Browse Submitted Names

This is a list of submitted names in which the usage is African; and the order is random.
gender
usage
Submitted names are contributed by users of this website. The accuracy of these name definitions cannot be guaranteed.
Tinifsan f Berber
Means "blooming one" in Tamazight.
Nambitha f Xhosa
Means "to savour, to enjoy" in Xhosa, encouraging the child to savour life.
Waridi f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "rose", ultimately from the Arabic Warda.
Pacificus m Late Roman, South African
Means "peacemaker" in Latin. From the Latin pāx 'peace' and faciō 'I do, make'.... [more]
Tesifa f & m Amharic
Means "hope" in Amharic.
Caster f South African
Possibly a variant of Castor.
Andronica f South African, Ancient Greek (Latinized)
Feminine form of Andronicus. This is also the Latinized form of Andronika.
Masinissa m Berber, Northern African, History
Variant transcription of Massinissa.
Chanique f African American (Rare), Afrikaans
Variant of Shanique, the spelling perhaps influenced by Chanel.
Elikya f & m Lingala
A Lingala word meaning "hope".
Etienne m Afrikaans
Afrikaans form of Étienne.
Tawenza f Berber
Means "frank, direct" in Tamazight.
Ijuba f Zulu
Commonly it is meaning Dove or Peace. Less common in means storm or fighting. It also means freedom in some local tribes. It is said many years ago a great war loomed. Fighting had started but one warrior championed the cause of peace and unity... [more]
Steyn m Dutch (Rare), Flemish (Rare), Afrikaans
Dutch variant and Afrikaans form of Steijn. In the case of the Afrikaans name, it can also be a transferred use of the Afrikaans surname.
Hakunei m & f Shona
This is a name that implies and asks, meaning "What is not there?". This is a name given by or to someone who is assumed to be falling short or without, so they name the child "What could be missing?" in a sense of affirmation, so to say there is perfection even if you (all) do not see it or doubt it... [more]
Sayo f & m Yoruba
Means "make joy" in Yoruba.
Ukeme f Efik
Means "ability" in Efik.
Akeelah f African American (Modern, Rare), South African (Modern, Rare)
Variant of Akilah popularized by the 2006 movie 'Akeelah and the Bee'.
Emekemeabasi m & f Efik
Means "the Lord is able" in Efik.
Foosi m Somali
Meaning: The name Foosi generally means "prosperous" or "successful" in Somali.... [more]
Uzuru m & f Shona
Meaning “a higher place; sky; paradise; heaven”.
Unkulunkulu m Zulu, African Mythology
Means "the old, old one" or "ancestor" in Zulu. This was the name of a mythic first ancestor in early Zulu mythology, who appeared, or was created from, breaking reeds. It may have also been used to denote any significant ancestor... [more]
Annobea f Western African
W. African, mainly Ghana.
Lushomo f & m Southern African
"Grace or mercy" (chisomo)
Oluseyi m & f Yoruba
Means "God has done this" in Yoruba.
Filsan f & m Somali (Rare)
The best of her/his age. ... [more]
Okeyo m Luo
"birthed during harvesting time"
Abye m Ge'ez
Means "big, large" in Ge'ez.
Abuk f African Mythology, Dinka
In Dinka mythology (south Sudan), the first woman. She is the patron goddess of women and gardens. Her emblem is a little snake. She is the mother of Deng (Danka).
Kafele m African
Origin uncertain, possibly a Chewa name.
Eloghosa m & f Edo
Possibly means "it's not hard for God" in Edo. It could be the older name of Benin City, the capital of Edo State in Nigeria.
Makhokolotso f Sotho
Means "refuse" in Sesotho.
Gudeta m Amharic
Means "obligation" in Amharic.
Hadiatou f Western African
Western African elaboration of Hadia.
Enemo f & m Ijaw
Means "endurance" in Ijaw.
Salimata f Western African
Form of Salima used in parts of western Africa.
Aniekpeno m & f Ibibio
Means "Who would have given me?" in Ibibio.
Ofeibea f African
The name Ofeibea is borne by the journalist Ofeibea Quist-Arcton from Ghana.
Hassane m Arabic (Maghrebi), Western African
Alternate transcription of Hassan as well as the form used in parts of French-influenced western Africa.
Nedochi f Nigerian
It means child of God in Igbo.
Ntuthuko f Zulu
Means "prosperity" in Zulu.
