African girl names are rich in culture, history, and meaning. They reflect the diversity and uniqueness of the African continent, home to over 1,000 different languages and numerous distinct cultures.
Many African girl names have religious or spiritual significance, while others are based on important historical events, places, or people. Some names are also chosen based on the time or day of a child’s birth, with specific names associated with certain days of the week.
We have compiled a list of 100 African girl names that truly celebrate the continent’s rich and diverse heritage.
In This Article
100 African Girl Names and Meanings
In this comprehensive list of 100 African girl names, we provide the names and their meanings, variations, countries of origin, and some short historical descriptions.
Adanna
Adanna is a popular girl's name among the Igbo people of Nigeria. It is often given to the first-born daughter, symbolizing the importance of the father-daughter relationship. Adanna Duru is an American singer-songwriter of Nigerian descent who gained fame through her appearances on American Idol.
Amara
Amara is a popular name in Nigeria and other African countries, meaning "grace". Amara La Negra is a Dominican-American singer and actress who rose to fame through her appearances on the reality TV show Love & Hip Hop Miami.
Amina
Amina is a popular Arabic name meaning "trustworthy", often given to girls who are believed to be honest and sincere. Amina of Zazzau was a legendary queen of the city-state of Zazzau (now Zaria) in what is now Nigeria.
Asha
Asha is a Swahili name meaning "life", often given to girls who are believed to bring vitality and energy to their families. Asha Bhosle is an Indian playback singer who has recorded over 12,000 songs in 20 Indian and foreign languages.
Ayana
Ayana is a popular name among the Oromo people of Ethiopia, meaning "beautiful flower". Ayana Mathis is an American novelist and writer, best known for her debut novel, The Twelve Tribes of Hattie.
Binta
Binta is a popular name among the Fulani people of West Africa, meaning "with God". Binta Niambi Brown is a Sierra Leonean-American poet and writer, known for her works exploring black identity and diaspora.
Blessing
Blessing is a name of English origin, often given to girls in West Africa as a way of expressing gratitude for a "divine gift". Blessing Okagbare is a Nigerian athlete who has won multiple medals at the World Championships and Commonwealth Games.
Chiamaka
Chiamaka is a popular Igbo name meaning "God is beautiful", often given to girls who are believed to be blessed with inner and outer beauty. Chiamaka Nwosu is a Nigerian-American model and fashion designer, known for her work promoting African fashion.
Chimamanda
Chimamanda is a popular Igbo name meaning "my God will not fall", often given to girls as a way of expressing faith and hope in difficult times. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian novelist and writer, known for her works exploring themes of feminism, race, and identity.
Dara
Dara is a popular name among the Yoruba people of Nigeria, meaning "blessings". Dara Torres is an American former swimmer who has won 12 Olympic medals and set several world records.
Dikeledi
The name Dikeledi is of Tswana origin and means "tears". It is a beautiful name with a poignant meaning, often given to baby girls who are born in difficult or challenging circumstances. Tswana is a Bantu language spoken in South Africa, and the name Dikeledi reflects the resilience and strength of the people of this region.
Ebele
Ebele is a beautiful and popular name in Nigeria, particularly among the Igbo people. It means "mercy", and is often given to baby girls as a wish for them to have a merciful and compassionate nature. Ebele Okobi is a Nigerian human rights activist who has made significant contributions in promoting and protecting human rights in Africa.
Efe
Efe is a Yoruba name that means "wealth". It is a popular name among the Yoruba people of Nigeria and is often given to baby girls as a wish for them to be prosperous and successful in life. The Yoruba people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria and have a rich cultural heritage.
Efua
Efua is a beautiful name of Akan origin that means "born on Friday". Among the Akan people of Ghana, it is traditional to name babies after the day they are born, and Efua is the name given to baby girls born on a Friday.
Ejura
Ejura is a beautiful name of Twi origin that means "born on a market day". Among the Akan people of Ghana, it is traditional to name babies after the day they are born, and Ejura is the name given to baby girls born on a market day.
