Welcome to our list of the 50 most popular African boys’ names. Each name has a short explanation of its meaning along with a cool fact about the name.
African names carry deep cultural significance and heritage, reflecting the diverse cultures, languages, and traditions found across African countries. These names often embody values, history, and identity, making them meaningful choices for families.
This list is perfect for:
Many parents and parents seeking meaningful names for their babies and family traditions often choose an African name because of its rich culture and heritage.
African boy names are popular names across the world and are chosen by many parents for their cultural significance and strong connection to history.
Alier: Alier is among the common Dinka names given to newborn boys in South Sudan. It is considered a blessing and means blessed, making it a meaningful African name.
Amana: Amana, on the other hand, is one of the uncommon Swahili names. It means “a warrior at heart who is faithful and loyal” and is regarded as a sweet name.
Amani: As Swahili names swell in popularity across the US, a lot of parents are giving them to their children. An example is Amani. Defined as “peace” and “safety”, this title was held by former New York Giants player Amani Toomer. Alternate spelling: Amanee. Other names with similar meanings include Imani.
Badru: Derived from the Arabic word ‘Badr’, Badru translates to “full moon”. Alternate spelling: Badr.
Bakari: Another originally-Arabic name, Bakari has two denotations: “young camel” and “a promising and lovely human being”. Other names with similar roots include Jabari.
Chacha: Meaning “a strong man”. Chacha is a strong name and an African name.
Chol: A Dinka name for boys. Other names from the Dinka tradition include Alier and Deng.
Deng: Deng is also a Dinka title that’s given to South Sudanese baby boys. It is a given name and an African name.
Djimon: Those who appreciate Yoruba names should add this to their shortlist. Djimon is a strong name and a given name in Yoruba culture, indicating that your son has “strong/powerful blood”. Other names with similar strength include Chacha.
Dut: This name is popular among Dinka-speaking South Sudanese families. Alternate spelling: Doot.
Ebunoluwa: In the Yoruba language, Ebunoluwa is defined as “God’s gift” or “gift of God”. It is considered a blessing.
Elewisa: This name refers to “an intelligent and mindful person” in Swahili. Elewisa is a wise name and an African name.
Enitan: A gorgeously-deep Yoruba name, Enitan means “person of story”. It is one of many Yoruba names, and other names with similar cultural roots include Ebunoluwa and Djimon. Alternate spelling: Enithan.
Fisayo: In Yoruba, Fisayo is another way of saying “God has added to my joy”. Yoruba is one of the many languages spoken in West African countries, and names like Fisayo reflect the rich cultures and linguistic diversity of the region.
Francois: This is one of the most popular Afrikaans names. Pertaining to a “free man”, Francois is the Afrikaans version of ‘Francis’. The name is used in various African countries and across different languages and cultures.
Garang: The symbolism of this Dinka title varies from one South Sudanese community to another. Dinka is one of the many languages spoken in Africa, highlighting the continent's diverse cultures.
Gidea: In its original Hebrew format, Gidea translates to the phrase “was neglected for long, but has started to climb now”. The name is found in different cultures and languages.
Hami: Meaning “defender” or “protector” in Swahili. Swahili is spoken in several African countries, reflecting the linguistic diversity and cultural heritage of the region.
Hansie: Defined as “God is gracious”, Hansie is the Afrikaans variant of ‘Johannes’. The name is used in multiple cultures and languages across Africa.
Henrico: A name that highlights that your son will be a “state ruler”. Henrico is found in various African countries and is used in different languages.
Ife: Meaning “love”. Ife is a West African name, especially common in Nigeria and other African countries, and is used across several languages and cultures.
Iyanu-Oluwa: The Yoruba way of saying “miracle of the Lord”. Yoruba names like Iyanu-Oluwa are prevalent in West African countries such as Nigeria and the Ivory Coast, reflecting the region's diverse languages and cultures.
Jabari: Derived from the Arabic name of ‘Jabbar’, Jabari signifies that you have a “powerful” boy. This is a popular African name and a strong choice.
Jabori: A warm and comforting Swahili name, Jabori means “one who brings comfort to people”. Suitable for a little boy and often chosen.
Jina: In Swahili, Jina translates to a “born investigator” who has “leadership skills” and a “curiosity to learn and gain knowledge”. This is also a popular name in some African communities.
Jok: Jok is a spiritual/godly Dinka figure, often regarded as a father or creator figure in Dinka culture.
Kenyada: This precious name symbolizes a “gem” in Swahili. It is a unique boy's name and can be a meaningful name.
Kenyatta: The Swahili word for “jewel”. Kenyatta is a popular African boy name and is commonly used among South African boys.
Kibet: One of the unique aspects about Kalenjin names and their meanings is that they reference the time, place, and/or circumstance of the child’s birth. With that in mind, Kibet is defined as “born midday”. This is a common South African boy's name and a popular choice.