Tiego m African
meaning: the belated... [more]
Ominira m & f Yoruba
Means "freedom, independence" in Yoruba.
Luyindama m Kongo
Also congolese footballer Christian Luyindama.
Woyinbode f & m Ijaw
Means "God has come" in Ijaw.
Ababuo f African
Ababuo means a child that keeps coming back. This name is mainly used in Ghana
Chapansi f & m Nsenga
Child born after many miscarriages
Ziona f Hebrew, Jewish, English, Afrikaans
Feminine form of Zion.
Tinozivaishe f Shona
Means "we know God" in Shona.
Mahamoudou m Eastern African
Mahoran musulman name
Leke m Yoruba
Means "trimuph" in Yoruba. Often used as a short form of other names ending in leke, such as Adeleke.
Shanono m & f Hausa
Means "drink milk" in Hausa. This name is traditionally given to a child born when calves are being delivered.
Kondo m Swahili, African
means "war"
Umoja f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "unity, harmony".
Tshimangadzo m & f Venda
Means "miracle" in Tshivenda.
Luchumo m & f Xhosa
Possibly means "expanding, flourishing" or "prosperity" in Xhosa.
Ediwakima f & m Efik, Ibibio
Means "abundance; love" in Ibibio and Efik.
Ugbaad f Somali
Variant of Ugbad.
Diji m Igbo
Means "a farmer" in Igbo.
Koket f & m Amharic
"What is mine is yours."
Khothatso f Sotho
Means "encouragement" in Sotho.
Mpawenimana f Rundi
Means "I was awarded by God" in Kirundi.
Zeine m Western African, Arabic (Maghrebi)
Western African (chiefly Mauritanian) and Maghrebi (chiefly Algerian) variant of Zayn.
Nyimak f Northern African
Means "little fire" in a Sudanese language.
Ntokozo f African, Zulu
Means "happiness" or "joy" in Zulu.
Dirkie m Afrikaans
Diminutive of Dirk.
Ikusasa f & m Zulu
Means "destiny" in Zulu.
Mazvita f Shona
Means "we are grateful" or "many thanks" in Shona.
Effia f Akan, Literature
Meaning, “girl born on Friday.”
Tandzile f Swazi
Means "a female addition to the family" in Swazi.
Qumman f Somali
Means "upright, honest" in Somali.
Keamogetse m & f Tswana
Means "I have received" in Setswana.
Tubeec m Somali
Meaning: Tubeec is associated with "melodious" or "musical", reflecting a connection to singing or music.... [more]
Meissa f Western African, Astronomy
Variant of Maïssa; from Arabic maḥīṣ meaning "shining, glittering". This is also the traditional name of Lambda Orionis, a star in the Orion constellation.
Mangwanani f Shona
Means "morning" in Shona.
Chinwendum m & f Igbo (Modern, Rare)
Means "I am consecrated to God" or "I am owned by God" in Igbo.
Ekpedeme m & f Western African, Ibibio
Means "who should share?" in Ibibio.
Ndafadzwa f Shona
Means "I am happy" in Shona.
Khensa f Nubian (Archaic), Northern African (?)
Khensa is a Nubian name.... [more]
Ifeyinwa f & m Igbo
Igbo (Nigerian)
Mirach m Amharic
Means "choice" in Amharic.
Deeriq m African American, English (African), Western African
Elaboration of Eric using popular prefex De-.
Kembo m Kongo
Means "heaven" in Kongo.
Yande f & m Mwanga
Possibly means "an expression of joy" or "an unexpected gift from God" in Mwanga.
Yuften m Berber
Means "the best" in Tamazight.
Resego m & f Tswana
Means "we are blessed" in Setswana.
Mor m & f Luo (Modern)
"happiness"
Sabre m African, Muslim, Northern African, Iranian, Arabic (Egyptian)
African, Islamic name for boys meaning patient, sharp and enduring.
Ashilame m Nigerian, Eggon
Means "he saves me" in Eggon.
Pelumi f & m Yoruba
Means "with me" in Yoruba.
Edebe f African
The name originates from Sudan, in the concrete tribe of Gurfan meaning the first, princess.
Mwombeki m Haya
Means "the builder" in Haya.
Abigaili f Biblical, Swahili
Swahili form of Abigail.
Yinhla m Tsonga
Means "point; cornerstone" in Xitsonga.
Tinnie f & m Igbo
Used for very small children.