Ekenedilichukwu
Ekenedilichukwu is a unisex name that is commonly given to children of the Igbo tribe in Nigeria. The name is made up of three words: "Eke" meaning praise, "Ndi" meaning all or everybody, and "lichukwu" meaning God.
Enitan
Enitan is a Yoruba name that is commonly given to girls. The name means "person of story" or "one who has a story" in the Yoruba language.
Esi
Esi is an Akan name that is commonly given to girls born on a Sunday.
Fatima
Fatima is a name of Arabic origin that is commonly given to girls. The name means "one who abstains" in Arabic and is associated with self-discipline and restraint. The name is also the name of the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, who is highly revered in Islamic culture, and of Fatima al-Fihri, who founded the oldest existing, continually operating university in the world.
Femi
Femi is a Yoruba name that is commonly given to boys and girls. The name means "love me" in the Yoruba language and is a name that is associated with affection and kindness.
Funmilayo
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti was a Nigerian educator, political campaigner, suffragist, and women's rights activist. She was the first Nigerian woman to drive a car and the first woman to hold a seat on the executive council of the Nigerian Union of Teachers.
Gbemisola
Gbemisola is a Yoruba name that translates to "carry me into wealth." It is a unisex name but is more commonly given to girls. Gbemisola Saraki, a former senator in Nigeria, made significant contributions in improving healthcare and education in her country.
Habiba
Habiba Akumu Nanyonga was a Ugandan physician and women's rights activist. She was the first woman from her tribe to earn a degree in medicine and was instrumental in the establishment of the Uganda Women's Medical Association.
Halima
Halima Aden is a Somali-American model and activist who was the first woman to wear a hijab in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant. She has since been featured in numerous fashion campaigns and magazine covers, and has used her platform to promote diversity and representation in the fashion industry.
Ifeoma
Ifeoma Okoye is a Nigerian author and feminist who has written extensively about the experiences of African women. She is best known for her novel "Behind the Clouds", which won the 1991 Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best First Book.
Imani
Imani is a Swahili name meaning "faith."
Isoken
Isoken is a name from the Edo people of Nigeria and means "satisfying to the eye." It is often given to girls who are considered beautiful or attractive.
Jamila
Jamila is an Arabic name meaning "beautiful." It is a popular name throughout the Muslim world and has been given to notable women such as Jamila Wideman, a former professional basketball player.
Jendayi
Jendayi is a name from the Shona people of Zimbabwe and means "give thanks." It is a unisex name and is often given to children born during or after a period of hardship. Jendayi Frazer is a notable bearer of the name, having served as the United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs from 2005 to 2009.
Kadiatou
Kadiatou is a name from the Manding people of West Africa and means "born to lead." It is a name often given to girls who are expected to achieve great things in life. Kadiatou Diallo, mother of Amadou Diallo, is a notable bearer of the name, having become an activist for police reform after her son's killing by police in 1999.
Kainene
Kainene is an Igbo name meaning "let's keep watch". It is the name of a character in the novel "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The novel is set during the Nigerian Civil War and follows the lives of several characters, including Kainene, as they navigate the political and personal challenges of the time.
Kemi
Kemi is a Yoruba name meaning "savior". It is a popular name in Nigeria and has been borne by several notable individuals, including Kemi Adeosun, the former Nigerian Minister of Finance.
Khadija
Khadija is an Arabic name meaning "premature child". It is the name of the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad and is therefore a popular name among Muslim families.
Kibibi
Kibibi is a Swahili name meaning "little lady". It is a popular name in East Africa and has been borne by several individuals, including Kibibi Ajanku, a dancer and choreographer known for her work in contemporary African dance.
Kofi
Kofi is an Akan name meaning "born on Friday". It is a popular name in Ghana and the Ivory Coast. Kofi Annan, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations. Annan was the first person of sub-Saharan African descent to hold the position and played a significant role in promoting peace and development throughout the world.
Laila
Laila is a beautiful Arabic name that means "night" or "born at night." In Islamic tradition, Layla is the name of the object of the love of the poet Qays, and has been used in many poems and songs throughout history.
