Most popular African baby names

We have said it time and time again, picking a name for your baby is hard. You will have names that you hate and names that you’ll love, but it has to be something that is perfect and just right for your little one.

If you are struggling to find a name, then why not take some inspiration from one of the most cultural and beautiful places in the world. Africa.

Africa is filled with beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and an incredible history. Take a look through our African baby names and see if there is anything that you fall in love with.

Top African girl names

Abeba

This name is a palindrome, this means it forms the same name when spelled forward or backward. It means ‘’’flower’’.

Aberash

This unusual Eastern African name means ‘‘giving off light’’ or ‘‘shining’’

Ada

This incredibly popular name has West African roots and means ‘‘first daughter’’

Amara

Another very popular West African name, this means ‘‘Grace and kindness’’.

Chidinma

This unusual African baby girl name means ‘‘God is good’’.

Hadiza

This pretty baby girl name means ‘‘one with no desire’’.

Hibo

This traditional Eastern African name means ‘‘gift’’.

Imani

Meaning ‘‘Faith’’ in Swahili, this is a popular name in Eastern Africa.

Kenya

Why not take inspiration from a place in Africa and use the name Kenya after the east African country?

Makena

This is an African name that is rising in popularity in recent years, this means ‘‘happy one’’.

Nala

This name is popular after the Disney classic The Lion King, but the word actually means ‘us’ in African.

Nia

This popular African name means ‘purpose’ in Swahili.

Ola

This West African name became popular in the early 90’s and means ‘‘wealth’’

Sade

This unisex African name comes from west Africa and means ‘‘crown’’.

Taraji

Meaning ‘‘Hope’’ this could be a beautiful African name for your baby girl.

Zendaya

Coming from South Africa, this name means ‘‘be thankful’’ and has become more popular in recent years.

Zola

This pretty African female name means ‘‘calm’’

Zuri

Taken from Eastern Africa, this name means ‘‘beautiful’’

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Top African boy names

Aadan

Meaning ‘‘son of Adam’’ this name is the Somali version of the name Adam.

Abidemi

With west African origins, this name means ‘‘born during his fathers absence’’.

Amari

This African male name means ‘‘possesses great strength’’

Bamidele

This unusual name from west Africa means ‘‘follow me home’’

Chima

This name is very popular in West Africa and means ‘‘God knows’’

Chiumbo

This unusual yet cute baby boy name means ‘’small one’’

Diallo

This name gained popularity in the 70’s and means ‘‘bold’’

Faraji

Sometimes spelt ‘‘Fara’’ this African name is taken from the name given to a constellation of stars.

Femi

This is an incredibly popular name across Africa and means ‘‘Love me’’

Idir

This name is taken from Northern Africa and means ‘‘alive’’

Ike

Another very popular name in Africa is Ike. This name means ‘‘God will laugh’’

Imamu

Meaning ‘‘spiritual leader’’ in Swahili, this name is very popular across Eastern Africa.

Jabari

A name that is gaining popularity in the last few years is Jabari meaning ‘‘brave one’’.

Kamari

This unusual yet lovely baby boy name means ‘‘moon’’ in Swahili

Kofi

Another popular name across Africa, this name means ‘‘Born on a Friday’’

Kwame

Running along the same lines as Kofi, this name means ‘‘born on a Saturday’’

Omari

This African male name means ‘‘speaker’’ or ‘‘chief’’

Yared

This Ethiopian name means ‘‘to descend’’

Yuusuf

This name is extremely popular in Africa and means ‘‘God increases’’

Zaire

This unusual African name is taken from the name of a river across the continent.

What to consider when choosing an African name

With so many African boy names and girl names out there, choosing a baby name can be a little confusing. Below are a few things to keep in mind when choosing an African baby name:

• Think about when your child is older; will this African name suit them?
• How can it be shortened? Kids are mean and so it's important to think about how it can be shortened and if this version of the African name is still okay
• Consider the popularity of the name; There are lots of popular African baby names out there and so you should decide whether you want your little one to have a unique name or not
• Sing happy birthday and insert the new African name; how does it sound?
• Always think of the spelling; whilst it's kinda fun to have a unique spelling, remember other people are going to have to spell this too
• How does it sound with their middle and last name? Does it flow?