Eastern African Submitted Names

Eastern African names include those from Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. 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.
Ibraahiim m Somali
Somali form of Abraham.
Ibraahim m Somali
Somali form of Abraham.
Ibraahin m Somali (Archaic)
Somali form of Abraham, now perhaps archaic. This name was borne by Ibraahin Adeer (ruled late 17th century to mid-18th century), the first sultan of the Sultanate of the Geledi, a Somali kingdom that ruled parts of the Horn of Africa from the late 17th century to 1910.
Ibrahiim m Somali (Archaic)
Somali form of Abraham, now perhaps archaic.
Ibsituu f Eastern African, Oromo
Means "light" in Oromo.
Idil f Somali
Somali form of Idil.
Idili f & m Amharic
Means "luck, opportunity" in Amharic.
Idiris m Somali
Somali form of Idris 1.
Iimaan f & m Somali
Somali form of Iman. One notable bearer of this name is Somalian-born American model Iman (born 1955).
Imany f Swahili
A variant of Imani.
Imanzi m Rwandan
From the Kinyarwanda word "umumanzi", meaning "righteousness".
Imara f Swahili
Means "strong, firm, stable" in Swahili.
Iniku f Amharic
Means "jewel" in Amharic.
Irbad m Somali
Irbad is a Somali name with the following characteristics:... [more]
Irgetu m Amharic
Means "the calm" in Amharic.
Irido m Greek, Somali
Masculine form of Irida.
Isaaq m Somali, English
Variant of Isaac.
Isaya m Swahili
Swahili form of Isaiah.
Isayyas m Amharic
Amharic form of Isaiah.
Iskinder m Amharic
Amharic form of Alexander.
Ismaaciil m Somali
Somali form of Ishmael.
Ismahan f Somali, Persian (Rare), Arabic (Rare)
Variant of Asmahan. This spelling is more typically used within the Somali diaspora.
Isse m Eastern African, Somali
Somali form of Isa 1.
Isxaaq m Somali
Somali form of Isaac.
Itanya f Swahili
Means "hope" in Swahili.
Ituri m Swahili
Means perfume, scent, fragrance in Kiswahili
Ityoppya f Amharic (Rare)
Rare Amharic form of Ethiopia.
Iyassu m Ethiopian
Ethiopian form of Joshua.
Iyasus m Ethiopian, Theology
Form of Jesus used in Ethiopia.
Iyoas m Ethiopian
Ethiopian form of Joash, a name borne by two emperors of Ethiopia.
Iyob m Amharic
Amharic form of Job.
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.
Jaamac m Somali, Muslim
Somali transcription of the Arabic word جامع (jāmaʿa) meaning "mosque". This name has the same roots ج-م-ع (j-m-ʿ) of the Islamic day of prayers, coinciding with "Friday".
Jahi f Swahili
Worthy
Jakubu m Kikuyu
Kikuyu form of James.
Jalaur m Alur
Meaning “passenger”. A famous bearer was Jalusiga’s older half-brother, who was a temporary replacement for their father Amula from 1917-22 when he was in exile.
Jalia m Swahili
Honorary
Jalusiga m Alur
Meaning uncertain. A famous bearer was one of Amula’s sons, who replaced him as a chief of the Ukuru when he passed away.
Jana f Swahili
Means "yesterday" in Swahili.
Jangwa m Swahili
Means "desert" in Swahili.
Jaramogi m Luo
"very courageous"
Jasimini f Amharic
Amharic form of Jasmine.
Jasiri f Swahili
Means "bold, courageous" in Swahili.
Jawaahir f Somali
Somali form of Jawahir. One bearer is Somali-American model Jawaahir Axmed (born 1991), better known by her Americanized name of Jawahir Ahmed.
Jawaat-a m Sidamo
Means "strong" in Sidama.
Jelani m Swahili
Powerful
Jemal m Abkhaz, Amharic, Georgian
Abkhaz, Amharic and Georgian form of Jamal.
Jemere m Amharic
Means "he began" in Amharic.
Jibriil m Somali
Somali form of Gabriel.
Jiilaal m Somali
Jiilaal is a Somali name with the following characteristics:... [more]
Jina f Swahili
Means "to walk" in Swahili.
