African Submitted Names

African names are used on the continent of Africa, covering a wide number of languages. See also about African names.
gender
usage
Submitted names are contributed by users of this website. The accuracy of these name definitions cannot be guaranteed.
Tinopiwanashe f Shona
Means "we are given by God" in Shona.
Tinotenda m & f Shona
Meaning “we believe” and “ we gives thanks or gratitude.” Longer forms of the name would be Tinotendaishe or Tinotendanashe.
Tinozivaishe f Shona
Means "we know God" in Shona.
Tintadêfi f Berber
Means "sweetness, of sweetness" in Tamazight.
Tintfsut f Berber
Means "of spring" in Tamazight.
Tintifawin f Berber
Means "of the light, shining" in Tamazight.
Tintlelli f Berber
Means "of the free" in Tamazight.
Tintswalo f Tsonga
Means "grace" in Xitsonga.
Tintziri f Berber
Means "moonlit" in Tamazight.
Tinu m Yoruba
Diminutive of names beginning with tinu- such as Tinuade, Tinubu, Tinuke, Tinuola, Tinuosho, Tinuoso and Tinuoye... [more]
Tinus m Afrikaans, Dutch
Usually a short form of Martinus, but there are also cases where it is a short form of Constantinus.
Tinyiko m & f Tsonga
Means "gifts" in Xitsonga.
Tipagya f & m Dagbani
Means "we thank God" in Dagbani.
Tirhani m & f Tsonga
Possibly from the Xitsonga word tirha meaning "work".
Tiri f & m Western African, Ijaw
Means "outsider" in Ijaw.
Tirivanhu m Shona
Means "We are people". This name says do not look down upon us or take us for granted, we are human like you
Tirivashe m & f Shona
Means "We belong to the Lord". #This is a Christian name for believers declaring their loyalty to God".
Tiroyamodimo m Tswana
Means "God's work" in Setswana.
Tiruneh m Amharic
Means "you are good" in Amharic.
Tisa m & f Swahili
Means "nine" in Swahili. It is often given to the ninth-born child.
Tisent f Berber
Means "salt" in Amazigh.
Tissa f Somali
A gift from God
Tisungane m & f Chewa
Means "let us keep each other" in Chewa.
Titem f Berber
Berber diminutive of Fatima.
Titi f Yoruba
Means "forever" in Yoruba and is typically a short form for names starting with Titi such as Titilayo.
Titilola f & m African, Yoruba
Means "wealth is forever" in Yoruba.
Titilolami f African
Means "my wealth is eternal"... [more]
Tiwul f Berber
Means "of the heart" in Tamazight.
Tiya f & m Kongo
Flame
Tiyamiyu m Yoruba
Mans "my mother is the dearest" in Kwa.
Tiyani m & f Tsonga
Means "be strong" in Xitsonga.
Tiyiselani m & f Tsonga
Means "persevere, endure" in Xitsonga.
Tiyumba m & f Dagbani
Means "let's love them" in Dagbani.
Tiyumtaba m & f Dagbani (Modern)
Meaning: "Let's love one another"
Tiyya f Berber
Means The"Nice"
Tizazu m Amharic
Means "His command" in Amharic.
Tizemt f Berber (Rare), Northern African (Rare)
Means "lioness" in Tamazight, ultimately from ⵉⵣⴻⵎ (izem) meaning "lion" (chiefly Moroccan).
Tizirai m Shona
Means "Run to". This refers to running to take refuge in.
Tiziri f Northern African, Berber
Means "moonlight" in Tamazight.
Tizita f Eastern African, Amharic, Ethiopian
Means "memory" in Amharic.
Tlafulki f Berber
Means "beauty" in Tamazight.
Tlali m Sotho
Means "lightning" in Sotho.
Tlangelani m & f Tsonga
Possibly from the Xitsonga word tlangela meaning "celebrate".
Tlatig f Berber
Means "worthy" in Tamazight.
Tlaytmas f Northern African (Modern)
Female name meaning "The one with brothers/has brothers". Combination of "Tla" meaning "has", and "Ytmas" meaning "Her brothers".
