African Submitted Names

African names are used on the continent of Africa, covering a wide number of languages. See also about African names.
gender
usage
Submitted names are contributed by users of this website. The accuracy of these name definitions cannot be guaranteed.
Babusi m Tswana
Means "leaders" in Setswana.
Bada m Yoruba
Possibly from Yoruba meaning "togerher with" and meaning "mix". It is likely a short form of another name.
Bade m Nigerian
The use of the name in Nigeria is likely due to the Bade Emirate, a traditional state in Yobe State, Nigeria, the home of the Bade people.
Badiambila m & f Luba
Means "let them speak among themselves" in Luba-Kasai.
Badigwala m & f Kassena
Means "they have defeated the slave raider" in Kasem.
Badinabi f Central African, Luba
Means "they have riches" in Luba-Kasai.
Badis m Berber (Rare)
The meaning of this name is unknown but several kings had this name.
Badra m & f Western African, Arabic
Possibly a variant of Badr.
Badumedi f Tswana
Means "believe" in Setswana.
Badúwaa f Akan
Means "tenth born" in Akan.
Bafana m Zulu
Derived from Zulu abafana, the plural form of umfana, meaning "boy, young man."
Bafiske f Tumbuka
Means "let them do as they please" in Tumbuka.
Bahaar f African
An African girl's name derived from "Bahar", meaning "Spring"
Bahari f & m Swahili
Means "sea" or "ocean" in Swahili.
Bahelwang m & f Tswana
Means "why give them?" in Setswana.
Bahru m Amharic
Means "the sea" in Amharic.
Bahta m Tigrinya
Meaning unknown.
Baitshephi m & f Tswana
Means "the just" or "the saints" in Setswana.
Baitumetse m Tswana
Means "they are happy" in Setswana.
Bajikijayi m & f Central African, Luba-Kasai
Means "finish" or "destroy them" in Luba-Kasai.
Bakaffa m Eastern African
Bakaffa (throne name Asma Sagad, later Masih Sagad Ge'ez መሲህ ሰገድ, "to whom the anointed bows") was nəgusä nägäst (May 18, 1721 – September 19, 1730) of Ethiopia, and a member of the Solomonic dynasty... [more]
Bakang m & f Tswana
Means "praise" in Tswana.
Bakery m Western African
Meaning unknown.... [more]
Bakhta f African, Arabic, Berber
Means "starry" in Berber.
Bakome m Lingala
Means “they are written” in Lingala.
Bale m Swahili
Means “yes, correct” in Swahili.
Baleba f Luba
Means "they have birthed" in Luba-Kasai, one of the Luba languages.
Balijekwao f Tumbuka
Means "they have no home" in Tumbuka.
Balima f & m Dagbani
Means "persuasion" in Dagbani.
Balinda m Swahili
Means “guard” in Swahili.
Balkissa f Western African
Form of Bilqis used in West Africa.
Balondemu m Ganda
Means “they choose” in Luganda.
Baloua m Berber
Meaning unknown.
Bamikole m Yoruba
BUILD ME A HOUSE, MEANING: CREATING A STRONG AND CONSTRUCTIVE RELATIONSHIP AMONG PEOPLE AS A FAMILY
Banbangtaba m & f Dagbani
Means "those who know each other" in Dagbani.
Banga m Shona
Means "knife" or "sword" in Shona. Banga is the name of a Ngbandi god of water.
Bangbebu m & f Dagbani
Means "be careful" in Dagbani.
Bangda m & f Dagbani
Means "knowledgeable person" in Dagbani.
Bangsim m & f Dagbani
"Knowledge" denoting "Intelligence"
Bangura m & f Mende
Means "strong" and "child of God" in Mende.
Banjaw m Amharic
Means "by his side" in Amharic.
Bankatametse f Tswana
Means "they are close to me" in Setswana.
Bankole m Western African, Yoruba
Means "build my house for me" in Yoruba.
Banyatsang f Tswana
Means "why do they doubt?" in Setswana.
Bapaki m Tswana
Means "those who give testimony" in Setswana.
Baragsen m Tuareg
From the Tuareg abarag meaning "pride".