Tanaruz f Berber, African
Feminine form of Anaruz.
Kuchinei m Shona
Kuchinei means "What more is left to do, to see or to say" This name may be given by a parent who is at their wit's end. The Zimbabwean singer of the 1970-80s Kuchinei Chikupo was one well known bearer of this name.
Nakani f & m African
Nakani is an african name meaning take care
Ibelek m & f Igbo
From the Andoni/Obolo tribe. Meaning “one looks like”.
Odayi m Ijaw (Anglicized)
Means "of his father" in Ijaw.
Saiti m Nyakyusa
Nyakyusa form of Said.
Ibironke f African
Nigerian meaning 'you are to be cared for and pampered' or 'family has someone to care for.'
Nyakwêzi f Kiga
Short form of Nyinakwezi.
Bereketab m Ge'ez
Means "blessing of the Father" in Ge'ez.
Kimya f Swahili
Means "silent" in Swahili. This is the name of musician Kimya Dawson.
Tafna f Ancient Berber, Berber (Rare)
Possibly derived from the name of a river in northwestern Algeria.
Kurhula m Tsonga
Means "peace" in Xitsonga.
Eethaba m Zulu
Means “happy” in Zulu.
Eriayomi f Yoruba
My testimony of joy, "Ayomi" being "my joy."... [more]
Muogboo m Igbo
Means "let the spirits intervene or settle the matter" in Igbo.
Amul-yaakaar m & f Wolof
Means "she/he has no hope" in Wolof. This is considered a 'death prevention' name.
Eseose f Esan
Means "gift of God".
Tinevimbo f Shona
Means "we have faith" in Shona.
Ritek m & f Afizere
Means "goodness" in Afizere.
Adia f Igede, Swahili
Means "queen" in Igede and "(valuable) gift" in Swahili, from Hausa adia "gift".
Nkonkoni f Zulu
Means "champion" in Zulu.
Tholakele f Zulu
Means "found" in Zulu.
Xamse m Eastern African, Somali
Somali form of Hamza.
Anuarite f Central African, Bantu (Gallicized), History (Ecclesiastical)
Borne by the Blessed Marie-Clémentine Anuarite Nengapeta (1939-1964), a beatified Congolese nun who was killed at age 24 during the Congo Crisis. According to the Dictionary of African Christian Biography, she belonged to the Wabudu tribe and her name means "one who laughs at war".
Musa f Ndebele
Means "grace" in Ndebele.
Bineti f & m Dagbani
Means "they have enlightened us" in Dagbani.
Kxamshe f Southern African, San (Bushmen), !Kung
Possibly means "mouth" in !Kung (a Khoi-San language) coming from the word kxám.
Sechaba m Sotho
The meaning is 'nation' as in 'our nation', 'the country we live in'.
Tumai f Eastern African
Means "hope" in Swahili.
Nyamiti f Kaguru
Means "medicine" in Chikaguru.
Oluwarantimi m & f Yoruba
Means "God remembers me" in Yoruba.
Aswa m & f Western African
Means "one who moves through darkness toward the light".
Negewo m Amharic
Means "your dawn" in Amharic.
Shola m & f Yoruba, African
Short form of names that end with "sola", such as Olusola or Adesola. R&B singer Shola Ama is a well-known bearer.
Chérif m Western African, Arabic (Maghrebi)
Form of Sharif used in North Africa and parts of French-influenced western Africa.
Assane m Western African
Form of Hassan used in parts of French-influenced western Africa, especially in Senegal.
Kaayy-am-o m Sidamo
Means "a lucky one" in Sidama.
Akomo f Luo
"someone delivered during planting or prosperous times of the year"
Izaso m & f Tumbuka
Means "come again, return" in Tumbuka, a plea for deceased relatives to come back.
Isaya m Swahili
Swahili form of Isaiah.
Dawie m Afrikaans
Diminutive of Dawid.
Nhlohlotelo m & f Tsonga
Means "influence" in Xitsonga.
Ntsu m Sotho
Means "eagle" in Sesotho.
Aketch f Luo
Means "born during a famine" in Luo.
Shairi f African
Means "song" in Swahili.
Kelemi f Amharic
Means "colorful" in Amharic.
Aimut m Amharic
Means "may he not die" in Amharic.
Mengistu m Eastern African, Amharic
Derived from Amharic መንግሥት (mängśtə) or መንግስት (mängstə) meaning "government".
