150 African baby names for boys and girls

Whether you're looking for pretty African names for your little girl or handsome African names for your boy you'll find them below all with their meanings, origins, traditions and longer versions where appropriate.

Here’s our list of the best African baby names to inspire you…

African girl names | African boy names | Common African names | Traditional African names | Beautiful African names

African girl names

Whether you're African, have family links to an African country, or you just want a special and unique name from this beautiful continent – there are loads of pretty African girl names to choose from your new daughter. With lovely meanings including flower, peace and joy our list of African names for girls is sure to inspire you.

1. Abeba

• Origin: Amharic, Ethiopian
• Meaning: flower

2. Aberash

• Origin: Amharic, Ethiopian
• Meaning: giving off light, shining

3. Abike

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: one who is born to be cared for

4. Adaeze

• Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
• Meaning: eldest daughter of the king

5. Alheri

• Origin: Hausa, Nigerian
• Meaning: the charitable, the good

6. Asha

• Origin: Swahili, Tanzanian
• Meaning: live, exist

7. Ayaan

• Origin: Somali, Somalian
• Meaning: good luck

8. Bahati

• Origin: Swahili, Tanzanian
• Meaning: luck, good fortune

9. Bisola

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: born into wealth
• Short for: Abisola

10. Buhle

• Origin: Xhosa, South African
• Meaning: beautiful

11. Businge

• Origin: Rukiga, Ugandan
• Meaning: peace

12. ChiChi

• Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
• Meaning: god with me
• Short for: Chiamaka, Chibuzo, Chinelo

13. Chiamaka

• Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
• Meaning: God is more beautiful

14. Dalitso

• Origin: Chewa, Malawian
• Meaning: blessing

15. Danai

• Origin: Shona, Zimbabwean
• Meaning: to summon

16. Desta

• Origin: Amharic, Ethiopian
• Meaning: joy

17. Ekene

• Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
• Meaning: gratitude

18. Eniola

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: person of wealth

19. Femi

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: God loves me
• Short for: Olufemi

20. Hodan

• Origin: Somali, Somalian
• Meaning: rich, lush

21. Ife

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: love

22. Ime

• Origin: Ibibio, Nigerian
• Meaning: patience

23. Kiitan

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: God’s riches are infinite
• Short for: Olaoluwakiitan

24. Lara

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: this child is kin
• Short for: Omolara

25. Nia

• Origin: Swahili, Tanzanian
• Meaning: purpose, aim

26. Lindiwe

• Origin: Zulu, South African
• Meaning: waited for, awaited

27. Makena

• Origin: Kikuyu, Kenyan
• Meaning: happy one

28. Mirembe

• Origin: Luganda, Ugandan
• Meaning: peace

29. Mukami

• Origin: Kikuyu, Kenyan
• Meaning: the one who milks the cows

30. Neema

• Origin: Swahili, Tanzanian
• Meaning: divine grace

31. Nneka

• Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
• Meaning: mother is great

32. Ntombifuthi

• Origin: Zulu, South African
• Meaning: a girl again

33. Omphile

• Origin: Tswana, Botswanan
• Meaning: he has given

34. Onalerona

• Origin: Tswana, Botswanan
• Meaning: he is with us

35. Rehema

• Origin: Swahili, Tanzanian
• Meaning: mercy, compassion

36. Rufaro

• Origin: Shona, Zimbabwean
• Meaning: happiness

37. Sade

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: rule with nobility
• Short for: Folasade

38. Sethunya

• Origin: Tswana, Botswanan
• Meaning: bloom, flower

39. Sola

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: a child crowned with wealth
• Short for: Adesola, Olusola

40. Tolu

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: God be praised
• Short for: Tolulope

41. Uju

• Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
• Meaning: fullness, plenty

42. Upendo

• Origin: Swahili, Tanzanian
• Meaning: love

43. Wanangwa

• Origin: Tumbuka
• Meaning: freedom

44. Yetunde

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: mother has come again

45. Yinka

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: success surrounds me
• Short for: Olayinka

46. Zawadi

• Origin: Swahili, Tanzanian
• Meaning: gift

African boy names

You're spoilt for choice if you need an African boy name for your son with a whole treasure trove of gorgeous names from the many countries that make up this diverse continent. We've listed strong and classic names, plus names with wonderful pronunciations and brilliant meanings such as gift, power, hope and faith.