Baraki m Amharic
Means "one who blesses" in Amharic.
Baridakara f & m Ogoni
Means "God answers prayer(s)" in Khana.
Baridilo m & f Ogoni
God is with me
Barikpoa m Ogoni
Means "God save" in Khana.
Bariledum m Ogoni (Modern)
Means "God is alive" in Khana.
Barinedum m & f Ogoni
Khana, Gokana, Ogani: "God give life".
Barisua f & m Ogoni
Means "God knows" in Khana.
Barre m Somali
A name that comes from the Somali word bare which means "teacher." Barre was the last name (meaning the first name of the grandfather of) Mohamed Siad Barre (Somali spelling: Maxamed Siyaad Barre). Siad Barre was the military ruler and president of Somali from 1969 until 1991.
Bartho m Dutch, Afrikaans
Short form of Bartholomeus. Notable bearers of this name include the Dutch actor Bartho Braat (b. 1950) and the South African writer Bartho Smit (1924-1986).
Baruk m Ethiopian
Variant of Biruk.
Barulaganye f Tswana
Means "they are in order" in Setswana.
Baruti m Tswana
Means "teacher" in Tswana.
Barwaaqo f Somali
Means "prosperity" in Somali.
Basadibotlhe f Tswana
Means "all women" in Setswana.
Basambilu f Tsonga
From the Xitsonga basa meaning "clean, white, pure" and mbilu meaning "heart".
Basani f Tsonga
Means "be clean, be white" in Xitsonga.
Bašankʼ-a m Sidamo
Means "sorghum" in Sidama.
Bašankʼe f Sidamo
Feminine form of Bašankʼ-a.
Baseleyos m Amharic
Amharic form of Basileus.
Basetsana f Sotho
Means "ladies" in Sotho.
Basetsanabotlhe f Tswana
Means "all girls" in Setswana.
Bashiir m Somali
Somali form of Bashir.
Basi m Berber
Meaning unknown.
Basireletsi m Tswana
Means "our protector" in Setswana.
Bassey m & f African
(Efik and Ibibio) origin meaning little god
Batamoyo m Shona
It means to “hold or touch the heart”.
Batanai m Shona
Means "be united" in Shona.
Batandwa m & f African
Batandwa was a used name reffering to followers in Christianity.
Bathusi m & f Tswana
Means "helpers" in Setswana.
Batifeori m Yoruba (Rare)
Means "how we want it to be" in Yoruba.
Batii f Oromo
Oromo name meaning "moon."
Batirai m Shona
Means “you must persevere” in Shona.
Batshegi f Tswana
Means "those who laugh" in Setswana.
Batsirai f Shona
Means "help" in Shona.
Batuulo f Somali
Somali form of Batul.
Baxsan f Somali
Means "escape" in Somali.
Bayenkhu f Tumbuka
Means "where will they go?" in Tumbuka.
Beauty f English, Popular Culture, South African
From the English word "beauty", ultimately derived from Latin bellus, "beautiful". See also Belle and Bella.
Bebebomobo f & m Ijaw
Means "interpreter" in Ijaw.
Bedalu m Amharic
Means "by His victory" in Amharic.
Bediako m Akan
Means "came to engage in wars" in Akan.
Beduna m Nigerian, Ngas
The name BEDUNA is from plateau state Nigeria which means "is it bad?" It's a question name, when someone utter a word that is not good and didn't come to pass then you can ask him BEDUNA "is it bad?"
Beemoni m Dagbani
Founder of Gushegu and Karaga. Name of one of the sons of Naa Gbewaa.
Befeqadu m Amharic
Means "by His will" in Amharic.
Behati f Afrikaans
Possibly an Afrikaans variant of Beata. It is the name of Namibian fashion model Behati Prinsloo (b. 1989).
Bejide m Yoruba
Means "(one that) come(s) with rain" in Yoruba.
Beke m & f Ijaw, Ogoni
Means "America" or "American" in Khana and "English" in Ijaw.
Bekeara f Ijaw
Means "Englishwoman" in Ijaw.
Bekebeke f Zulu
Means "glittering" in Zulu.
Bekelech f Amharic
Means "she flourished" in Amharic.
