African name ideas for boys and girls

To many, Africa seems a very far-off continent full of mystery. Why shouldn’t it seem this way? After all, most of us know it as the “Dark Continent.” When we think of Africa, we may think of tribes, colorful garments and political unrest. For most of us, Africa is a distant continent that we hear about every now and again on the news. For others, Africa is a homeland, a heritage full of culture and tradition. If you are of African descent and wish to honor your heritage, or if you are looking for some unique names for your soon-to-be baby, here are some African boy and girl names for you to peruse.

African Boy Names

Abu - A father

Adem - Signifies the red earth

Aitan - One who fights for possession

Alem - One who will be a leader of the world

Anwar - One who is bright

Bahari - Man of the sea

Belay - To be superior

Chiamaka - Refers to the phrase “God is splendid”

Dakarai - To be happy

Davu - Signifies a beginning

Denzel - Like the famous actor; one who is wild

Dewayne - One who makes wagons

Duante - See “Dewayne”

Dume - A bull

Essien - To be the sixth-born son

Faraji - To be consoled

Genet - Refers to Eden

Guban - Something burned

Hairith - To cultivate

Ige - A child who was a breech baby

Iggy - Stems from the name Iggi

Issay - Something that is hairy

Ja - To be magnetic

Jafaru - A brook

Jamar - To be good-looking or handsome

Jevonte - The son of Japtheh

Juma - To be born on a Friday

Kame - Arid

Kasim - One who controls anger well

Makalo - To wonder

Naeem - To be benevolent

Oringo - One who loves hunting

Paulo - A place where one can rest

Ramses - Born of the sun

Russom - To be the boss

Salim - Peaceful

Shaquille - Like the famous basketball player; pretty

Tameron - Stems from the name Cameron

Tavon - Coming from nature

Trory - Red

Tupac - Like the famous rapper; a warrior

Vashon - Refers to the phrase “God is merciful”

Zeshawn - See “Vashon”

Zulu - Refers to heaven

African Girl Names

Abba - One who was born on a Thursday

Adeola - One who has honor; crown

Aissa - To be grateful

Ananda - One who is worthy of love

Armani - To have faith; faithful

Aysha - To have life

Beyonce - One who is beyond those around her

Caimile - Name stemming from a proverb

Corentine - Little Cora

Dericia - One who is athletic

Faizah - To have victory or be victorious

Hada - A place of salt

Ilori - To have a treasure that is special

Juji - To have a lot of love

Kacela - One who hunts

Kamili - To be perfect

Keisha - A favorite

Kia - Refers to a hill

Kya - Refers to a diamond (or star) in the sky

Lateefah - One who is gentle

Latoya - A woman who is full of praise

Malika - A princess or a queen

Mekelle - Refers to the question, “Who is like God?”

Nala - One who has great success

Nichelle - A maiden who has been victorious

Rashida - To be righteous

Selam - Peaceful

Shandra - A different version of the name Sandra

Tamira - Refers to a spice

Thema - A queen

Vondila - One who has lost a baby or child

Zuna - One who has great abundance