Latifah
Latifah is a popular Arabic name meaning "kind," "gentle," or "pleasant." It is often given to girls with a sweet and caring nature. Queen Latifah is a famous namesake who has used her platform to advocate for social justice and women's rights.
Lebohang
Lebohang is a popular name in the Sotho language that means "be thankful." It is a unisex name often given to both boys and girls. In Southern Africa, the name is associated with the virtue of gratitude and the importance of showing appreciation.
Lelena
Lelena is a unique African girl's name of Tsonga origin, meaning "there is a crown." It is a name that symbolizes the pride and joy of having a daughter. The name has become more popular in recent years, as parents look for names that are both meaningful and original.
Lulama
Lulama is a beautiful Xhosa name that means "residence of pearls." It is a name that is often given to girls who are seen as precious and valuable. Lulama Xingwana is a famous namesake who has made significant contributions to South African politics.
Makeda
Makeda is the Ethiopian name for the Queen of Sheba, who is known for her legendary visit to King Solomon of Israel.
Malebo
Malebo is a Tswana name that means "to plant." It is a popular name in Botswana, where agriculture is an important part of the economy.
Mariama
Mariama is a Swahili name that means "the one who is fair or pure." It is a common name in several African countries and is often given to girls who are believed to be blessed with beauty, grace, and purity.
Marjani
Marjani is a Swahili name that means "coral." It is a unique and beautiful name that is not commonly used but has been gaining popularity in recent years.
Mawusi
Mawusi is an Ewe name that means "born on a Monday."
Mbali
Mbali is a Zulu name that means "flower." In Zulu culture, flowers are associated with love and happiness. Mbali is a popular name in South Africa and has been used for several characters in African literature, such as the protagonist in Mbali and Lion, a children's book by Niki Daly.
Mirembe
Mirembe is a Luganda name that means "peace." It is a popular name in Uganda and is also used in neighboring countries like Kenya and Tanzania. Mirembe is a significant name in Ugandan history as it was the name given to the ship that brought the first group of Ugandan Asians to the United Kingdom during the Idi Amin regime.
Monifa
Monifa is a Yoruba name that means "I am lucky." It is a unisex name and can be given to boys or girls. Monifa is a popular name in West Africa and has been used for several notable people, such as the American R&B singer Monifa Carter and the Curaçaoan model Monifa Jansen.
Morayo
Morayo is a Yoruba name that means "I am joyful."
Mosi
Mosi is a Swahili name that means "first." It is a popular name in East Africa and is often given to the first-born child. Mosi is also a surname and has been used for several notable people, such as the Tanzanian film director Mosi Secret and the American football player Mosi Tatupu.
Nadifa
Nadifa is a Somali name meaning harmony or peace. It is a popular name in Somalia and other parts of East Africa.'
Nadira
Nadira is an Arabic name meaning rare or precious. It is a name that has been used throughout the Middle East and North Africa.
Nala
Nala is a Swahili name meaning successful. It is a name that has gained popularity in recent years, likely due to the character Nala in the popular Disney movie "The Lion King." Nala is the childhood friend and eventual love interest of Simba, the protagonist of the movie.
Ndeye
Ndeye is a Wolof name from Senegal, meaning "her mother's daughter." The name reflects the importance of the mother-daughter relationship in Wolof culture. The name is commonly given to girls born on a Wednesday, which is considered an auspicious day in Wolof culture.
Nefertiti
Nefertiti is an Ancient Egyptian name meaning "the beautiful one has come." It is the name of a famous queen of Ancient Egypt who was the wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten. Nefertiti is known for her beauty and her powerful influence during her husband's reign.
Nia
Nia is a Swahili name meaning "Purpose." The name became popular in the U.S. during the Black Power movement of the 1960s and '70s.
Njoki
Njoki is a Kikuyu name meaning "A girl born during the rainy season." The Kikuyu people are the largest ethnic group in Kenya, and the rainy season is significant for their agriculture.
Nkechi
Nkechi is an Igbo name meaning "God's own." Nkechi Okocha is a Nigerian track and field athlete who won a gold medal at the 1990 Commonwealth Games.
