary
Jana f Swahili
Means "yesterday" in Swahili.
Janeiro m Portuguese (African), Spanish (Caribbean), Spanish (Latin American)
Derived from Portuguese janeiro "January".
Jangwa m Swahili
Means "desert" in Swahili.
Jaramogi m Luo
"very courageous"
Jasiba f African (Rare)
Meaning "wealthy noble princess" and "one who descends from the highest regal nobility" ... [more]
Jasiri f Swahili
Means "bold, courageous" in Swahili.
Jebet f African
Kalenjin name from the Rift Valley area of Kenya. Means born 'during the day'.
Jelani m Swahili
Powerful
Jina f Swahili
Means "to walk" in Swahili.
Jireh m & f Filipino, English (African, Rare), French (African, Rare), Spanish (Latin American, Rare)
From the second part of the place name יְהוָה יִרְאֶה‎ (YHWH yir'e) in the land of Moriah, meaning either "the Lord sees" (also "will see" or "will see to it") or "the Lord will provide," so named by Abraham after God provided a ram to sacrifice in place of his son Isaac.
Joikea f African
Means "joy" in the Nuer language.
Jomo m African (Rare)
Jomo Kenyatta was the first Prime Minister and President of Kenya.
Jorjine f French (African, Rare)
Likely a variant spelling of Georgine.
Jorley m African
Name of African origin, meaning "peace".
Joshi m African
Means "galloping" in Swahili.
Josimar m Portuguese (Brazilian), Portuguese (African), Spanish (Latin American)
Variant of Josmar. A famous bearer of this name is Brazilian soccer player Josimar Higino Pereira, who popularized "Josimar" as an independent name.
Jospin m French (African)
Archaic northern French diminutive of Josse.
Jourdin m French (African)
Transferred use of the surname Jourdin.
Jovia f English (African)
Likely a feminine form of Jove or a variation of Jovita
Joyeuse f French (African)
Direct adoption of the adjective joyeuse, the feminine form of the adjective joyeux, "joyful".
Jua m & f Swahili
Means "sun" in Swahili.
Judithe f Portuguese (Brazilian), French (African), Haitian Creole, Greenlandic, English (Rare), Danish (Rare)
Portuguese variant of Judite, English and French variant of Judith and Danish and Greenlandic variant of Juditha.
Juliena f English (African, Rare)
Variant of Juliana, possibly influenced by Julienne.
Julitha f English (African), English (American, Rare, Archaic)
Elaboration of Julith with an additional -a. This name is chiefly used in Tanzania.
Jumaane m Swahili
Means “Tuesday” in Swahili.
Jumoki f & m African, Yoruba, Nigerian
Jumoki which in Nigerian means "everyone loves the baby". There is a dog on youtube named Moki, which is short for Jumoki.
Justicia f English (African), Indonesian (Rare), Puerto Rican
An elaborated form of the English word justice. Justicia is also a genus of flowering plants in the bear's breeches family, Acanthaceae. The genus name honors the Scottish horticulturist James Justice.
Justiniani m Swahili
Swahili variation of Justinianus.
Kaari f Eastern African (Rare), Meru
The name kaari is a name popular used among the Ameru (Meru) community of Kenya. The name is given to a child named after a younger sister of one of the parents. It is especially given by the grandparents... [more]
Kabena f & m English, African
Allegedly a form of Kwabena. While this name seems to be used exclusively as a masculine name in Africa, in English-speaking countries it is predominantly used as a feminine name.
Kabinda m & f Luhya
Derived from the Luhya word binda meaning "to enclose doorway with posts". This name is traditionally given to the last child.
Kafele m African
Origin uncertain, possibly a Chewa name.
Kafi f & m African, Muslim
means "sufficient" and "quiet"
Kahinu m Eastern African, Ge'ez, Amharic, Tigrinya
Means "clergyman" in Ge'ez and other Ethiopic languages.
Kaielle f English (African)
Combination of the names Kai 1 and Elle.
Kaima f African
Name of African origin, meaning "Our God", or "the God we know", or also "gift of God".
Kaluwa f Swahili
Means "forgotten one" in Swahili.
Kanau m African
Allegedly used among the Limba people of Sierra Leone.
Karama f Swahili
Means “gift” in Swahili.
Karo m African
It is Isoko name, Niger Delta Nigeria.
Kashangaki m Swahili
Means "surprise" in Swahili.
Kaskazi f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "north wind" or "hot season, summer".
Kataka m African
From the Kenyan Luhya tribe for a leader or elder.
