Browse Submitted Names

This is a list of submitted names in which the gender is feminine; and the usage is Eastern African.
gender
usage
Submitted names are contributed by users of this website. The accuracy of these name definitions cannot be guaranteed.
Ismahan f Somali, Persian (Rare), Arabic (Rare)
Variant of Asmahan. This spelling is more typically used within the Somali diaspora.
Itanya f Swahili
Means "hope" in Swahili.
Ityoppya f Amharic (Rare)
Rare Amharic form of Ethiopia.
Jahi f Swahili
Worthy
Jana f Swahili
Means "yesterday" in Swahili.
Jasimini f Amharic
Amharic form of Jasmine.
Jasiri f Swahili
Means "bold, courageous" in Swahili.
Jawaahir f Somali
Somali form of Jawahir. One bearer is Somali-American model Jawaahir Axmed (born 1991), better known by her Americanized name of Jawahir Ahmed.
Jina f Swahili
Means "to walk" in Swahili.
Jua m & f Swahili
Means "sun" in Swahili.
Kaari f Eastern African (Rare), Meru
The name kaari is a name popular used among the Ameru (Meru) community of Kenya. The name is given to a child named after a younger sister of one of the parents. It is especially given by the grandparents... [more]
Kaarr-o f Sidamo
Means "space between upper incisors" in Sidama, this is traditionally held to be a sign of beauty.
Kabinda m & f Luhya
Derived from the Luhya word binda meaning "to enclose doorway with posts". This name is traditionally given to the last child.
Kalifa f Somali
Means "chaste, holy" in Somali.
Kalkidan f Amharic
Amharic for "promise", root words "qal" (ቃል) meaning word, and "kidan" (ኪዳን), meaning covenant, from the Ge'ez language
Kaluwa f Swahili
Means "forgotten one" in Swahili.
Kanika f Mwera
Meaning “black cloth”.
Kʼarooyye m & f Sidamo
Means "wise, clever" in Sidama.
Karugendo m & f Haya
Means "pertaining to a journey" in Ruhaya.
Karúngi f Kiga
Means "something good, beautiful" in Rukiga.
Karungi f Haya
Means "the one who is beautiful" in Haya.
Kaskazi f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "north wind" or "hot season, summer".
Kassa f & m Amharic, Ethiopian
An african name meaning "Reparation, Compensation."
Kayaga m & f Nyoro
Means “The windy month” in Bunyoro.
Kbra f Tigrinya
Used in Eritrea and Tigray, meaning: her glory, her dignity
Kébirunga f Kiga
Means "child of crowns" in Rukiga.
Kebra f & m Eastern African, Ge'ez
Means "glory, praise" in Ge'ez, a liturgical language from Ethiopia. ... [more]
Kelemi f Amharic
Means "colorful" in Amharic.
Kémigisha f Kiga
Means "child of luck" in Rukiga.
Kenyetta f Eastern African, English
Possibly a feminine form of Kenyatta. Asante (1991) gives it the meaning "she is beautiful music".
Kényonyóozi f Kiga
Means "born of the stars" in Rukiga.
Kerubo f Eastern African, Kisii
Means "marsh, plain" in Kisii, given to girls born in the plains.
Khadiija f Somali
Somali form of Khadija.
Khadijo f Somali, Eastern African
Somali variant of Khadija.
Khadra f Somali
Means "lucky, fortunate" in Somali
Kiah f Swahili
Means "dawn" in Swahili.
Kibafupia f Swahili
The name originates from the Swahili words Kibali "acceptance" and Fupi "low". The combination of words combine to make the phrase, "to accept being low", referencing the people in Swahili countries who are poor or lack education... [more]
Kibibi f Swahili
Means "little lady" in Swahili.
Kiburi f & m Swahili
Means "pride" in Swahili.
Kigongo m & f Ganda
Born before twins
Kijana m & f Swahili, African American (Modern)
Means "young person" in Swahili. This is the nickname of American football player Kenneth Leonard 'Ki-Jana' Carter (1973-), given to him by his mother, who was inspired by a minor character in the movie Shaft in Africa (1973).
Kilasa f Nyakyusa
Means "to be outspoken" in Nyakyusa.