Suara m Yoruba
Derived from Ash-Shu‘ara (The Poets), the name of the 26th chapter of the Quran.
Dauda m Hausa
Hausa form of David.
Jeremia m Dutch (Rare), Flemish (Rare), Afrikaans, Finnish, Swedish (Rare), Norwegian (Rare)
Dutch, Afrikaans, Finnish, Swedish and Norwegian variant of Jeremias.
Jesusemen m Esan
Meaning: Jesus is enough for me
Rachela f Italian (Rare), Polish (Rare), Dutch (Rare), Afrikaans (Rare)
Italian variant of Rachele, Polish form of Rachel as well as a Latinate form of Rachel.
Henrico m Dutch (Modern), Afrikaans
Variant of Hendrik influenced by Enrico.
Haawo f Ewe
Means “the snow” in Ewe.
Betelhem f Ethiopian, Amharic
Amharic form of Bethlehem.
Jolette f English, Afrikaans
Likely a combination of the name Jo and the suffix -lette.
Orera f English (Modern, Rare), Spanish, Southern African, Eastern African
Possibly from Spanish or Italian orera meaning, "aurora." See also Aurora.
Dikeletso f Tswana
Means "wishes" in Setswana.
Tiaraoluwa f Yoruba
Supposedly means "from the body of God" in Yoruba.
Beshi m Amharic
Means "by thousands" in Amharic.
Kwamena m Akan
variant of Kwame
Bekes f Ijaw
Short form of Bekeara.
Momodou m African
Momodou means Mohammad it is an african name coming from an arabic name.... [more]
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]
Bobolayefa f Ijaw
Means "nothing can be compared to my own" in Ijaw.
Ajaŋa m Jola
Means "girl" in Jola-Fonyi.
Pere-ere f Ijaw
Means "rich woman" in Ijaw.
Jibrilu m Hausa
Hausa form of Gabriel.
Gebre-medhin m Ge'ez
Means "servant of the saviour" in Ge'ez.
Salomie f Afrikaans
Variant of Salome.
Reydan f African
The name Reydan means "Gift of God, Handsome King". The most time this name was used was in 2017 when only 5 boys were named Reydan
Edikan m Efik
Means "victory" in Efik.
Diekololaoluwalayemi f Yoruba
Means "the wealth of god in my life cannot be measured" in Yoruba.
Ashon m Akan
Means "seventh born son" in Akan.
Awlagh m Berber
Means "little rabbit" in Amazigh.
Chukwunenye m Igbo
Igbo name from Eastern Nigeria. It originates from the belief that children are gifts from God and means "God gives". The feminine variant is Chinenye, which also has the same meaning
Belendia m Amharic
Means "say it out loud" or "do it right" in Amharic.
Chinoza m African
Zezuru name for one who knows much but says less
Idiebimo f & m Ijaw
Means "take care of me" in Ijaw.
Tamunonemi m Nigerian
Means "wisdom of God" in Kalabari, spoken in Nigeria.
Sunnybooi m Southern African
Namibian name.
Daraima m Efik
Means "celebrate love" in Efik.
Kieruka f Igbo
Variant of Nkiruka.
Opiyo m Luo
"firstborn of twins"
Oluwarotimi m & f Yoruba
Means "the Lord stays with me" in Yoruba.
Fuseini m African, Dagbani
In Northern Ghana, it is the name given to the second born of a pair of twin girls. The first born twin is named Fuseini According to superstition, the second twin is considered to be the older twin because it is said that during the trauma of birth, the older twin send the younger twin ahead to make sure the world is safe.
Lwiza f Ancient Berber, Berber
Means "lemon verbena" in Amazigh (species Aloysia citrodora).
Nokulunga f Zulu
Means "thankfulness" in Zulu.
Ebimoboere f Ijaw
Means "woman who has brought good" in Ijaw.
Waibodei m & f Ijaw
Means "has returned again" in Ijaw.
Azêllay m Berber
Means "pendant" in Amazigh.
Tlatig f Berber
Means "worthy" in Tamazight.
Visolela f & m Central African
From a proverb, meaning "good judgement". Origin is from the Ovimbundu of Angola. Ovisolela violomupa; vi pungula viopongala. English: Longing are Waterfalls; those you pick over are of the drying trays.
Nnete f Tswana
Means "truth" in Setswana.
Suhipelli m & f Dagbani
Means "happiness" in Dagbani.