Bekes f Ijaw
Short form of Bekeara.
Bekezela f Ndebele
Means "be patient" in Ndebele.
Bekhta f Berber
Variant of Bakhta. Bekhta Rabah-Mazari is a well-known bearer.
Bekoe m Akan
Means "war time" in Akan, typically used for a child born in war.
Bekunda m African
It is used by the people of the switzerlan of uganda.... [more]
Bekure m Ge'ez
Means "first born" in Ge'ez.
Belayneh m Eastern African, Amharic
It is an Amharic expression, which means "the new child is above all others". From the Amharic elements በላይ (belay) meaning "above" and ነህ (Neh) means "you".... [more]
Belendia m Amharic
Means "say it out loud" or "do it right" in Amharic.
Beleuzi f & m Ijaw
Means "first born" in Ijaw.
Beliyu-work f Amharic
Means "especially gold" in Amharic.
Bendo f African
This means is from a Liberian dialect. It means beautiful...
Benesha f Zulu
Means “they are new” in Zulu.
Beninye f & m Dagbani
Means "stay and witness" in Dagbani.
Benkos m Central African, Manding, Afro-American (Slavery-era)
Benkos Biohó (died 1621), also known as Domingo Biohó, was said to have been born in either the Democratic Republic of Congo or Angola, where he was seized by the Portuguese slaver Pedro Gomez Reynel, sold to businessman Juan Palacios, and later, after transportation to what is now Colombia in South America, sold again to the Spaniard Alonso del Campo in 1596, in Cartagena de Indias... [more]
Benmet m Amharic
Means "in confidence, with trust" in Amharic.
Beredugo f & m Ijaw
Means "judgement" in Ijaw.
Bereketab m Ge'ez
Means "blessing of the Father" in Ge'ez.
Beritda m Ngas
BERITDA in Ngas language of plateau state means."""it turns out to be good?... [more]
Berlina f Indonesian, South African, Filipino, Dutch (Rare)
Clearly feminine form of Berlin or a simplified form of Berlinda.
Berna f Hungarian, German (Bessarabian), Dutch (Rare), Flemish (Rare), Afrikaans
Short form of Bernadett and Bernadetta as well as a Dutch and Afrikaans short form of names beginning with the element Bern-.
Berneen f South African (Modern, Rare), Irish
Irish short form of Bernadette using the diminuitive suffix ín.
Bersabeh f Armenian, Amharic
Armenian and Amharic form of Bathsheba.
Beru f Bariba
Name traditionally given to the sixth born daughter.
Beruk m Ethiopian
Variant of Biruk.
Beselot f Amharic
Means "gained through prayer" in Amharic.
Beshi m Amharic
Means "by thousands" in Amharic.
Betabasi m & f Ibibio
Means "wait for god" in Ibibio.
Betami f Amharic
Means "lovely" in Amharic.
Betang m & f Kenyang
Derived from bɛtaŋ meaning "power" in Kenyang.
Beteck m & f Kenyang
From bɛtɨk meaning "work" in Kenyang.
Betelhem f Ethiopian, Amharic
Amharic form of Bethlehem.
Bethlehem f Ethiopian, English (Rare)
From a biblical place name meaning "house of bread" in Hebrew, the city where Jesus was born (see Bethlehem).
Betserai f Shona
Meaning "help, aid, or give assistance", another form of the name is Etserai or Batsirai.
Beya m Zulu
Means “they go” in Zulu.
Beydaan f Somali
Somali feminine name taken directly from the ordinary vocabulary word for "almond", which is perhaps ultimately from Persian بادام (bâdâm) "almond".
Beyene m Amharic
Means "he decreed" in Amharic.
Beza f & m Eastern African, Amharic
Means "payment, redemption" in Amharic.
Bezawit f Amharic
Means "saviour" in Amharic.
Bhekani m Zulu, Ndebele
Means "look" in Zulu and Ndebele.
Bheki m Zulu
"The person that's broadminded, able to think further about future needs and wants".
Bhekisisa f Zulu
Means "to be careful, cautious" in Zulu.
Bhekithemba f Zulu
Means "look for hope" in Zulu.
