Africa, the Cradle of Humanity, is a place of deep history and fascinating culture. All of this history instills a quiet power behind the African names that come from the peoples of the region.
There are many different languages that are spoken in Africa today as a result of the continent’s storied past. Swahili and Arabic are two of the most commonly spoken languages in Africa, but there are many other languages spoken there that all added together and gave life to a tremendous variety of African names.
Names like Abeba, which means “flower,” Imani, which means “faith,” and Nia, which means “purpose,” are excellent girl names from Africa that look and sound beautiful while also having great meanings.
Other African girl names, like Zola, which means “calm,” Zuri, which means “beautiful,” and Makena, which means “happy one,” carry a certain flair that gives them a lot of personality.
Whether you have your own roots set in Africa or you simply want to expose yourself to as many ideas as possible, our list of incredible African girl names is just what you need. Check out our curated list of African names for girls and their meanings below.
Abeba
Meaning: Flower
Origin: African
Ada
Meaning: First daughter
Origin: African (Nigerian)
Adana
Meaning: Her father’s daughter
Origin: African (Nigerian)
Akili
Meaning: Bright, smart
Origin: African (Tanzanian)
Alika
Meaning: Most beautiful
Origin: African (Nigerian)
Ama
Meaning: Saturday’s child
Origin: African (Ghanese)
Amadi
Meaning: Rejoicing
Origin: African (Nigerian)
Ameena
Meaning: Trustworthy
Origin: African (Swahili)
Ashia
Meaning: Hope. Mythology: the wife of a Hindu demigod
Origin: African (Somali)
Aziza
Meaning: Precious
Origin: African (Swahili)
Binta
Meaning: With god
Origin: African
Bisa
Meaning: Greatly loved
Origin: African
Bolanle
Meaning: The one who finds wealth at home
Origin: African
Chika
Meaning: God is supreme
Origin: African (Nigerian)
Dalia
Meaning: Gentle
Origin: African (Tanzanian)
Deka
Meaning: Pleasing
Origin: African (Somali)
Eshe
Meaning: Life and energy
Origin: African
Fajah
Meaning: Thanks
Origin: African
Fayola
Meaning: One who walks with honour
Origin: African
Hadiya
Meaning: Gift
Origin: African (Swahili)
Hasina
Meaning: Good
Origin: African (Swahili)
Imani
Meaning: Faith
Origin: African
Isis
Meaning: Goddess Isis of the Egyptian pantheon
Origin: Egyptian
Jamila
Meaning: Chaste
Origin: African (Somali)
Jendayi
Meaning: Grateful and thankful
Origin: Zimbabwe
Jina
Meaning: Named child
Origin: African (Swahili)
Kadeesha
Meaning: One with an expressive, outgoing nature
Origin: African
Kalifa
Meaning: Chaste; holy
Origin: African (Somali)
Keisha
Meaning: Great joy
Origin: African
Leal
Meaning: Faithful
Origin: African
Lulu
Meaning: Pearl
Origin: African (Tanzanian)
Makeba
Meaning: Greatness
Origin: African (Ethiopian)
Makena
Meaning: Happy one
Origin: African
Mandisa
Meaning: Sweetness. Sweet
Origin: African (South African)
Neema
Meaning: Born in prosperity
Origin: African (Swahili)
Nia
Meaning: Purpose
Origin: African
Nichelle
Meaning: Victorious maiden
Origin: African
Nzinga
Meaning: Beautiful
Origin: African
Oba
Meaning: River goddess
Origin: African
Quiesha
Meaning: Favourite
Origin: African
Sanura
Meaning: Kitten
Origin: African (Swahili)
Shaniece
Meaning: Gift of God
Origin: African
Tanesha
Meaning: Born on Monday
Origin: African
Xhosa
Meaning: Sweet
Origin: African (South African)
Zahra
Meaning: Flowering
Origin: African (Swahili)
Zalika
Meaning: Well-born
Origin: African (Swahili)
Zola
Meaning: Calm
Origin: African
Zuri
Meaning: Beautiful
Origin: African