Kipkemoi: Meaning “born at night”. This boy's name is suitable for a little boy and is a popular African boy name.
Kipkoech: This name means “born very early in the morning”. It is a popular name and is often chosen for South African boys.
Kiprop: Kiprop indicates that your baby boy was “born during the rainy season”. This is a well-known African boy's name and a popular choice for a little boy.
Kipyator: An excellent Kalenjin title for your first son, Kipyator translates to “opening the way”. This name is often given to a boy who is seen as a leader, much like a king.
Kuol: Multiple prominent South Sudanese politicians and public figures are named Kuol. This is a respected boy's name and is popular among South African boys.
Kweli: Meaning “true” in Swahili. Kweli is a meaningful name and a popular African boy name.
Lencho: Lencho is synonymous with “lion”, and it is the Afrikaans equivalent of ‘Leo’. This strong boy's name is suitable for a little boy and is a popular name in South Africa.
Mabior: Mabior is a spiritual Dinka name that symbolizes a “white bull”. It is used in several African countries, reflecting the shared heritage and culture of the Dinka people across the region.
Marial: Marial, on the other hand, pertains to a “black and white type of bull” in Dinka. This name is significant in Dinka culture and is found in multiple African countries, highlighting its cultural and family importance.
Mosi: In Swahili, Mosi is defined as “the first-born child”. Swahili is spoken in many East African countries, and Mosi is used across different languages and cultures in East Africa, emphasizing the region's linguistic diversity and heritage.
Ochieng: An elegant and meaningful option for parents who are enthusiastic about Lou names, Ochieng suggests that your baby boy was “born when the sun shines”. This name is common in East Africa, especially among the Luo people, and is used in several African countries, reflecting the rich culture and family traditions of the region.
Odhiambo: The meaning of this Lou title is “born in the evening”. Odhiambo is widely used in East Africa and is significant for its connection to family heritage and the culture of the Luo people.
Omari: A way to express that your son is “flourishing” or will have a “long life”, Omari is a Swahili name that can be traced back to the Arabic name of ‘Umar’. It is popular in many African countries and is used in multiple languages, showcasing the linguistic diversity and cultural heritage of East Africa.
Omondi: A Lou name that suggests that your boy was “born early in the morning”. Omondi is prevalent in East Africa and is important in Luo culture, symbolizing family and heritage.
Otieno: Meaning “born at night”. Otieno is another name from the Luo people, widely used in East Africa, and reflects the culture, family, and heritage of the region.
Ropo: In Swahili, Ropo means “come to save”. Swahili is spoken in several East African countries, and Ropo is used in different languages, highlighting the linguistic diversity and cultural significance of the name.
Russom: This Swahili title pertains to “one who is a leader/head of the charge”. It is found in various African countries and languages, reflecting the shared heritage and leadership values in African culture.
Rylond: The Afrikaans form of ‘Reynold’, Rylond is a name that symbolizes a “ruler” or “counselor”. This name is significant in South African heritage and culture, often representing family lineage and tradition.
Sefu: Sefu is the Swahili variant of the Arabic name ‘Seif’, and it means “sword”. This is a popular African boy name and a strong choice for parents seeking a meaningful name.
Seye: This Yoruba title is defined as “honor”. Seye is a unique boy's name that appeals to parents seeking culturally significant options.
Taiwo: One of the best picks for those who are expecting twins, Taiwo is a masculine Yoruba name that means “first of twins”. Taiwo is a popular African boy name used among South African boys, making it a great choice for parents seeking tradition and meaning.
Talib: This Swahili title became famous in the U.S. and elsewhere thanks to hip-hop artist Talib Kweli. Talib is a distinctive boy name for parents seeking something unique.
Thon: You may add Thon to our list of Dinka names for boys. Thon is a rare African name, ideal for parents seeking a unique name.
Tobibola: Meaning “big boy in wealth”. Tobibola is a meaningful boy name, especially for parents seeking a name that reflects prosperity.
Tolulope: For those who prefer religious and spiritual names, Tolulope is an excellent Yoruba choice since it translates to “thanks be to God”. This boy name is popular among South African boys and is a wonderful baby name for parents seeking spiritual significance.
Toluwanimi: The Yoruba way of saying “I belong to God”. Toluwanimi is a meaningful boy name, perfect for parents seeking a spiritual and unique baby name.
Zuberi: A Swahili name given to “one who is strong”. Zuberi is a popular African boy name and a strong choice for parents seeking a powerful and meaningful baby name.
This comprehensive list should give you a variety of choices for potential names for your baby boy. They include tribal Dinka names, Swahili titles that are becoming widespread in the Western world, Kalenjin ones that describe the time and place in which your son was born, and many others, including popular South African boy names.
In a few words, your options are just as diverse and unique as the linguistic and cultural makeup of Africa is, offering something for every parent seeking a special baby name. We hope you found this list useful. If you want to change your name we make the process very easy. Simply order a deed poll (and a name change kit if you want to save time) to get started.
