One of the ways to identify someone from Africa is by the name he or she bears. The names connect them to their tribe or origin, and apart from that, a peculiar thing about those names is that they have specific meanings. So, if you are looking for the perfect African boy name for your baby or just researching the topic, there are lots of things to learn in this article.
Africans believe that the right name stays with the bearer for the rest of his or her life. This is why African parents are always careful and picky when it comes to naming their children. Below is the list of beautiful African names and their meanings.
Male African names
Do you need names that your little handsome man will grow to appreciate you for? These are black baby boy names and meanings that you can consider:
- Azzam – Determined, resolved
- Addae – Morning sun
- Azhar – Shining, Luminous
- Abdulrahman – Servant of the merciful
- Adom – Help from God, God’s blessing
- Ameer – Prince
- Amin – Trustworthy, faithful
- Ade (Male) – Royal
- Adebayor – He came in a joyful time
- Akanni – Our encounter brings possession
- Abiola – Born in wealth/honor
- Amani – Trust; Safety
- Azizi – Precious
- Babafemi – My father loves me
- Bobo – born on Tuesday
- Bem – Peace
- Baruti – Educator
- Bhekizizwe – Looking for nations
- Barasa – Meeting people
- Bursar – Practical wisdom
What African name means warrior?
In some African cultures, people believe that when a child is named after a warrior, the child imbibes such a spirit. Below are common African warrior names:
- Shomari – Forceful
- Zuberi – Strong
- Adofo – Warrior
- Ajamu – He fights for what he wants
- Ajani – He fights for possession
- Bomani – Warrior
- Fenyang – Conqueror
- Gamba – Warrior
- Harb – War
- Hondo – War
- Jabari – Brave
- Jelani – Mighty
- Kamau – Quiet warrior
- Khalfani – Destined to rule
- Kondo – War
- Lutalo – Warrior
- Nangwaya – Don’t trifle with me
- Nassor – Victorious
- Ojore – A man of war
- Runihura – One who smashes to bits
Popular African boy names meaning king
As a part of Africa’s rich culture, peculiar names are given to heirs to the throne. So, when you hear certain names, it is easy for you to trace them to royalty. Here are some examples of African names meaning king:
- Oba – King
- Eze – King
- Malik – King
- Kgosi – King or chief
- Chibueze – God is the king
- Mandlenkosi- Strength, power, and king
- Tafari – He who inspires awe
- Sultan – Ruler or king
African names for twins
In the past, some African tribes saw twins as a bad omen, hence the killing of twins. However, some other African tribes find them as messengers of the gods. Below are peculiar names twins in Africa usually bear:
- Odion – Elder of twins
- Oko – Elder of twins
- Atsu- Younger of twins
- Kpodo – The older of twins
- Ochen – One of the twins
- Ochin – One of the twins
- Opiyo – First of twins
- Taiwo – First Born of twins
- Magomu – Younger of twins
- Odongo – Second of twins
- Zesiro – Elder of twins
- Akwetee – Younger of twins
- Kehinde – Secondborn of twins
- Ovbhokhan – Second of twins
- Akhere – Younger of twins
African baby boy names
Parents from this continent love to give their baby boys cute African boy names. Below are some that you may want to consider:
- Adeben – 12th Born Child
- Adebowale -Return of the crown
- Ademola – Crown is Added to My Wealth
- Osaro – There is God
- Oziegbe – Exercise Patience
- Nnamdi – My father still abides
- Ndwiga – Kenyan word for giraffe
African American baby boy names
Africans in America are usually influenced more by western culture when naming their children. Examples of African American boy names are as follows:
- Calvin – Little bald one
- Caleb – Devotion to God
- Craig – From the rocks
- Daran – Great
- Autry – Noble strength
- Booker – Scribe
- Busta – Fellow or friend
- Jamal – Handsome
- Jaylen – Jaybird
- Joshua – Yahweh is salvation
- Elijah – God is powerful
- Farrell – Superior man or heroic
- Gabriel – God is my strength
- Hampton – High settlement
- Herold – To rule or be a warrior
- Isaiah – Yahweh is salvation
- Izaak – Laughter
- Ahmed – Highly praised
- Asaad – Lion
African unisex names
In this part of the world, some unique African names can be given to either a male or a female child. Below are some common African unisex names:
- Boitumelo – Joy
- Chidiebere – God is merciful
- Chidiebube – God is glorious
- Chifundo – Mercy
- Chifuniro – Will wish
- Enitan – A person with a story
- Enu – Fifth-born child
- Akpofure – Life is peaceful
- Akuchi – Wealth from god
- Boipelo – Proud
What are South African names?
If you are considering a name for your child, South African names are beautiful. Apart from that, they have lovely interpretations. Therefore, here are some African names for boys that you can go for:
- Refilwe – We were given
- Rudo – Love
- Rutendo – Faith
- Sandile – We increased
- Sekani – Laugh
- Sibonakaliso – Sign, token, proof
- Sibusiso – Blessed
- Sifiso – Wish
- Sizwe – Nation
What name means beautiful in Swahili?
In Swahili, different names connote beauty. Name your little king Hassian to signify handsome. If you do not want that, you can also choose between Kenyatta, meaning Jewel or Kamili, which stands for a child that is perfect and without flaws. Jamal is another name meaning handsome or beautiful.
Hopefully, you have found some names that interest you and will be perfect for your little king from the African boy names that have been listed above.