Nkosazana
Nkosazana is a Zulu name meaning "Princess." It is a common name in Southern Africa and is often given to girls born into royalty or families of high social standing. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is a South African politician who served as the country's Minister of Health and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Nneka
Nneka is an Igbo name meaning "Mother is supreme." The name reflects the importance of mothers in Igbo culture and is often given to girls as a reminder of their mother's love and guidance. Nneka Egbuna is a Nigerian activist and musician known for her activism against corruption and injustice in Nigeria.
Nokukhanya
Nokukhanya Luthuli was the daughter of Albert Luthuli, a South African anti-apartheid activist and the first African to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1960.
Noma
In Swahili, Noma means "blessing" or "fortune." It can also be used as a diminutive of Nomalanga, which means "the sun is shining" in Zulu. Noma Dumezweni is a British actress known for her role as Hermione Granger in the play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Nompilo
Nompilo is a popular Zulu name meaning "life" or "gift." It is also a common name for girls in Zimbabwe. In 2011, South African musician Zonke Dikana released a song titled "Nompilo" which was dedicated to her late sister.
Nthabiseng
Nthabiseng is a Sotho name meaning "make me happy." It is a popular name in South Africa and Lesotho. Nthabiseng Mokoena is a South African athlete who competed in the 2012 London Olympics, while Nthabiseng Kgoronyane is a South African actress known for her role in the film "Inxeba (The Wound)."
Nuru
Nuru is a Swahili name meaning "light." It is also used as a masculine name in Arabic.
Ogechukwu
Ogechukwu is a popular Igbo name given to girls. It is often used to express that God's time is the best and that one should trust in divine timing.
Oluwakemi
Oluwakemi is a Yoruba name given to girls to symbolize that God has blessed them. The name is a combination of two Yoruba words, "Oluwa" meaning "God" and "Kemi" meaning "bless me."
Onyinyechi
Onyinyechi is an Igbo name that means "God's gift." It is a popular name given to girls in Nigeria, and it symbolizes the belief that children are a gift from God.
Oyinda
Oyinda is a Yoruba name given to girls that means "Honey produced on arrival." The name symbolizes the joy and sweetness that a new baby brings to the family.
Palesa
Palesa is a Sotho name that means "Flower." The name is often given to girls as a symbol of beauty, growth, and new beginnings.
Qamara
Qamara is a Swahili name that means "moon". The moon holds special significance in many African cultures, and is often associated with feminine energy. In African mythology, the moon is sometimes seen as a symbol of fertility and motherhood.
Qondiswa
Qondiswa is a Xhosa name that means "to be healed". Xhosa is a Bantu language spoken in South Africa, and is one of the official languages of the country. The name reflects the importance of healing and wellness in African cultures, where traditional healers and medicine men and women play an important role in maintaining physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
Rudo
Rudo is a Shona name that means "love". Shona is a Bantu language spoken in Zimbabwe and Mozambique, and is the most widely spoken Bantu language in Zimbabwe.
Safiya
Safiya is a Swahili name that means "pure". The name reflects the importance of purity and cleanliness in many African cultures, where hygiene and ritual cleanliness are often seen as essential for spiritual and physical health. Safiya is also the name of a wife of Prophet Muhammad, and is considered a virtuous and pious woman in Islamic tradition.
Salama
Salama is a Swahili name that means "peace". Salama is also a common Arabic name that means "safety" or "security", and is often used in Islamic contexts as a greeting or farewell.
Sanaa
Sanaa is a name of Swahili origin that means "artistry" or "creativity". Sanaa Lathan is an American actress known for her roles in movies such as "Love & Basketball" and "The Best Man".
Sanelisiwe
Sanelisiwe is a Zulu name that means "we have enough girls". The name is given to celebrate the birth of a girl in families where there are already many girls.
Sefako
Sefako is a Tswana name that means "gift". Sefako Makgatho was a South African politician who was the president of the African National Congress from 1917 to 1924. He was also the father of former South African president Nelson Mandela.
