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30 African names

African Baby Names

Distinctive African baby names for girls and boys — each with pronunciation, origin, and meaning.

African girl names

Femi

/FEH-mee/

Yoruba (Nigeria)

A short and sweet name meaning love me, often used as a diminutive of Olufemi.

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Imanإيمان

/ee-MAHN/

Swahili / Arabic

Widely used across East Africa, this name represents faith and belief.

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Kenyangi

/ken-YAHN-ghee/

Runyankole (Uganda)

Named after the white egret, this name signifies grace, purity, and natural beauty.

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Lesedi

/leh-SEH-dee/

Tswana (Southern Africa)

A luminous name that literally means light, symbolizing clarity and a bright future.

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Nthanda

/n-THAN-dah/

Tumbuka (Malawi/Zambia)

A celestial name meaning star, representing a child who shines brightly in her community.

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Teni

/TEH-nee/

Yoruba (Nigeria)

A stylish name meaning the foundation or the one who is laid out like a precious cloth.

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Xolani

/koh-LAH-nee/

Zulu (South Africa)

Starting with a soft click, this name is a beautiful request for peace and forgiveness.

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Zenzile

/zen-ZEE-leh/

Xhosa (South Africa)

A powerful name that translates to one who is responsible for their own actions.

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African boy names

BabatundeBàbátúndé

/bah-bah-TOON-day/

Yoruba

This name signifies that a grandfather has returned through the birth of a grandson.

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