Kaunda f & m African
swahilli... [more]
Kayen m African
(Nigerian)"celebrated", (Yoruba)" long-hoped-for child"
Kebra f & m Eastern African, Ge'ez
Means "glory, praise" in Ge'ez, a liturgical language from Ethiopia. ... [more]
Keita m Eastern African
"Worshipper" in Eastern African, specific country unknown
Kemba f & m African, Caribbean
Means "peel" in Swahili and "full of faith" in a Central African language.... [more]
Kenyangi m Swahili
Means “in the countryside” in Swahili.
Kenyetta f Eastern African, English
Possibly a feminine form of Kenyatta. Asante (1991) gives it the meaning "she is beautiful music".
Keolebogile f & m Tswana, African
I thanked (God).
Kerubo f Eastern African, Kisii
Means "marsh, plain" in Kisii, given to girls born in the plains.
Kgabu m & f African, Zulu
Means "to decorate richly" in Zulu.
Khadijo f Somali, Eastern African
Somali variant of Khadija.
Khamani m Swahili
Meaning “son of king”, “first born”, or “great king” in Swahili.
Khamisi m Swahili
Means “Thursday” in Swahili.
Khethiwe f African, Zulu
Means "chosen, the one who is chosen" in Zulu.
Khotso m & f African
Means 'Peace'Tshwana(South African)
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.
Kigotho m Kikuyu
Kukuyu name meaning Father of many children
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.
Kimana f English, Eastern African
Possibly an invented name, an elaboration of Kim 1 with the name suffix -ana, or a feminine form of Kimani, or from the name of the town in Kenya.... [more]
Kimani m African
"Adventurous" or "sailor" Kukiyu tribe in the nation state of Kenya.
Kimbilio m Swahili
Swahili masculine name meaning "refuge".
Kimursi m Kalenjin, Eastern African
Meaning unknown.
Kimya f Swahili
Means "silent" in Swahili. This is the name of musician Kimya Dawson.
Kinaya f Swahili
Means "independance" in Swahili.
Kingdavid m English (American, Modern, Rare), English (African)
Combination of King and David, possibly used in reference to the Biblical character, King David of Israel.
Kingdom m English (American, Rare), English (African)
Either a transferred use of the surname Kingdom or else directly from the English word, perhaps taken from the biblical phrase kingdom of God... [more]
Kingsford m Scottish, African
Transferred use of the surname Kingsford.
Kinubi m Swahili
Swahili masculine name meaning "harp".
Kiojah f Swahili
Means "miracle" in Swahili.
Kioko m Eastern African, Kamba
Means "born in the morning" in Kamba.
Kipenzi f & m Swahili, African
means "darling", "favorite", "loved one"
Kipepeo f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "butterfly".
Kipkirui m Kalenjin
Means "one who was born while people slept" in Kelenjin.
Kirui m & f Kalenjin
Diminutive of Chepkirui and Kipkirui.
Kisima f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "water spring".
Kithure m Meru
Of uncertain meaning.
Kiume m Swahili
Swahili masculine name meaning "stamina, strength".
Kiura m Kikuyu
Means "frog" in Kikuyu.
Kiwara f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "savannah".
Kiya f Eastern African
Allegedly means "mine" in Oromo.
Kizito m African
Means "Gift from God" or "Child who God loves". St. Kizito is the youngest of the 22 Ugandan martyrs. He is the patron saint of children and primary schools.
Knowledge f & m English (Puritan), Literature, English (African)
From Middle English (originally as a verb in the sense ‘acknowledge, recognize’, later as a noun) from an Old English compound based on cnāwan meaning "know."... [more]
Kolajo m African
An Ancient name of Yoruba Origin, it means 'gather wealty'
Komla m African
Used in Ghana, West Africa. Means Tuesday born boy in Ewe
Konadu f & m African
Used among Akan peoples in Ghana, West Africa. Can be used as a first name and surname.
Kondo m Swahili, African
means "war"
Konradi m Swahili
Variation of Conrad.
Konyek m Eastern African, African Mythology
Konyek is a character from Maasai Mythology. His name has no known meaning.
Kosy f African
Nigerian
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]
Kromanti m African
War god of ghana
Kuchanua f Swahili
Means "blossom" in Swahili.
Kucheli f African
Name used by the people of northern Borno state, and Garkida area in Adamawa state. They are called the burah's and paburs.
Kuda m & f African (?)
Means "love" in Zimbabwe.
Kumba f African
A name given to the second girl child from a tribe in the Lofa county of Liberia by the kissi tribes.
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.
Kuwilileni f African (Rare)
This name is used by a Buzzfeed Employee.
