The name is a crucial factor in determining the success and development of a child. The great importance placed on the character opens up many opportunities for parents to select their child’s name according to their personality and qualities. African terms are usually defined by place, event, or meaning. This post will provide 100 baby boy names with meaning. Read also the 100 baby girl names with meaning.
Contents
1. Abdullah
Abdullah is an Arabic name for boys meaning prominence and importance. The name is often used as the first name for boys born by Islamic people and those from Arab countries. The meaning of the word Abdullah is generally taken as a holy one and is a popular boys’ name in Islamic culture.
2. Abbas
Abbas is an Arabic name for boys, a nobleman, leaders, or powerful men. This name can also be written Abbass or Abdus.
3. Amari
This is the name of a hero from the Nollywood movie Amari, who was made to die by his selfish father. The name roughly translates to “the one who will not die.”
4. Amartey
The word Amartey is a typical Ghanaian long name meaning “the one who will not die .”The native name Amartey is also widely used in other parts of Africa, such as Cameroon and Ghana.
5. Bongani
Bongani is the name of a journalist and sports commentator in the TV program Soccer Africa.
6. Ebusua
Abu means “my father” in the African language Ga. The name Ebusua is also used as an alternative to Ebenezer, following Biblical tradition where Samuel was used.
7. Femi
Femi comes from the Yoruba language root word ” semi,” meaning little boy. This is a common name in Nigeria. This name is also the preferred spelling used by NPR, the US National Public Radio station.
8. Kofi
Kofi is the most common Ghanaian name meaning “lord .”The full name Kofi Adjato Ananwuka Musah is, for example, also a popular Ghanaian boy’s name.
9. Hakim
Hakim is a name used by many Muslims. According to the Koran, Hakim stands for God’s divine law. Traditionally this has been considered the most popular Muslim name.
10. Ibrahim
Ibrahim is another popular Islamic name across the world, meaning “the one who laughs .”It is also used in Ghana and Nigeria as two separate names – Ibrahima and Ibrahim, respectively.
11. Nazir
Nazir originates from an Arab word meaning “one who keeps watching” or “one who sees it.”
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12. Mandla
Mandla is widely used in South Africa as a boys’ name. It has several meanings, among them being “the one who gives hope” and “the one who rules.”
13. Mbugu
The name Mbugu is closely related to the name Mogho, which means the one who rules in the African language Fon.
14. Menelik
Menelik originates from Ethiopia and is widely used as a boy’s name. The name comes from the Amharic language meaning “Meskel is the one who rules.”
15. Mahala
Mahala originates from South Africa and is mainly used as a first name for boys, with several meanings. It means “the one who rules” or “who does not die .”The second spelling of the name, Mala, means “a son” in the African language Tswana.
16. Sipho
The name Sipho has several meanings, among them being “the one who will not die” and “the one who is born on the road .”The first spelling, Siphosihle, is a preferred spelling on the South African ID cards.
17. Thandolwethu
Thandolwethu is another name used as the first name in South African families. It means literally “one who rules” and is often used as an alternative to Themba, with several meanings.
18. Siyabonga
Siyabonga originates from South Africa and is often used as a short name for names like Sibongiseni or Sibusiso. It means “the one who works miracles.”
19. Fikile
Fikile is a popular first name for boys in South African families. The term can be written as Phikile or Fikele. It translates to “the one who was born on the road” and is an alternative spelling of the Xhosa word Bhekizulu (the king).
20. Amogelang
Amogelang is the name of the deputy chairman of the African National Congress branch in South Africa. The name means “the one who is born with gifts,” making it obvious that he is not a poor man.
21. Bonginkosi
Bonginkosi is a popular name among men in South Africa and can be used as an alternative spelling for Bongani, meaning “the one who laughs.”
22. Arno
Arno is a German musician and actor, but also a very popular first name given in South African families. Its meaning is “the one who protects the people.”
23. Andile
Andile is an alternative spelling of Ndile and means “the one who serves” or “the one who gives light.”
24. Bandile
Bandile is an African name of Zulu origin, meaning “the one who listens,” which is quite different from its male counterpart, Boli, which means “the one who answers.”