Bhekizifundiswa m Zulu
Means "watch the educated ones" in Zulu.
Bhekizizwe m Zulu
Means "look after the nations" in Zulu.
Bhekumbuso m Zulu (Rare)
Means "look after the kingdom", from Zulu bheka "look after" and umbuso "kingdom, dominion".
Bhumi m & f Shona
It means "wolf".
Bi m Nigerian
Bura short form of Bitrus.
Bibinidei f Ijaw
Means "I have believed or accepted" in Ijaw.
Biboye f Ijaw
Means "destiny" in Ijaw.
Bibuwa m Swahili
Means “boss” in Swahili.
Bidemi m & f Yoruba
Means "born awaiting me" in Yoruba.
Biebele f & m Ijaw
Means "joyful" in Ijaw.
Bigaŋ m & f Dagbani
"Not discriminated" denoting "I will not discriminate"
Bile m Somali
The name Bile is a traditional Somali name with deep cultural and historical significance. It is one of the most respected and ancient names in Somali history, often associated with strength, leadership, and resilience.... [more]
Bilen f Amharic
Means "iris" in Amharic.
Bilen f Tigrinya
Means "beautiful" in Tigrinya.
Bilihi m Amharic
Means “wise” in Amharic.
Bimpẹ f Yoruba
Means "one who is gorgeous and beautiful" in Yoruba.
Bimpɛ f Yoruba
Beninese variant of Bimpẹ.
Bineti f & m Dagbani
Means "they have enlightened us" in Dagbani.
Binta f Hausa
From the Arabic بِنْت‎ (bint) meaning "daughter".
Bintou f Western African
From Arabic بِنْت (bint) meaning "daughter, girl".
Biodun m & f Yoruba
Means "born during a festival" in Yoruba.
Birabiro f Amharic
Means "butterfly" in Amharic.
Biria f Shona
Means "gathering" in Shona.
Biritu m Amharic
Means "brave" in Amharic.
Birru m Amharic
Means "the silver" in Amharic.
Biruk m Ethiopian, African
Transferred use of the surname Biruk, after the footballer Shai Biruk.
Biruktawit f Amharic
Originated from the Bible which means 'blessed' and is of Amharic origin
Bishisha f Rwandan
Means “they hide” in Kinyarwanda.
Bisi m & f Yoruba
Short form of names containing bisi, such as Adebisi.
Bismack m Central African, English (African)
Possibly a variant of Bismarck. This is borne by Congolese basketball player Bismack Biyombo (1992-).
Blessed f & m English (Puritan), African
From the English word "blessed" meaning "having divine aid, or protection, or other blessing; held in veneration; revered", ultimately from Old English blētsian, blēdsian "to consecrate (with blood)".
Bmidɛlɛ f Yoruba
Beninese variant of Bmidele.
Bmidele f Yoruba
Means "follow me home" in Yoruba.
Boammaruri m Tswana
Means "truth" in Setswana.
Boatametse m Tswana
Means "His kingdom drew near" in Setswana.
Bobolayefa f Ijaw
Means "nothing can be compared to my own" in Ijaw.
Bobomiegha f Ijaw
Means "I didn't do it on my own" in Ijaw.
Boboto m & f Lingala
Means "peace" in Lingala.
Bodisere f Ijaw
Means "she likes to come to the world" in Ijaw.
Bofelo f Tswana
Means "last" in Setswana.
Bogosi m Tswana
Means "kingdom" in Setswana.
Boikaego m Tswana
Means "someone to lean on" in Setswana.
Boikanyo m & f Tswana
Means "trustworthy" in Setswana.
Boiketlo f Tswana
Means "to relax" in Setswana.
Boipuso m Tswana
Means "independance" in Tswana.
Boitshepo f Tswana
Means "holy" in Setswana.
Bokamoso m & f South African, Sotho
Means "future".
Bokang f Sotho
Means "praise" or "rejoice" in Sotho.
Bokele m Lingala
Bokele is the name of Lonkundo’s dad in Mongo mythology.
Bokidara m & f Ibibio
Means "accept with joy" in Ibibio.
Bol m & f Dinka
Means "twin" in Dinka.