Kimana f English, Eastern African
Possibly an invented name, an elaboration of Kim 1 with the name suffix -ana, or a feminine form of Kimani, or from the name of the town in Kenya.... [more]
Kimya f Swahili
Means "silent" in Swahili. This is the name of musician Kimya Dawson.
Kinaya f Swahili
Means "independance" in Swahili.
Kiojah f Swahili
Means "miracle" in Swahili.
Kipenzi f & m Swahili, African
means "darling", "favorite", "loved one"
Kipepeo f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "butterfly".
Kirui m & f Kalenjin
Diminutive of Chepkirui and Kipkirui.
Kisa f Nyakyusa
Means "grace" in Nyakyusa.
Kisima f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "water spring".
Kissa f Ganda (?)
Allegedly a Luganda name meaning "born after twins".
Kiwara f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "savannah".
Kiya f Eastern African
Allegedly means "mine" in Oromo.
Kizza m & f Ganda
"born after twins"... [more]
Kokebi f Amharic
Means "star" in Amharic.
Koket f & m Amharic
"What is mine is yours."
Kokugonza f Haya
Means "the one to be loved" in Haya.
Kokuhumuliza f Haya
Means "the one who soothes" in Haya.
Kokumaramara f Haya
Means "the one who consoles" in Haya.
Kokunura f Haya
Means "the one who is sweet" in Haya.
Kokushekya f Haya
Means "the one who makes people laugh" in Haya.
Konijo f Amharic
Means "beautiful" in Amharic.
Konjo f & m Amharic
"Beauty" (typically used in a feminine context).
Kuchanua f Swahili
Means "blossom" in Swahili.
Kwamboka f Gusii
From Ekegusii tamboka, "to cross over"
Kweli f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "truth".
Kyóbutúngi f Kiga
Means "something that brings wealth" in Rukiga.
Kyómugisha f Kiga
Means "something that brings luck" in Rukiga.
Kyómuhéndo f Kiga
Means "something precious" in Rukiga.
Laal-ì m & f Sidamo
Means "grow!" in Sidama.
Ladan f Somali
A name that means "healthy."
Laheli f Nyakyusa
Nyakyusa form of Rachel.
Lailati f Indonesian, Swahili
Derived from Arabic لَيْل (layl) meaning "night".
Laini f Swahili
Means "fine, soft, smooth" in Swahili.
Lamrot f Amharic
Means beautiful or knowledgable. Also common as a surname in Ethiopia.
Lebna f & m Amharic
Means "spirit, essence" in Amharic.
Lemm-ite f Sidamo
Feminine form of Leemmo.
Lenana m & f Eastern African
Lenana was a famous Maasai Laibon (Spiritual Leader) bearing the name.
Leylo f Somali
Somali form of Leila.
Libin f Somali
Libin means "healthy."
Liya f Eastern African, Ethiopian
Possibly an Amharic form of Leah. It is borne by Ethiopian model Liya Kebede (1978-).
Loza f Amharic
The Amharic form of Luz, the name of a place in the Bible where it is believed Jacob saw his ladder.
Lulia f Tigrinya, Various
Said to mean "Diamond" in Tigrinya. Of Eritrean origin, this name gained some popularity around the world.
Lull f Tigrinya
Used in Eritrea and Tigray, meaning Pearl
Luol m & f Dinka
Luti f Nyakyusa
Nyakyusa form of Ruth 1.
Maana f Somali
Possibly a variant of Maanah.... [more]
Machanda m & f Nyoro
Machanda is the Bunyoro month where sesame seeds are planted and sown.
Madaha f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "grace".
Madini f Swahili
Means "gem" in Swahili.
Madoa f Swahili
This name means ''freckle''.
Magaya f Kaguru
Means "endurances" in Chikaguru.
Magool f Somali
Possibly from the Somali magooli meaning "blossom".
Mahado f Somali
Possibly from the Somali mahad meaning "thanks".
Mahali f Swahili
Means "place" in Swahili.
Maisha f Swahili (Modern)
Means "life" in Swahili.
Majani f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "leaves (of a plant)".
Makini m & f Swahili
Means "of good character" or "strength of character" in Swahili.
Malabo f Somali
From the Somali malab meaning "honey".
Malija f Nyakyusa
Nyakyusa form of Maria.
Maliza f Swahili
Accomplished woman
Maragarita f Haya
Ruhaya form of Margaret.
Marini f Swahili
Means "pretty" in Swahili.