Joas m Ethiopian (Germanized)
German transliteration of Iyoas.
Johani m Nyakyusa
Nyakyusa form of John.
Jok m Dinka, African Mythology
Jok is the Supreme God in Lango, Dinka and Alur Mythologies. In A Dictionary of African Mythology, Jok, the supreme being, is described like moving air; he is omnipresent, like the wind, but is never seen, though his presence may be felt in whirlwinds or eddies of air, in rocks and hills, in springs and pools of water, and he is especially connected with rainmaking... [more]
Jokichana f Alur, African Mythology
Of uncertain meaning. Jokichana is a rock spirit in Alur Mythology.
Joswa m Nyakyusa
Nyakyusa form of Joshua.
Jua m & f Swahili
Means "sun" in Swahili.
Jumaane m Swahili
Means “Tuesday” in Swahili.
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]
Kaarr-o f Sidamo
Means "space between upper incisors" in Sidama, this is traditionally held to be a sign of beauty.
Kaayy-am-o m Sidamo
Means "a lucky one" in Sidama.
Kábananukye m Kiga
Means "let them be happy" in Rukiga.
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.
Kadihungila m Kaguru
Means "surprised" in Chikaguru.
Kaggwa m Ganda
second child (boy) after twins
Kahandi m Pare
Means "knife" in the Athu language of the Pare people.
Kahinu m Eastern African, Ge'ez, Amharic, Tigrinya
Means "clergyman" in Ge'ez and other Ethiopic languages.
Kahúngu m Kiga
Means "butterfly" in Rukiga.
Kaijage m Haya
Means "has come with fortune" in Haya.
Kajuna m Haya
Means "he helps" in Haya.
Kakuju m Nyakyusa
Means "ficus tree" in Nyakyusa.
Kalifa f Somali
Means "chaste, holy" in Somali.
Kalkidan f Amharic
Amharic for "promise", root words "qal" (ቃል) meaning word, and "kidan" (ኪዳን), meaning covenant, from the Ge'ez language
Kaluwa f Swahili
Means "forgotten one" in Swahili.
Kamas m Somali
Kamas is a Somali name with the following characteristics:... [more]
Kanika f Mwera
Meaning “black cloth”.
Kano m Sidamo
Means "bright" in Sidama.
Karama f Swahili
Means “gift” in Swahili.
Kʼarooyye m & f Sidamo
Means "wise, clever" in Sidama.
Karugendo m & f Haya
Means "pertaining to a journey" in Ruhaya.
Karúngi f Kiga
Means "something good, beautiful" in Rukiga.
Karungi f Haya
Means "the one who is beautiful" in Haya.
Kashangaki m Swahili
Means "surprise" in Swahili.
Kaskazi f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "north wind" or "hot season, summer".
Kassa m & f Amharic
Means "compensation, reparation" in Amharic.
Katavi m African Mythology, Nyamwezi
A demonic being in the popular belief of the Nyamwezi people of Tanzania. He is reputed to be the chief of the water-spirits, but he also haunts the barren lands and deserts.
Katyayana f Rwandan
Means “that’s right, correct” in Kinyarwanda.
Kawesa m Ganda
"blacksmith" Kovacs
Kayaga m & f Nyoro
Means “The windy month” in Bunyoro.
Kazoka m Pare
Means "axe" in the Athu language of the Pare people.
Kbra f Tigrinya
Used in Eritrea and Tigray, meaning: her glory, her dignity
Kebere m Amharic
Means "he is honoured" in Amharic.
Kébirunga f Kiga
Means "child of crowns" in Rukiga.
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
Kelemi f Amharic
Means "colorful" in Amharic.
Kémigisha f Kiga
Means "child of luck" in Rukiga.
Kenna m Ethiopian
Famous bearer is Kenna Zemedkun, musician.
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".
Kényonyóozi f Kiga
Means "born of the stars" in Rukiga.
Kerubo f Eastern African, Kisii
Means "marsh, plain" in Kisii, given to girls born in the plains.
Khaalid m Somali
Somali form of Khalid.
Khadiija f Somali
Somali form of Khadija.
Khadijo f Somali, Eastern African
Somali variant of Khadija.
