African baby names are unique and beautiful. They can include names of the Muslim, Christian, Jewish, and Arabic faith, as there is no end to the diverse and rich culture that Africa is so well-known for. If you’d like to pay tribute to your African heritage, giving your baby an African name is a great place to start.
Some of our favorite African boy names are Amare and Chidike, which mean “handsome” and “God is strong,” respectively. Amare is an African name that is of Ethiopian origin, whereas Chidike is an Igbo name that has strong ties to spirituality.
If you’re searching for a name with a deep, spiritual meaning but aren’t fond of the name Chidike, you may enjoy the name Imamu. This name means “spiritual leader” in Swahili. Imamu is a very uncommon name in the United States, making it a great choice for parents who want their son’s name to be unique.
If you do not yet know if you are having a boy or a girl, you may consider choosing a unisex name — especially if you’d like to keep your baby’s gender a secret until birth. A stunning African name that derives from the Yoruba language is one of Abimbola, which means “born with wealth.”
As for African girl names, a lesser-known but pretty name is one of Lesedi, which means “light” in Tswana. This name allows for plenty of cute nicknames, like Less, Lessie, Sedi, or Dee.
Abayomi
Meaning: Bringer of happiness
Origin: African (Nigerian)
Gender: Boy
Abdalla
Meaning: Servant of God
Origin: African (Swahili)
Gender: Boy
Abebe
Meaning: Asked for
Origin: African (Nigerian)
Gender: Boy
Abeeku
Meaning: One who is born on Wednesday
Origin: African (Ghanian)
Gender: Boy
Abejide
Meaning: One who is born in the wintertime
Origin: African (Nigerian)
Gender: Boy
Abimbola
Meaning: Born with wealth
Origin: African
Gender: Unisex
Abiola
Meaning: Born during the New Year
Origin: African (Nigerian)
Gender: Boy
Ada
Meaning: First daughter
Origin: African (Nigerian)
Gender: Girl
Adana
Meaning: Her father’s daughter
Origin: African (Nigerian)
Gender: Girl
Addae
Meaning: Morning sun
Origin: African (Ghanian)
Gender: Boy
Ade
Meaning: Royal
Origin: African (Nigerian)
Gender: Boy
Adebayo
Meaning: He was happy
Origin: African (Nigerian)
Gender: Boy
Amare
Meaning: Handsome
Origin: African
Gender: Boy
Babafemi
Meaning: My father loves me
Origin: African (Nigerian)
Gender: Boy
Bakari
Meaning: Promising
Origin: African (Swahili)
Gender: Boy
Baruti
Meaning: Teacher
Origin: African (Botswanan)
Gender: Boy
Bello
Meaning: Assistant
Origin: African
Gender: Boy
Bem
Meaning: Peace
Origin: African (Nigerian)
Gender: Boy
Betserai
Meaning: Help
Origin: African (Zimbabwean)
Gender: Boy
Bobo
Meaning: A child born on Tuesday
Origin: African (Ghanian)
Gender: Boy
Bodua
Meaning: Animal tail
Origin: African (Ghanian)
Gender: Boy
Bomani
Meaning: Strong soldier
Origin: African (Malawian)
Gender: Boy
Bornani
Meaning: Warrior
Origin: African (Malawian)
Gender: Boy
Bour
Meaning: Rock
Origin: African
Gender: Boy
Bron
Meaning: Origin
Origin: African
Gender: Boy
Chane
Meaning: Plant
Origin: African
Gender: Boy
Chenzira
Meaning: Born while traveling
Origin: African (Zimbabwean)
Gender: Boy
Chi
Meaning: God
Origin: African (Nigerian)
Gender: Boy
Chidike
Meaning: God is strong
Origin: African
Gender: Boy
Chionesu
Meaning: Protector
Origin: African (Zimbabwean)
Gender: Boy
Chisulo
Meaning: Steel
Origin: African (Malawian)
Gender: Boy
Chiumbo
Meaning: Small child
Origin: African (Kenyan)
Gender: Boy
Chuma
Meaning: Bead
Origin: African (Zimbabwean)
Gender: Boy
Dabir
Meaning: Teacher
Origin: African
Gender: Boy
Dada
Meaning: Curly-haired child
Origin: African (Nigerian)
Gender: Boy
Dalia
Meaning: Gentle
Origin: African (Tanzanian)
Gender: Girl
Daren
Meaning: Born at night
Origin: African (Nigerian)
Gender: Boy
Ebo
Meaning: Born on Tuesday
Origin: African (Ghanian)
Gender: Boy
Ehioze
Meaning: Not jealous
Origin: African (Nigerian)
Gender: Boy
Ekon
Meaning: Strong
Origin: African (Nigerian)
Gender: Boy
Enam
Meaning: Gift from God
Origin: African (Ghanian)
Gender: Boy
Essien
Meaning: Name given to the sixth-born
Origin: African
Gender: Boy
Faraji
Meaning: Consolation
Origin: African (Swahili)
Gender: Boy
Fenyang
Meaning: Conqueror
Origin: African (Botswanan)
Gender: Boy
Hasina
Meaning: Good
Origin: African (Swahili)
Gender: Girl
Imamu
Meaning: Spiritual leader
Origin: African
Gender: Boy
Jabarl
Meaning: Valiant
Origin: African (Swahili)
Gender: Boy
Lesedi
Meaning: Light
Origin: African
Gender: Girl
Sanura
Meaning: Kitten
Origin: African (Swahili)
Gender: Girl
Xhosa
Meaning: Sweet
Origin: African (South African)
Gender: Girl