Kuziva m & f African
Zimbabwe/Shona
Kwamboka f Gusii
From Ekegusii tamboka, "to cross over"
Kweli m Swahili (Rare), African American (Modern, Rare)
From Swahili kweli meaning "truth".
Kwoth m African, Nuer
The supreme god of the Nuer (South Sudan) who manifests himself in natural phenomena. They believe he is benign god who protects the poor and the unhappy.
Lailati f Indonesian, Swahili
Derived from Arabic لَيْل (layl) meaning "night".
Laini f Swahili
Means "fine, soft, smooth" in Swahili.
Lakia f African
Means "treasure" in Swahili.
Lameck m African
Variant of Lamech.
Lami m Eastern African, Oromo
Means 'nation' in Oromo.
Lamin m African
Given to the first born boy in The Gambia
Langton m English (African)
Transferred use of the surname Langton, chiefly used in Zimbabwe.
Lefils m Haitian Creole, French (African)
Transferred use of the surname Lefils.
Legesse m Eastern African, Amharic
Means "he offered, he donated, he became generous" in Amharic.
Lenana m & f Eastern African
Lenana was a famous Maasai Laibon (Spiritual Leader) bearing the name.
Lendl m English (African, Rare), Caribbean
Transferred use of the surname Lendl.
Lenneisha f African
a african bug
Leões m Portuguese (African)
"lions" in Portuguese
Léonelle f French (Rare), French (African, Rare)
Feminine form of Léonel, predominantly found in French-speaking African countries.
Léonora f French, French (African)
French form of Leonora. This name is borne by Léonora Miano (1973-), an award-winning Cameroonian writer.
Leviticus m English (American, Rare), English (African, Rare), African American
From the name of the book of the Old Testament, which means "of the Levites, of the tribe of Levi". Some parents in the United States view it as a full form or more formal version of the name Levi.
Liano m English (African)
Masculine Form Of Liana
Light m & f English (African)
From the English word light meaning "Electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range visible to the human eye (about 400–750 nanometers); visible light".... [more]
Lightness f English (African)
From the English word lightness meaning "the amount of lights". This name is mainly found in Tanzania.
Lindalva f Portuguese (Brazilian), Portuguese (African)
Contraction of Linda and Dalva. This name was borne by Blessed Lindalva Justo de Oliveira.
Living m English (African)
Either from the English word living or a short form of Livingstone.
Livingstone m English (African)
Transferred use of the surname Livingstone.
Liya f Eastern African, Ethiopian
Possibly an Amharic form of Leah. It is borne by Ethiopian model Liya Kebede (1978-).
Locardia f African (Rare), English (Rare)
Locardia Ndandarika (1945-) is a Zimbabwean sculptor, the first woman in her country to take up stone carving professionally.
Lordina f English (African)
Feminine form of Lord. This name is primarily used in Ghana.
Loveday f & m English (African), English (British, Rare), Cornish (Rare), Medieval English, Literature
Medieval form of the Old English name Leofdæg, literally "beloved day". According to medieval English custom, a love day or dies amoris was a day for disputants to come together to try to resolve their differences amicably... [more]
Loveness f English (African)
From the rare English word loveness meaning "love".
Lovenie f African
From the word "love".
Lucresse f Medieval French, French (Rare), French (African, Rare), English (Rare, Archaic)
Middle French form of Lucretia, still occasionally found in French-speaking Africa.
Lutendo f & m African
Means: Faith... [more]
Macmillan m English (African)
Transferred use of the surname MacMillan.
Madaha f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "grace".
Madini f Swahili
Means "gem" in Swahili.
Madoa f Swahili
This name means ''freckle''.
Maelyn f English (African, Modern, Rare)
Combination of Mae and the popular name suffix lyn.
Magdalène f French (Archaic), French (African)
Earlier form of Madeleine, as well as a more learned borrowing of Magdalena. This form is now mainly used in French-speaking African countries.
Magdelène f French (Archaic), French (African)
Variant of Magdalène. This form is now mainly used in French-speaking African countries.
Mahali f Swahili
Means "place" in Swahili.
Mahamoudou m Eastern African
Mahoran musulman name
Maisha f Swahili (Modern)
Means "life" in Swahili.
Majani f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "leaves (of a plant)".
Makida f African
In Ethiopia, Makida was another name for the Queen of Sheba.
Makiese m & f African, Kongo
Means "happiness" in Kikongo.
Makini m & f Swahili
Means "of good character" or "strength of character" in Swahili.
Makonnen m Eastern African, Amharic
Means "nobleman, official, leader" in Amharic.
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.
Maleba m African
African name, originally from Angola
Maliza f Swahili
Accomplished woman