Khadra f Somali
Means "lucky, fortunate" in Somali
Khalif m Arabic, Somali, African American
Alternate transcription of Khalifa as well as the Somali form.
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.
Kibriye m Amharic
Means "my honour" in Amharic.
Kiburi f & m Swahili
Means "pride" in Swahili.
Kidest f Amharic
Alternate transcription of Amharic ቅድስት (see Kidist).
Kigongo m & f Ganda
Born before twins
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.
Kilasa f Nyakyusa
Means "to be outspoken" in Nyakyusa.
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]
Kimbilio m Swahili
Swahili masculine name meaning "refuge".
Kimelo m Nyakyusa
Means "seedlings" in Nyakyusa.
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.
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.
Kisa f Nyakyusa
Means "grace" in Nyakyusa.
Kisima f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "water spring".
Kissa f Ganda (?)
Allegedly a Luganda name meaning "born after twins".
Kisundi m Pare
Means "deep night" in the Athu language of the Pare people.
Kitheko f Pare
Means "laughter" in the Athu language of the Pare people.
Kithure m Meru
Of uncertain meaning.
Kittaw m Amharic
Means "tame him" in Amharic.
Kiume m Swahili
Swahili masculine name meaning "stamina, strength".
Kiura m Kikuyu
Means "frog" in Kikuyu.
Kiwanuka m Ganda, African Mythology
Kiwanuka is the hammer wielding God of Thunder and Lightning in Ganda Mythology. His name means “someone who was born on a Thursday”.
Kiwara f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "savannah".
Kiya f Eastern African
Allegedly means "mine" in Oromo.
Kizza m & f Ganda
"born after twins"... [more]
Kokebe m Amharic
Means "my star" in Amharic.
Kokebi f Amharic
Means "star" in Amharic.
Koket f & m Amharic
"What is mine is yours."
Kokugonza f Haya
Means "the one to be loved" in Haya.
Kokuhumuliza f Haya
Means "the one who soothes" in Haya.
Kokumaramara f Haya
Means "the one who consoles" in Haya.
Kokunura f Haya
Means "the one who is sweet" in Haya.
Kokushekya f Haya
Means "the one who makes people laugh" in Haya.
Kombeho m Pare
Etymology uncertain, this name is traditionally given to babies born during winter.
Kondo m Swahili, African
means "war"
Konijo f Amharic
Means "beautiful" in Amharic.
Konjo f & m Amharic
"Beauty" (typically used in a feminine context).
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.
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.
Kunyonywa m Nyakyusa
Means "you need" in Nyakyusa.
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.
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.
Kyóbutúngi f Kiga
Means "something that brings wealth" in Rukiga.
Kyómugisha f Kiga
Means "something that brings luck" in Rukiga.
Kyómuhéndo f Kiga
Means "something precious" in Rukiga.
Laal-ì m & f Sidamo
Means "grow!" in Sidama.
Ladan f Somali
A name that means "healthy."
Laheli f Nyakyusa
Nyakyusa form of Rachel.
Lailati f Indonesian, Swahili
Derived from Arabic لَيْل (layl) meaning "night".
Laini f Swahili
Means "fine, soft, smooth" in Swahili.
Lamessa m Oromo
It is spoken by the Oromo people in Ethiopia. The meaning of the name come from Lama; which means two. And Lamessa means "the second." It is a name given to a person that comes next to the first born: male or female in the family.
Lami m Eastern African, Oromo
Means 'nation' in Oromo.
Lamrot f Amharic
Means beautiful or knowledgable. Also common as a surname in Ethiopia.
Lebna f & m Amharic
Means "spirit, essence" in Amharic.
Leemmo m Sidamo
Means "bamboo" in Sidama, figuratively meaning "slender".
Legese m Amharic
Means "he was generous" in Amharic.
Legesse m Eastern African, Amharic
Means "he offered, he donated, he became generous" in Amharic.
Lemm-ite f Sidamo
Feminine form of Leemmo.
Lenana m & f Eastern African
Lenana was a famous Maasai Laibon (Spiritual Leader) bearing the name.
Leylo f Somali
Somali form of Leila.