Deji m & f Nigerian
Transferred use of the surname Deji.
Kaku m Akan
Variant of Akua.
Isgaden m Berber
Meaning unknown.
Nǃxau m Khoekhoe
Meaning unknown. Notable bearer of this name is Nǃxau ǂToma, a Namibian bush farmer and actor (1944-2003).... [more]
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.
Auwal m Western African, Hausa
Derived from Arabic أول ('awwal) meaning "first". This name is commonly given to the first of multiple children with the same name.
Sebaga m & f Tswana
Means "a bead" in Setswana.
Kuzivakwashe f Shona
Means "God's will" in Shona.
Idili f & m Amharic
Means "luck, opportunity" in Amharic.
Carike f Afrikaans
Feminine form of Carel.
Gaodithong f Tswana
Means "He (God) is not shy" in Setswana.
Ocoje m & f Agatu
Means "God knows" in Agatu.
Saredo f Somali
Etymology uncertain, possibly from the Somali sare meaning "high, advanced".
Ityoppya f Amharic (Rare)
Rare Amharic form of Ethiopia.
Sisi f African
Means "born on a Sunday" in Fante.
Sitota m Amharic
Means "gift" in Amharic.
Tanebdatt f Berber
Means "support" in Tamazight.
Potlako m Tswana, Sotho
Means "Urgency" in Tswana and Sotho.
Saartjie f Afrikaans
Diminutive of Sara. This name was borne by Sarah "Saartjie" Baartman, an African slave (member of the Eastern Cape Khoisan, the indigenous herding tribe that once populated part of South Africa) who was displayed in Europe in the early 19th century.
Magool f Somali
Possibly from the Somali magooli meaning "blossom".
Ghilas m Kabyle
Short form of Aghilas.
Shadreck m English (African), Southern African
Variant of Shadrach. It is particularly popular in Southern African countries.
Ayanfeoluwa f & m Yoruba
It means the Lord's beloved
Raage m Somali
Means "he who delayed at birth" in Somali.
Vukona f Tsonga
Means "presence" in Xitsonga.
Tassadit f Ancient Berber, Kabyle
From Arabic سعد (sa'd) meaning "fortune, good luck" combined with the Tamazight feminine prefix ⵜⴰ (ta) and suffix ⵜ (t).
Sorelle f Central African
Unknown, possibly an invented name with the suffix -elle. It is specially popular in Cameroon.
Meraai f Afrikaans
Variant of Maraai.
Bisi m & f Yoruba
Short form of names containing bisi, such as Adebisi.
Yonelani f Xhosa
Means "be satisfied" in Xhosa.
Meenuba m Igbo
Means "make/cause wealth" in Igbo.
Antobam f Akan
Means "posthumous child" in Fante. It is typically given to a child whose father died before they were born.
Chukwunwike m & f Igbo
Means "God has the power" in Igbo.
Ruvimbo f Shona
Means "trust" in Shona.
Fanaka f & m Swahili
Means “nice” in Swahili.
Siphosami f Shona
Means "my gift, present" in Shona.
Nnyeyam m & f Dagbani
"I have learnt my lesson"
Tonta f Bamileke
Bagangte, Cameroon
Bajikijayi m & f Central African, Luba-Kasai
Means "finish" or "destroy them" in Luba-Kasai.
Takalani m & f Venda
Means "be happy" in Tshivenda.
Faako m & f Dagbani
Means "mercy" in Dagbani.
Akintunde m Yoruba
Means "bravery returns" in Yoruba.
Tureght f Berber
From the Amazigh uregh meaning "gold".
Omotanwa f Yoruba
Means "the child we searched for" in Yoruba.
Nhwireng f Akan
Means "flower" in Akan.
Osita m Igbo
Osita is a shorter form of Osita di nma which means from today onwards it will be better.
Ataïs m Kongo (Gallicized), Vili
Means ‘Papa Comes’ in Vili.
Owariladei f & m Ijaw
Means "we have come home" in Ijaw.
Bangda m & f Dagbani
Means "knowledgeable person" in Dagbani.
Temilade f Yoruba
Possibly means “the crown is mine.”
Dezy m Edo (Modern)
''You cant block God's path or you can not block ones destiny; diminutive of Aigbodezzy''
Mahomed m South African, Medieval Arabic (Moorish)
Form of Muhammad used by South African Muslims, as well as a Moorish variant of Mahomad.