25. Andiswa
Andiswa is a unique name with the Xhosa first name meaning “the one who listens and obeys” and the Sesotho surname prefix meaning “the daughter of .”Not many people are familiar with this name, and it sounds rather intriguing.
26. Gontyne
Gontyne comes from the South African language Tsonga and means “the one who does not die .”It is usually used in surnames as well.
27. Kgosi
Despite being fairly popular in Namibia, Kgosi is a name used by Christian tribes and is seldom used as a first name in South Africa. The name means “the king.”
28. Kenny
Kenny is an alternative spelling of Khanyisile and means “the king,” which is somewhat confusing considering that it comes from Kgosi.
29. Nhlanhla
The name Nhlanhla originates from South Africa and means “the one who protects the people .”The alternative spelling Nhlalane translates to mean “the protector” or “the guardian.”
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30. Kamogelo
Kamogelo is a name that can be used as an alternative to Kamogelo, which means “the one who knows everything.”
31. Masiza
Masiza is the name of a famous African author and activist. It means “the one who has power.”
32. Nyanda
The name Nyanda comes from South Africa, where it is popular among royalty families. The name means “the king” and translates to the Xhosa language as Umdoni.
33. Katlego
Katlego is a name from the Sesotho language that means “the one who is strong .”It is also used as a first name in Sandton, South Africa.
34. Mduduzi
Mduduzi is a name used by many Zulu families and means “the one who will not die .”It translates to the Xhosa language as Umqinye, a more traditional spelling.
35. Lubanzi
Lubanzi is a name used by many Basotho families and means “the one who knows everything.”
36. Madosizwe
Madosizwe is widely used as a first name in South Africa, but its meaning is actually “the one who knows everything.”
37. Molefi
Molefi means “the one who has faith” but can also be interpreted as “who will not die .”The name Molefi has multiple meanings in the Sesotho language.
38. Melokuhle
Melokuhle is a name used by many Sesotho families and means “the one who does not die” or “the one who is born on the road.”
39. Thabang
Thabang comes from South Africa and means “the one who laughs .”It is also the African name of American singer-songwriter David ‘Thab’ Chileshe.
40. Mpho
Mpho originates from South Africa and can be used as an alternative spelling of the Sesotho name Mosa, meaning “the one who travels” or “the traveler.” The first spelling is more popular.
41. Nkululeko
Nkululeko is an interesting name with a lot of meanings in African languages. It means literally “the one who creates peace” but can also tell “the one who speaks” or “one who watches.”
42. Onkarabile
Onkarabile is the name of a Namibian artist and a South African word that means “the one who does not die.”
43. Thokozani
Thokozani comes from the Sesotho language, “the one who speaks .”It is also an alternative spelling of the Xhosa first name Tobeka, meaning “one who speaks good words.”
44. Rufaro
Rufaro is a name of old Kongo origin. It is uncertain how it got to the coastal area of Sierra Leone, but there are many who take it as a way of honoring the people of that region. The word “Rufaro” means ‘the king.’
45. Sbusiso
The name Sbusiso is a name of old Zulu origin. It means ‘he of the seven pouches .’The story goes that a man had six sons, who were named after the pouches he used to carry his goods. One day, he lost a pouch and gave his son this name.
46. Sese
It means ‘head .’That’s why Sese could be considered as combining “head” with “first” or “successful.”
47. Simbarashe
Simbarashe is a name of old Shona origin. It means ‘the first child born after twins .’Zimbabweans named Simbarashe could have been this lucky kid.
48. Tumi
Tumi is a very interesting name meaning ‘the person who has arrived .’However, there is a bit of controversy about its root because some people say that it comes from the Portuguese word “Tomar,” which means “to take.”
49. Jawara
Jawara is an African boy name, its origin is in Ghana, that means “The walking stick”.it is
50. Kweku
Kweku is an African boy name, its origin is in Ghana and it has the following meaning “what will be will be”.it is also a surname for some Africans whose last names have been taken by slavery.