Mariyamu f Haya
Ruhaya form of Mariam.
Marjani f Swahili, Eastern African
Means ‘Coral’.
Maru m & f Amharic
Means "the honey" in Amharic.
Maryama f Arabic (Maghrebi), Somali
Maghrebi and Somali variant of Maryam.
Marye f Amharic
Means "my honey" in Amharic.
Mat'ine f Sidamo
Means "salt" in Sidama.
Matulumi m & f Kaguru
Means "decorations" in Chikaguru.
Matunda f & m Swahili
Means "fruit" in Swahili.
Maua f Swahili
Means "flower" in Swahili.
Mbilime f Kaguru
Means "runner" in Chikaguru.
Meafnya f Datooga
Means "one who cannot be hidden" in Datooga.
Mediferiash-work f Amharic
Means "your means of being bold is gold" in Amharic.
Medius f & m English (African), Eastern African
Borrowed from Latin medius meaning "middle; half; moderate; indifferent." It is mostly used in Uganda where, compared to other surrounding countries, it is usually feminine in usage.
Mejereksa f Datooga
Means "one who cannot be controlled" in Datooga.
Melaher f Ethiopian
Means “wisdom of god”.
Mepoho f Eastern African
A famous bearer of the name was the Mijikenda diviner Mepoho.
Meseret f & m Eastern African, Amharic
Means "foundation" in Amharic.
Mesi f Yao (Modern)
Modern variant of Miesi.
Meskerem f Ethiopian
Means "September" in Ethiopian.
Mich m & f Luo (Modern)
"blessings"
Miesi f Yao
Means "water" in Yao.
Mihret m & f Ge'ez, Amharic
Means "mercy", ultimately from Ge'ez ምህረት
Mikal f Ethiopian (?)
This name means who's like god.
Misgana f Ethiopian, English (American, Modern, Rare)
From Amharic ምስጋና (məsgana) "glory, praise, honour; thanks, gratitude".
Misuli f Swahili
Means "muscle" in Swahili.
Mkarkara f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "passion flower".
Mor m & f Luo (Modern)
"happiness"
Mpawenimana f Rundi
Means "I was awarded by God" in Kirundi.
Mrihani f Swahili
Swahili form of Reyhan.
Mudan f Somali
Means "merit, deserve" in Somali.
Mugeni m & f Kaguru
Means "stranger" in Chikaguru.
Mukabakama f Haya
Means "a wife of kings" in Haya.
Mukejuwa f Kaguru
Means "sun's wife" in Chikaguru.
Muringa f Kikuyu
Means "a wire" in Kikuyu.
Mwamini f Swahili
Means "honest" in Swahili.
Mwara f Kikuyu
Means "the clever one" in Kikuyu.
Mwiza f Rundi
It means someone good heart, appearance, character and personality. Second meaning "Beautiful"
Nabirye f Eastern African
Meaning unknown.
Nadifa f Somali
Feminine form of Nadif.
Najuma f Swahili
Means "abounding in joy" in Swahili.
Nakaggwa f Ganda
second child (girl) after twins
Naki f Swahili
the first born girl in the family
Nardos f Ethiopian, Biblical, Spanish
"An amazing scent. Appears in the bible as a perfume used on Jesus."... [more]
Naserian f Eastern African
Means “the lucky one" in Samburu, a variant of Maasai language.
Naserian f Eastern African
Means “one born during peaceful times” in Maasai.
Nashaad f Somali
Means "vibrant" in Somali.
Nashipie f Swahili
This is a Maasai name given to young girls, meaning "joy"
Nasi f & m Amharic
Means "brass" in Amharic.
Nasra f Arabic, Somali, Swahili
Means 'helper, support" in Arabic.
Nassoole f Sidamo
Feminine form of Nassool-a.
Nasteexo f Somali
A name from the word meaning "advice, counsel."
Nasteho f Somali
Means "advice" or "counsel" in Somali.
Nathari f Swahili
Means "prose" in Swahili.
Natukunda m & f Kiga, Tooro, Nkore
Meaning ‘He loves us’ in Nkore and Kiga.
Nayfa f Swahili
Means "benefit" in Swahili.
Ndigwako f Nyakyusa
Means "I am yours" in Nyakyusa.
Ndimbuni f Nyakyusa
Means "I am saved" in Nyakyusa.