47. Akachi

• Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
• Meaning: the hand of God

48. Akinwunmi

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: valour is pleasing
• Also: Akin, Wunmi

49. Akpofure

• Origin: Urhobo, Nigerian
• Meaning: life is peaceful

50. Alinafe

• Origin: Chewa, Malawian
• Meaning: he/she is with us

51. Alemayehu

• Origin: Amharic, Ethiopian
• Meaning: I have seen the world

52. Ayele

• Origin: Amharic, Ethiopian
• Meaning: become strong/powerful

53. Babatunde

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: father has come again
• Also: Baba, Tunde

54. Baraka

• Origin: Swahili, Tanzanian
• Meaning: blessing

55. Bello

• Origin: Fula, Nigerian
• Meaning: helper

56. Boipelo

• Origin: Tswana, Botswanan
• Meaning: joy, rejoicing

57. Bongani

• Origin: Zulu, South African
• Meaning: grateful, thankful

58. Chinedu

• Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
• Meaning: God is leading

59. Chukwuemeka

• Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
• Meaning: God did a greater deed

60. Chisomo

• Origin: Chewa, Malawian
• Meaning: grace

61. Dakarai

• Origin: Shona, Zimbabwean
• Meaning: rejoice

62. Dayo

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: joy arrives
• Short for: Adedayo, Oromidayo

63. Dejen

• Origin: Amharic, Ethiopian
• Meaning: foundation, support

64. Ejike

• Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
• Meaning: having strength

65. Gadisa

• Origin: Oromo, Ethiopian
• Meaning: shade

66. Ifa

• Origin: Oromo, Ethiopian
• Meaning: light

67. Ifeanyi

• Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
• Meaning: we can do anything

68. Ikenna

• Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
• Meaning: power of the father

69. Imani

• Origin: Swahili, Tanzanian
• Meaning: faith

70. Jango

• Origin: Xhosa, South African
• Meaning: brave, warrior

71. Jimi

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: God gave me this
• Short for: Olujimi

72. Kayode

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: bringing joy

73. Kirabo

• Origin: Luganda, Ugandan
• Meaning: gift

74. Kisembo

• Origin: Tooro, Ugandan
• Meaning: gift

75. Limbani

• Origin: Chewa, Malawian
• Meaning: be strong

76. Lencho

• Origin: Oromo, Ethiopian
• Meaning: lion

77. Maina

• Origin: Kikuyu, Kenyan
• Meaning: sing, dance

78. Masamba

• Origin: Yao, Malawian
• Meaning: leaves, vegetables

79. Munashe

• Origin: Shona, Zimbabwean
• Meaning: with God

80. Njinga

• Origin: Mbundu, Angolan
• Meaning: to twist or wrap

81. Obinna

• Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
• Meaning: heart of the father
• Also: Obi

82. Ochieng

• Origin: Luo, Kenyan
• Meaning: born when the sun shines

83. Omari

• Origin: Swahili, Tanzanian
• Meaning: flourishing

84. Simba

• Origin: Shona, Zimbabwean
• Meaning: power, strength

85. Tadesse

• Origin: Amharic, Ethiopian
• Meaning: revived

86. Takondwa

• Origin: Chewa, Malawian
• Meaning: we are glad

87. Tesfaye

• Origin: Amharic, Ethiopian
• Meaning: hope

88. Tunde

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: return, come again

89. Udo

• Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
• Meaning: peace

90. Wale

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: crown has come home
• Short for: Oluwale, Adewale

91. Wongani

• Origin: Chewa, Malawian
• Meaning: be thankful

92. Ziri

• Origin: Berber
• Meaning: moonlight

93. Zola

• Origin: Xhosa, South African
• Meaning: calm

Common African names

Many of the names in this next list are ones you'll have heard before because they are common in certain cultures and countries and are given to many babies in Africa each year. If you like to be on-trend and stick to what's known and loved when it comes to baby names then these are the names for you.

94. Ade

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: crown

95. Amadi

• Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
• Meaning: freeborn man

96. Andile

• Origin: Zulu or Ndebele, South African
• Meaning: they have increased

97. Ayo

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: my joy has come
• Short for: Ayomide, Ayokunle

98. Dami

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: blessed with wealth
• Short for: Oluwadamilola

99. Kelechi

• Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
• Meaning: thank God

100. Nana

• Origin: Akan, Ghanaian
• Meaning: your highness

101. Ngozi

• Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
• Meaning: blessing

102. Nqobile

• Origin: Zulu, South African
• Meaning: they conquered

103. Thandi

• Origin: Xhosa, South African
• Meaning: beloved
• Short for: Thandiwe

104. Tafadzwa

• Origin: Shona, Zimbabwean
• Meaning: we are pleased

105. Tatenda

• Origin: Shona, Zimbabwean
• Meaning: thank you

106. Temi

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: mine is worthy of thanks
• Short for: Temitope

107. Tinashe

• Origin: Shona, Zimbabwean
• Meaning: we are with God

108. Uche

• Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
• Meaning: wisdom, sense, mind

109. Yemi

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: God honours me
• Short for: Olayemi

Traditional African names

If you're looking for an African baby name that has strong roots in a certain culture and goes back multiple generations then one of these traditional names could be the perfect choice. These names have been used in African countries for many decades. Many of them are associated with the day of the week a child is born or whether they're a first or second-born child or twin. Great for first or middle names, here's our pick of African baby names that have been used throughout history and are still loved today.