51. Tsitsi
The name Tsitsi means ‘the moon’ in Shona, which is the language people use in Zimbabwe. It is an interesting feminine name that you could give your daughter if you are looking for something different or unique.
52. Zeshauzile
The name Zeshauzile is an interesting one because it means “the one who was born after twins .”The Zulu people used to call their twins “isiduko.”
53. Teboho
The name Teboho means ‘victorious warrior’ in Sesotho, which is the language used by the people of Lesotho. It could be a good name to consider for African parents looking for something with a warrior meaning.
54. Vuyiswa
The name Vuyiswa is an interesting one because it means ‘the voice of the people. This was originally a Zulu name.
55. Xolani
The name Xolani translates as ‘the return of the sun .’It is a good name to give to children born at the end of summer. It will remind them that winter is not far away and that the sun will return.
56. Zablon
The name Zablon means ‘the one who became rich. It is a good example of how African names are linked to wealth because this name was used by people from different parts of Southern Africa.
57. Thulani
Thulani means “the second child .”It is a good name to give to twins.
58. Tsheva
The name Tsheva is a Shona name meaning ‘won’t you dance .’It is a very interesting feminine name with a special meaning and also very friendly in connotation. It could be the perfect name to give your daughter if you want her to have something unusual or unique in her life.
59. Seleka
The name Seleka means ‘will you come. It is a very interesting name to give to your son if you want him to have a unique and attractive name. The name is linked to wealth because it is believed that this was used as a name by people from different parts of Southern Africa.
60. Moshe
This name means ‘heaven’ in Hebrew, which is the language of the ancient Jews. The name is for African people who believe in the power of this word because there are many who take it as their way of naming their children according to their faith.
61. Xoliswa
One of the names that could be considered for African parents looking for a unique name for their son is Xoliswa. This means ‘the one who knows everything. There are many people who take this as their way of naming their children according to their faith.
62. Amare
The name Amare is one of the many names coming from Northern Africa. It means ‘will you want to come. This name is a very nice African name to give to your son if your family lives in different regions of the world because it is always easier for African people to learn and understand other languages.
63. Atlas
The name Atlas comes from ancient Greek mythology. It means ‘the one who holds up the Earth.’
64. Azizi
The name Azizi is a Swahili name meaning ‘the appointed one .’It is a good name to give to African children of parents who believe in the power of this word because it is believed that this was used as a name by people from different parts of Southern Africa.
65. Azaria
The name Azaria means ‘God helped .’It could be an interesting choice for African parents because it could inspire their children and remind them that they are always protected.
66. Badru
The name Badru means ‘rainbow .’It is an interesting name to give African children because it is believed that rainbows help people to remember that there are always new colors in their lives.
67. Abhay
The name Abhay means ‘the one who does not fear. This name could be considered for African parents because it represents a very strong message, which is what African names are all about.
68. Bwana
The name Bwana means ‘the great,’ or ‘the one who is great .’It is a very interesting name to give your child because it can inspire him and remind him that he has the power to make his life extraordinary.
69. Dalmar
The name Dalmar means ‘the one who makes everything happen .’It is a very interesting name to give your child because it is linked to wealth; this name was used by people from different parts of Southern Africa.
70. Bambu
Bambu is a name of the Xhosa origin and means ‘village’. The Xhosa language people used in South Africa has many meanings that could be considered as names for their children.
71. Ibrahim
The name Ibrahim means ‘the one who comes .’This is a very good African name to give your son if you are looking for something unique because it reminds him that he has a wonderful future in life.
72. Ilanga
This name comes from the Kimbundu language spoken in Angola. It means ‘to inherit’ and is an interesting choice for African parents looking for unique names for their son or daughter.
73. Jomo
The name Jomo means ‘the one who kills .’It is a very interesting name to give your son because it represents a very strong message, which is what African names are all about.
74. Keshani
The name Keshani means ‘the firstborn .’It is an interesting name to give African children because it can inspire them and remind them that they have a wonderful future in life.
75. Juma
The name Juma is an Arabic name meaning ‘the one who is born on a holy day .’This could be used by parents of African descent who believe in the power of this name.
