African Baby Names
There are 14 African baby names in this collection, including 3 boy names and 9 girl names, each with its meaning, its origin and, where the Social Security Administration publishes one, its rank in the United States. Across African naming traditions a name states something true about the day a child arrived — the circumstances, the hope, the thanks.
All African Names
| Name | Gender | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amani | Unisex | Swahili | Peace |
| Amara | Girl | Igbo | Grace, immortal |
| Amari | Unisex | African-American/Yoruba | Strength |
| Imani | Girl | Swahili | Faith |
| Kasai | Boy | African | From the Kasai River |
| Nala | Girl | African | Gift, successful |
| Nia | Girl | Swahili | Purpose |
| Omari | Boy | Swahili | God the highest, flourishing |
| Siya | Girl | Xhosa | We give, we go |
| Xolani | Girl | Zulu | Peace, forgive |
| Zaire | Boy | African | River |
| Zendaya | Girl | Shona | To give thanks |
| Zola | Girl | African | Calm, productive |
| Zuri | Girl | Swahili | Beautiful |
African Boy Names
3 african boy names with meanings and origins.
African Girl Names
9 african girl names with meanings and origins.
...and 1 more african girl names in the table above.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many African baby names are there?
This collection lists 14 African names, including 3 boy names and 9 girl names. Each one carries its meaning, its origin and, where the Social Security Administration publishes one, its rank in the United States.
What makes a name African?
Across African naming traditions a name states something true about the day a child arrived — the circumstances, the hope, the thanks.
Are African names popular in the United States?
Popularity varies name by name rather than by origin. Every entry here links to its own page, where the US rank, the number of births in the latest year and the peak year are shown when the Social Security Administration publishes them.