Name meaning & originZawadi
/zah-WAH-dee/
Zawadi is a Bantu Swahili girl's name pronounced /zah-WAH-dee/. A celebratory name that means a gift or a present from God.
Share this name
Meaning of Zawadi
A celebratory name that means a gift or a present from God.
The name Zawadi originates from the Swahili language, a Bantu tongue spoken widely across East Africa. It is derived from the Arabic root word 'hada', which relates to the concept of offering or bestowing a token of appreciation. In East African cultures, the name is given to children viewed as a divine blessing or a precious offering to the family.
- Origin
- Bantu Swahili
- Pronunciation
- /zah-WAH-dee/
Cultural background
The name is commonly found in Kenya, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is frequently used as a unisex name, though it leans feminine in many modern communities, often chosen for children born after a long period of waiting or on special occasions.
Variations & nicknames
- Zawa
- Zawadiya
- Zadi
- Zawad
Famous people named Zawadi
Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.
Zawadi Machibya
Prominent Tanzanian journalist and broadcaster for the BBC World Service.
Journalism · 2000s–present
Zawadi (Lion King)
A character appearing in The Lion King: Six New Adventures books.
Literature · 1994
Zawadi Njiku
Professional football player from Tanzania.
Sport · 2010s–present
Frequently asked about Zawadi
- What does Zawadi mean?
- Zawadi is a Swahili name meaning 'a gift' or 'a present'.
- How do you pronounce Zawadi?
- It is pronounced zah-WAH-dee, with the emphasis on the second syllable.
- Is Zawadi a boy or girl name?
- Zawadi is a unisex name, though it is more frequently given to girls in contemporary East African society.
- What is the spiritual significance of the name Zawadi?
- It is often interpreted as a 'gift from God', signifying that the child is a divine blessing to their parents.
Love Zawadi? Get more names like it
We'll email you 5 fresh Bantu Swahili names each week — free, no spam.
By signing up you agree to get these name emails. We use your email only for them; unsubscribe any time from privacy requests. See our privacy policy. 18+ only.
Compare Zawadi with…
Side-by-side meaning, sound and popularity.