Nebiri f Amharic
Means "leopard" in Amharic.
Nelah f Swahili (Rare)
Gift with purpose. Composition if Nia (meaning purpose) and Nala (meaning gift)
Nelugendo f Kaguru
Means "traveller" in Chikaguru.
Neššo f Sidamo
Means "small statured" in Sidama.
Nesuha f Ethiopian
Possible from an Arabic root nasuh which means something like sincerity, often found in the religious context taubat-an-nasuha meaning sincere return or repentance.
Nhial m & f Nuer, African Mythology
The Nuer counterpart of Nhialic, the main creator god of Dinka mythology.
Niara f Eastern African, Swahili
Means of high purpose
Nigesa f Swahili
Means "born during the harvest season" in Swahili.
Nimo f Somali
Somali version of the Arabic names Nima 1 and Nimat meaning "blessing."
Niyogushima f Rundi
Means "God should be thanked" in Kirundi.
Nizigiyimana f Rundi
Means "I hope in God" in Kirundi.
Njoki f Kikuyu
Means "the one who resurrected" in Kikuyu.
Njozi f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "dream".
Nnyinamukari f Kiga
Meaning unknown.
Nshimirimana f Rundi
Means "I thank God" in Kirundi.
Nshubemuki f Haya
Means "what can I repeat" in Haya.
Nula f Swahili
Variant of Nola and Nala 2.
Nyabeel f Nuer
Means "girl of the corn" in Nuer.
Nyaboke f Gusii
From Ekegusii oboke "honey"
Nyagũra f Kikuyu
Means "the one who buys" in Kikuyu.
Nyakeru f Kikuyu (Rare)
Yours means someone in the ancestry or kin of those who had lighter complexion "nyamweru" was your first or in some cases little one from the wilderness for the wilderness is known as "werú"
Nyakwêzi f Kiga
Short form of Nyinakwezi.
Nyaliep f Nuer, African Mythology
Nuer Goddess of the River.
Nyamayarwo m & f Nyoro
This name means ‘meat for Death’, indicating the worst of luck.
Nyambugi f Kikuyu
Means "the one with bells as anklets" in Kikuyu.
Nyamihanda f Kiga
Means "mother of paths" in Rukiga.
Nyamiti f Kaguru
Means "medicine" in Chikaguru.
Nyanjúra f Kiga
Means "mother of rain" in Rukiga.
Nyapal f Nuer
Nyapal is the mean of let's pray ... [more]
Nyaring f Dinka
Literally "running" in Dinka. It could be given to a baby whose mother was running (or getting out) while the labour started.
Nyaruai f Kikuyu (Rare)
More curious to know what ruai means with that you can get to know the name for it means one who comes from 'the ruai'
Nyasi f Swahili
Means "grass" in Swahili.
Nyawĩra f Kikuyu
Means "the hardworking one" in Kikuyu.
Nyinakwezi f Kiga
Means "mother of the moon" in Rukiga.
Nyoka f & m Literature, African American, Swahili
A name created by Edgar Rice Burroughs for his novel Nyoka The Jungle Girl. ... [more]
Nyokabi f Kikuyu (Archaic)
Kikuyus call the maasai "ukabi" this was for girls born from this intermarriage meaning she who came from maasai land
Nyoni f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "bird".
Nyota f Swahili, Lingala
Derived from Swahili and Lingala nyota meaning "star".
Nyuki f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "bee".
Obax f Somali
It means “as delicate and beautiful as a flower” in Somali.
Olekina m & f Eastern African, Maasai
Best known as the given name of a Maasai Politician from Kenya.
Orera f English (Modern, Rare), Spanish, Southern African, Eastern African
Possibly from Spanish or Italian orera meaning, "aurora." See also Aurora.
Ozoro f Eastern African
Amharic name, said to come from a biblical name meaning "strength of the Lord" (in which case it is partly from Hebrew ’az "force, strength" and a relative of Oz 2).
Panya f Swahili
The crowned one.
Qumman f Somali
Means "upright, honest" in Somali.
Raaxo f Somali
Means "enjoyment, comfort" in Somali.
Rafiki m & f Eastern African, Popular Culture
Means "friend, comrade" in Swahili. This Swahili word is derived from Arabic رَفِيق‎ (rafīq) "companion" (see Rafiq). This is the name of the baboon mentor of Simba and Mufasa in the Disney movie 'The Lion King' (1994).