Bola f Yoruba
Short form of Bolanle, meaning "wealth coming". It is composed of bo ("come, coming") plus ǫlà ("riches, wealth").
Bolade m & f Yoruba
Means "comes with wealth" in Yoruba.
Bolouikie m & f Ijaw
Means "think of the future" in Ijaw.
Boluwaji m & f Yoruba
Means "wakes up with the lord" in Yoruba.
Boluwatife f Yoruba
Means "as god wishes, one who follows the will of god" in Yoruba.
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).
Bomani m Yao
Means "warrior" in Yao.
Bomo f & m Ijaw
Means "praise" in Ijaw.
Bompaka m & f Kongo
Means "old age" in Kikongo
Bondeko m Lingala
Means "brotherhood" in Lingala.
Bonduwa f Lingala, African Mythology
Bonduwa was Lonkundo’s first wife in the Mongo mythology complex.
Bonga m Mbundu
Means "he who is looking" in Mbundu.
Bongai f Shona
Means "be thankful" in a Shona dialect.
Bongi f Xhosa, Southern African
Short form of Sibongile. This was borne by South African singer and songwriter Angela Sibongile "Bongi" Makeba (1950-1985), the only child of singer Miriam Makeba... [more]
Bonginkosi m Zulu
Means "thanksgiving" in Zulu.
Bongiwe f Zulu (Modern)
Sibongile A Zulu name meaning "Appreciated" usually given to a first born girl child or after great difficulty of not being able to conceive a girl for a long time.
Bonna f Bariba
Name traditionally given to the second born daughter.
Bootaan m Somali
The name Bootaan is of Somali origin and carries a powerful and positive meaning. In Somali, Bootaan is often associated with characteristics like strength, courage, and dignity. It's a traditional Somali name that reflects qualities admired in Somali culture, particularly in relation to leadership, bravery, and standing firm in the face of challenges.... [more]
Boragane f Tswana
Means "small red-billed quelea" in Setswana.
Boro m & f Luo (Archaic)
One of the progenies of the Alego clans
Boruk m Ethiopian
Variant of Biruk.
Bote m Kongo
The first given name of the German footballer Ridle Baku.
Botshelo m Tswana
Means "life" in Setswana.
Bótwe m & f Akan
Means "eighth born" in Akan.
Boudine f Dutch (Rare), Afrikaans
Feminization of Boudewijn and other masculine Dutch names that contain the Germanic element bald meaning "bold, brave" (such as Radboud).
Boukazi m & f Ijaw
Means "a child born in a bush" in Ijaw.
Bozoma f Western African
From Ghana.
Brahima m Western African
Form of Ibrahim used in parts of western Africa.
Bron m English (Rare), South African (Rare)
Transferred use of the surname Bron. Otherwise, it could be a short form of LeBron or Bronson.
Bruk m Amharic
Amharic form of Brock.
Buang f Sotho
Means "speak" or "chat" in Sesotho.
Buboupakumo f Ijaw
Means "don't grow alone" in Ijaw.
Buchule m & f Xhosa
Means "intelligence, skill" in Xhosa.
Bucumi f Rundi
Means "tenth child" in Kirundi.
Buk m & f Nuer
Bukata m & f Bemba
Means "God's glory" in Bemba.
Bukunmi m & f Yoruba
Means "add to me" in Yoruba.
Bulungu f Ganda
Means “white, whiteness” in Luganda.
Bunmi m & f Western African, Yoruba
Means "(God) gave me" in Yoruba.
Burabari f & m Ogoni
Means "God's will" in Ogoni.
Burger m Dutch (Rare), Afrikaans (Rare), West Frisian (Archaic)
Dutch, Afrikaans and West Frisian form of the ancient Germanic name Burghar.... [more]
Burhaan m Somali, Arabic
Means "charisma" in Somali and "proof" in Arabic.
Buronya m & f Akan
Means "Christmas" in Akan. This may be given to children born around this time of year.
Burry m Afrikaans, Dutch (Rare)
Diminutive of masculine given names that contain the Germanic element burg meaning "fortress", such as Burghard... [more]
Busara f Swahili
Means "wisdom" in Swahili.