76. Khamisi
The name Khamisi means ‘the one who does not want to talk .’It is a very interesting choice for African parents looking for something with a strong message. This name was used by people from different parts of Southern Africa.
77. Mosi
The name Mosi means ‘the one who is born at the beginning of the rain .’It is a good choice for African parents looking for something meaningful and special.
78. Mohammed
The name Mohammed is also an Arabic name, which means ‘the one who is praised .’It could be used by African parents if they believe in the power of this word because it was used as a name by people from different parts of Southern Africa.
79. Mwenye
The name Mwenye means ‘the beauty. It is an interesting choice for African parents because it could inspire their children and remind them that they are always protected.
80. Ndlovu
The name Ndlovu means ‘the one who is courageous .’It is a very interesting choice for African parents looking for a strong message in the names they give their children.
81. Omari
The name Omari means ‘the boy or the man who has he’s. This is a very nice choice for African parents who believe in the power of this word.
82. Oma
The name Oma means ‘the one who shines .’It is a good African name to give your son if you want him to have something special in his life.
83. Radhi
The name Radhi means ‘the one who helps .’This could be a good choice for African parents looking for a meaningful name to give their son.
84. Sadick
The name Sadick means ‘the one who brings happiness .’It is a very interesting choice for African parents who believe in the power of this word because it was used as a name by people from different parts of Southern Africa.
85. Tafari
The name Tafari means ‘the one who is a king .’This could be an interesting choice for African parents because it represents a very strong message, which is what African names are all about.
86. Tariq
The name Tariq means ‘the one who leads. It is an interesting name to give African children because it can inspire them and remind them that they have a wonderful future in life.
87. Baako
Baako is one of the names which means “praise” in many African languages. It is also a type of cloth.
88. Bakoi
This name has many meanings: to praise, to praise God; the meaning comes from its old (African) definition of cloth made from cotton. The name is also used as a nickname for people with sweet personalities whose nature is to be kind and gentle.
89. Gbeke
It is a creative name used in Ghana, and it means a specific meaning: “the world.” It’s also pronounced as Bekay and Beyke, among other variations.
90. Kefa
This name means “to praise God,” almost as if to say this name has to be used with reason because it is for a “praise God.”
91. Chukwuka
This name means “praise the Lord .”It is a short form of Chukwukaemeka or even Chukwukaemuchukwu, which means “God’s power.”
92. Evandrias
This name means “born in January” in Yoruba culture. The month of January was named after Roman emperor Julius Janus who was born and died on the first day of the month, thus making it a special month for mankind.
93. Gbenas
The name is used in northern Nigeria, and it means strength. It can also be used as an adjective, and the meaning would be of great strength.
94. Izuagbe
This name means “born with wealth or riches” in the Igbo culture of southern Nigeria, while in the Yoruba language, it means “wealthy .”In some Nigerian cultures, this name is considered to be an endearment meaning the same thing as ‘precious.’
95. Gbala
The name means “to praise God,” like the other names on this list. In Yoruba, it is pronounced as Babala. The name is still used in the Italian language in the form of Babalaba, much like the other names mentioned here and there on this post that we’re all created from the same concept of giving thanks to God for his blessings.
96. Gwamena
It means “heavenly” in Igbo, while it’s also used to mean “person of great stature or height .”It’s also a shortened version of Gwarima and Gwarimu, which means “to praise God.”
97. Jekaak
A name means that which is needed or required. This name is popular in several countries, such as Akshi and Ghana.
98. Kadejo
This name means “great” in the Akan language of Ghana (a language spoken in Ghana). It is a short form of the names Kwadjo, Kawada, and so on. There are various other names that add to its meaning of greatness, like Kwaku and Kwarto.
99. Jangiwa
The word can be used as a noun or adjective depending on your geographical location. In Nigeria, it can be used to mean “joyful child” or “child brought with joy,” while in South Africa, it stands for “the family of God.”
100. Kosei
This name is a variation of Kosay, which means “God’s faithfulness” in the Akan language, spoken by about two-thirds of Ghana’s population. It can also be found in the Igala language of Nigeria and the Hausa language of northern Nigeria.