110. Adwoa

• Origin: Akan, Ghanaian
• Meaning: born on Monday
• Tradition: name given to a girl born on Monday

111. Ama

• Origin: Akan, Ghanaian
• Meaning: born on Saturday
• Tradition: name given to a girl born on Saturday

112. Alaba

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: child born after twins

113. Afua

• Origin: Akan, Ghanaian
• Meaning: born on Friday
• Tradition: name given to a girl born Friday

114. Akinyi

• Origin: Luo, Kenyan
• Meaning: born in the morning

115. Akwete

• Origin: Ga, Ghanaian
• Meaning: firstborn of twins
• Tradition: name given to oldest twin

116. Akwetee

• Origin: Ga, Ghanaian
• Meaning: second born of twins
• Tradition: name given to the second twin

117. Atu

• Origin: Ghanian
• Meaning: born on Saturday
• Tradition: name given to a boy born on Saturday

118. Boluwatife

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: this is how God would have it
• Tradition: name given to a surprise baby

119. Esi

• Origin: Akan, Ghanaian
• Meaning: born on Sunday
• Tradition: name given to a girl born on Sunday

120. Idowu

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: born after twins

121. Kehinde

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: the last to come
• Tradition: name given to second twin

122. Mwanajuma

• Origin: Swahili, Tanzanian
• Meaning: born on Friday

123. Kojo

• Origin: Akan, Ghanaian
• Meaning: born on Monday
• Tradition: name given to a boy born on Monday

124. Kwabena

• Origin: Akan, Ghanaian
• Meaning: born on Tuesday
• Tradition: name given to a boy born on Tuesday

125. Taiwo

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: the first to taste the world
• Tradition: name given to oldest twin

126. Yaa

• Origin: Akan, Ghanaian
• Meaning: born on Thursday
• Tradition: name given to a girl born on Thursday

Beautiful African names

Our list of African baby names wouldn’t be complete without a selection of beautiful girl’s names. With lovely pronunciations and charming meanings, these African first names have a lot going for them and are worth considering if you’re expecting a little girl.

127. Abena

• Origin: Akan, Ghanaian
• Meaning: born on Tuesday

128. Adeola

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: the crown of wealth

129. Ameena

• Origin: Swahili, Tanzanian
• Meaning: trustworthy

130. Chidimma

• Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
• Meaning: God is good

131. Damini

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: God holds onto me
• Short for: Oluwadamini

132. Derinsola

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: crowned with prosperity
• Short for: Aderinsola

133. Farai

• Origin: Shona, Zimbabwean
• Meaning: rejoice, be happy

134. Fife

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: a child to love
• Short for: Fifelomo

135. Funmi

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: God gave me joy
• Short for: Oluwafunmilayo, Olufunmilola

136. Gbemi

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: carry me into wealth
• Short for: Gbemisola

137. Idia

• Origin: Urhobo, Nigerian
• Meaning: stand right

138. Ifeoma

• Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
• Meaning: good thing

139. Imisi

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: the breathe of God
• Short for: Imisioluwa

140. Lola

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: a wealthy child has arrived
• Short for: Omolola, Lolade

141. Palesa

• Origin: Sesotho, Lesotho
• Meaning: flower

142. Rumbi

• Origin: Shona, Zimbabwean
• Meaning: praise
• Short for: Rumbidzai

143. Simisola

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: rest in wealth

144. Tadala

• Origin: Chewa, Malawian
• Meaning: we have been blessed

145. Ntombi

• Origin: Zulu, South African
• Meaning: girl

146. Nnenna

• Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
• Meaning: father's mother
• Tradition: name given in honour of the child's paternal grandmother

147. Onyinye

• Origin: Igbo, Nigerian
• Meaning: gift

148. Yamikani

• Origin: Chewa, Malawian
• Meaning: be grateful, praise

149. Yewande

• Origin: Yoruba, Nigerian
• Meaning: mother has returned
• Tradition: name given in honour of the child's paternal grandmother

150. Zuri

• Origin: Swahili, Tanzanian
• Meaning: beautiful

Pics: Getty Images

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