Liban m Arabic, Somali
The name Liban, meaning persevere in ancient arabic is prodominatley used in the northern region of Somalia (now Somaliland). Usually given to boys who are seen as handsome at birth.
Libin f Somali
Libin means "healthy."
Lihuti m Nyakyusa
Nyakyusa form of Eliud.
Liibaan m Somali
Means "victory, winning" in Somali.
Lindima m Nyakyusa
Means "tremble, roar" in Nyakyusa.
Liya f Eastern African, Ethiopian
Possibly an Amharic form of Leah. It is borne by Ethiopian model Liya Kebede (1978-).
Looyaan m Somali
Means "unconsciously" in Somali.
Loza f Amharic
The Amharic form of Luz, the name of a place in the Bible where it is believed Jacob saw his ladder.
Lugano m Kaguru
Means "much" in Chikaguru.
Lulia f Tigrinya, Various
Said to mean "Diamond" in Tigrinya. Of Eritrean origin, this name gained some popularity around the world.
Lull f Tigrinya
Used in Eritrea and Tigray, meaning Pearl
Luol m & f Dinka
Lusajo m Nyakyusa
Means "blessings" in Nyakyusa.
Lusekelo m Nyakyusa
Means "happiness" in Nyakyusa.
Lutalo m Ganda
Famous bearer is Lutalo Muhammad (born 1991) a British taekwondo athlete.
Luti f Nyakyusa
Nyakyusa form of Ruth 1.
Maana f Somali
Possibly a variant of Maanah.... [more]
Maax m Somali
Maax (pronounced "Mah-ah") is a Somali name. It is not one of the most common names but is still recognized within the Somali community. Somali names often have meanings tied to culture, nature, or qualities.
Mabior m Dinka, African Mythology
Means "white bull" in Dinka. The white bull is the most prized and is sought after for sacrifices in celebration.
Mabok m Dinka
Means "grey bull" in Dinka.
Mabratu m Amharic
Means "his lamp" in Amharic.
Macammád m Afar
Afar form of Muhammed.
Machanda m & f Nyoro
Machanda is the Bunyoro month where sesame seeds are planted and sown.
Machar m Dinka
Means "black bull" in Dinka. Black bulls are the second most important for sacrifices.
Madaha f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "grace".
Madhil m Dinka
Means "born on the way" in Dinka. This name is given to a male that’s born on the way, for example while the mother is traveling and gives birth on the way to her destination.
Madin m Dinka
Means "speckled bull" in Dinka.
Madini f Swahili
Means "gem" in Swahili.
Madit m Dinka
Means "masculine twin" in Dinka.
Madoa f Swahili
This name means ''freckle''.
Magan m Somali
Means "protection" or "refuge" in Somali.
Magaya f Kaguru
Means "endurances" in Chikaguru.
Magool f Somali
Possibly from the Somali magooli meaning "blossom".
Magot m Dinka
Means "a very long-horned bull" in Dinka.
Magwala m Pare
Means "money" in the Athu language of the Pare people.
Mahad m Somali
Means "thanks" in Somali.
Mahado f Somali
Possibly from the Somali mahad meaning "thanks".
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)".
Majok m Dinka
Means "black-and-white bull" in Dinka.
Makari m African American (Modern), Amharic (?)
Allegedly means "wise man" in Amharic.
Maker m Dinka
Means "white-and-black bull" in Dinka.
Makini m & f Swahili
Means "of good character" or "strength of character" in Swahili.
Makoi m Dinka
Means "red bull" in Dinka.
Makonnen m Eastern African, Amharic
Means "nobleman, official, leader" in Amharic.
Makonnen m Ethiopian
Meaning "king, aristocrat".
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.
Malabo f Somali
From the Somali malab meaning "honey".
Malek m Dinka
Means "brown bull" in Dinka.
Malija f Nyakyusa
Nyakyusa form of Maria.
Malith m Dinka
Refers to a specific kind of ox in Dinka.
Maliza f Swahili
Accomplished woman
Mamo m Ethiopian
This name is often used when the name of the person is unknown. (Compared Buddy).
Manirambona m Rundi
Means "God watches over me" in Kirundi.
Manute m Dinka
Means "special blessing" in Dinka.... [more]