Selam
Selam is an Amharic name that means "peace". It is a popular name among the Amhara people of Ethiopia.
Selloane
Selloane is a Sotho name that means "wealth".
Serwaa
Serwaa is a name of Akan origin that means "born on a Thursday".
Shani
Shani is a Swahili name that means "wonderful". It is a unisex name that is popular in East Africa. Shani is also a Hebrew name that means "red", and is a nickname for the name Sharon.
Simisola
Simisola is a Yoruba name that means "rest in wealth". It is a unisex name that is popular among the Yoruba people in Nigeria.
Subira
Subira is a Swahili name that means "patience". The name reflects the importance of patience in African culture, and the need to remain steadfast in the face of adversity.
Tabia
Tabia is a Swahili name that means "good-natured". It is a name that is associated with kindness, compassion, and a positive attitude.
Tariro
Tariro is a Shona name commonly given to baby girls in Zimbabwe. The name means "hope," and it is a popular choice among parents who wish to convey a sense of optimism and positivity to their children.
Thandiwe
Thandiwe is a name of Zulu and Xhosa origin, meaning "beloved." Thandiwe Newton is an English actress known for her roles in films like "The Pursuit of Happyness" and "Crash." In 2021, she announced that she would be reclaiming the original spelling of her name, which had been misspelled as "Thandie" early in her career.
Thembisa
Thembisa is a Xhosa name meaning "to bring hope." Thembisa Mdoda is a South African actress and presenter known for her work on shows like "Our Perfect Wedding" and "Isibaya." In 2017, she won the SAFTA Award for Best Presenter.
Umi
Umi is a Swahili name meaning "life." Umi Vaughan is an African American author and scholar known for her book "Umi's Legacy," which explores the life and work of her father, artist and activist Amiri Baraka (formerly known as LeRoi Jones).
Uzoma
Uzoma is an Igbo name meaning "good way." Uzoma Asagwara is a Canadian politician and community organizer of Nigerian descent. In 2019, she was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, becoming the first Black person and first openly LGBTQ person to hold a seat in the assembly.
Wairimu
Wairimu is a popular name among the Kikuyu people of Kenya, which is derived from the name of a Kikuyu clan. The name is usually given to girls born after the arrival of the clan's season or period of plenty.
Wambui
Wambui is a Kikuyu name that means "singer". In Kenyan culture, music is an integral part of everyday life, and singing is often used to express emotions or to pass down traditions.
Wuraola
Wuraola is a Yoruba name that means "gold of wealth". In Yoruba culture, gold is a symbol of wealth and prosperity, and the name Wuraola is often given to girls believed to bring good fortune to their families.
Xoliswa
Xoliswa is a Xhosa name that means "peaceful". The Xhosa people are one of the largest ethnic groups in South Africa.
Yaa
Yaa is an Akan name that means "born on a Thursday". Yaa Asantewaa, a Ghanaian queen and warrior, is a notable bearer of the name who led a rebellion against British colonialism in 1900.
Yara
Yara is a beautiful name of Arabic origin that means "small butterfly." Yara Shahidi, an American actress and activist, is a well-known namesake of the name. She is an advocate for social justice and has used her platform to raise awareness about issues such as gun violence and voting rights for young people.
Yasmeen
Yasmeen is a name of Arabic origin meaning "Jasmine flower". Yasmeen Ghauri is a famous Canadian model who was one of the top supermodels of the 1990s.
Zahara
Zahara is a name of Swahili origin meaning "flower". Zahara Marley, commonly known as simply Zahara, is a South African singer-songwriter who has won several awards, including eight South African Music Awards.
Zainab
Zainab is an Arabic name meaning "Fragrant flower". In Islamic tradition, Zainab was the name of the Prophet Muhammad's daughter. Zainab al-Khawaja is a Bahraini human rights activist who has been jailed multiple times for her activism.
Zuri
Zuri is a Swahili name that means "beautiful". It is a popular name among the Swahili-speaking people of East Africa. Zuri Marley is a Jamaican-American singer and the granddaughter of reggae legend Bob Marley.