Rahwa f Tigrinya
Means "satisfied" in Tigrinya.
Raqiiyaa f Somali
Somali form of Raqiya.
Rashahel f Somali (?)
Somali form of Rachel.
Raxmo f Somali
Means "kindness" in Somali.
Reabetswe f Somali
Means "we have been provided for" in Sesotho.
Roor-ì m & f Sidamo
Means "exceed!" in Sidama.
Rua m & f Swahili
used mainly among swahili community for both boys and girls. ... [more]
Rukuba m & f Nyanga, Central African, Eastern African, African Mythology
Rukuba is a folk hero in Nyanga mythology, who happens to be a Basenji dog. His name has an unknown meaning.
Saante f Sidamo
Means "coin" in Sidama.
Sacdiyo f & m Somali
Most likely a Somali variant of Sadia.
Sadao f Swahili
Means "leader" in Swahili.
Sadora f Ethiopian, English (American)
Sador is the Coptic Christian (Ge'ez) word for the piercing on Jesus' ribs by the lancet. Adding an "a" at the end feminizes it.... [more]
Safari f & m Swahili, Bantu, American (Modern, Rare)
Means "journey" in Swahili, from Arabic سَفَر‎ (safar). It is commonly used by Eastern Bantus in Kenya, given to babies born when traveling or given in reference to a lot of traveling by a relative... [more]
Sagal f Somali
A name that derives from the word sagal which means morning rays of the sun during the rainy season.
Sahra f Somali, Arabic, German (Modern, Rare), Turkish, English (Modern, Rare)
Literally from Arabic صحراء (ṣaḥrāʾ) meaning "desert" as well as a variant of Zahrah.
Sainab f Somali, Thai (Muslim), Indonesian (Rare)
Somali, Thai and Indonesian form of Zaynab.
Sakabeju f Nyakyusa
Means "potato leaf" in Nyakyusa.
Sakabwesye f Nyakyusa
Means "to win" in Nyakyusa.
Sakalenge f Nyakyusa
Means "made of flowers" in Nyakyusa.
Salujoja f Nyakyusa
Means "of the feathers" in Nyakyusa.
Salume f Nyakyusa
Nyakyusa form of Salome.
Samalasele f Nyakyusa
From the Nyakyusa name for a type of bird.
Samanya f Kaguru
Means "she who is unknown" in Chikaguru.
Samiiro f Somali
Somali form of Samira 1.
Samrawit f Ethiopian
Ethiopian name meaning "belonging to Samra".
Sarabi f Swahili, Popular Culture
Means "mirage" in Swahili. This is the name of the mother of Simba and mate of Mufasa and in the Disney movie The Lion King (1994).
Sarafina f Swahili
Apparently means "bright star" in Swahili. The name might be best known from the South African musical "Sarafina!" Also, the name is often easily confused with the Hebrew name Seraphina, but despite looking similar in appearance, both names clearly have completely different etymologies.
Saredo f Somali
Etymology uncertain, possibly from the Somali sare meaning "high, advanced".
Sauti f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "voice, noise".
Sebie f Ethiopian
Meaning "Autumn".
Sehin f Amharic
Means "incense" in Amharic.
Selam f & m Eastern African, Amharic
Means "peace" in Amharic.
Sella f African, Southern African, Eastern African, Indonesian
Meaning unknown. It may be a loan word from Arabic صَلَّى‎ (ṣallā), meaning "to pray, to bless," or Arabic سَلَّى‎ (sallā), meaning "to amuse, entertain, comfort." It may also be a variation of Selah.
Semhar f & m Tigrinya
Means "Eritrean region" in Tigrinya.
Semira f Amharic, Turkish, Bosnian
Feminine form of Semir.
Seynab f Somali
Somali form of Zaynab.
Shaadiyya f Somali
Somali form of Shadya.
Shani f Swahili
Means "wonder" in Swahili.
Shawana f Swahili, African
means "grace"
Shida m & f Swahili, Persian
The name is originated from Arabic language meaning horrible, suffering, hardness or struggles
Shumbusho f & m Rwandan, African
God's consolation. Used both as a family name or a first name.
Sibagege f Nyakyusa
Means "let matters face you" in Nyakyusa.