Tlhokomelo m & f Sotho
Means "care" in Sotho.
Tlholo m Sotho
Means "victory" in Sesotho.
Tlotliso f & m Sotho
Means "honour" in Sotho.
Toba m Yoruba
Short form of Oloruntuba.
Tobechukwu m Igbo
Means "praise God" in Igbo.
Todini m & f Shona
Means "What shall we do?". This is a name of exclamation or questioning given by a parent who is lost regarding what to do in their circumstances
Toendepi m Shona
Means "Where shall we go". #This name is given where a family has grievances against their neighbours and desire to move away".
Tofunmi m & f Yoruba
a strong desire for success and all the amenities of affluence.
Tokoloho f Sotho
Means "freedom" in Sesotho.
Tokoni f Ijaw
Means "praise" in Ijaw.
Tokunbo m & f Yoruba
Means "returned from overseas". It is often given to children born abroad and brought home.
Tola m & f Yoruba
Means "prominent for success" in Yoruba, derived from meaning "as prominent as" and ọlá meaning "wealth, success, nobility". It is also a short form of longer names such as Omotola, Oyètọ́lá, Tọ́lání and Tọ́láṣe.
Tolulope f & m Yoruba
Means "to the Lord be Praise" in Yoruba.
Toluwanimi m & f Yoruba
Means "I belong to the lord" in Yoruba.
Tomi m Nigerian
Means "the people" in Kalarbari, spoken in Nigeria.
Tomi f Nigerian
Nigerian for "sufficient"
Tomisin m & f Nigerian
Originated from yoruba culture in Nigeria,
Tomutenda m Shona
Meaning “we give thanks to him”, a longer form of the name is Tomutendaishe, whilst Tom is the shorter form.
Tomutendaishe m & f Shona
Meaning “we give thanks to He who is the Lord”, it is synonymous with the names Tinomutendaishe and Tovatendaishe.
Tonderai m Shona
Means "remember" in Shona.
Tonny m & f Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Dutch, Central African
Variant of Toni 1 and Toni 2, which are short forms of Anton and Antonia respectively... [more]
Tonta f Bamileke
Bagangte, Cameroon
Tonye m & f Ijaw
Short form of Ayibatonye.
Toperesu f & m Shona
"Flaming sword" believed to be used by the kings
Topollo f Sotho
Means "emancipation, release" in Sesotho.
Tor m Tiv
Means "king" in Tiv.
Torevei m & f Shona
Means "What shall we say?". This is a name of exclamation or questioning given by a parent who is a lost for words regards the situation they are in
Toroabasi m & f Ibibio
Means "thank god" in Ibibio.
Tosin m & f Western African, Yoruba
Short form of Oluwatosin.
Totit f Amharic
Means "monkey" in Amharic. It is used as a nickname in Ethiopia.
Touka f Berber
Variant of Tuka.
Touya f Berber
tree, tamazight
Towera f Southern African, Tumbuka
Means "beauty" or "beautiful". Traditionally the name was given to a child born after death(s) of a preceding sibling. The belief was that this new born is beautiful for death or beautiful for the soil.
Toyosi m & f Nigerian, Yoruba
Means "something to rejoice about" in Yoruba, also used as a short form for other names ending in -toyosi including Olutoyosi or Oluwatoyosi.
Trofimus m Afrikaans (Archaic), Dutch (Archaic)
Afrikaans and Dutch form of Trophimus.
Trudene f English (Rare), Afrikaans
Elaborated form of Trudy.
Tryna f Afrikaans
Afrikaans form of Trijna and thus a short form of Catharina and Catherina (compare Tryntje).
Tsakani f & m South African, Tsonga
The meaning is "to be happy". It was popularized by Tsakani Mhinga. She was a South African singer who died in 2006.... [more]
Tsanainesh f Ge'ez
Means "you are a sun" in Ge'ez.
Tsebo m Sotho
Means "knowledge" in Sesotho.
Tsegaye m Ge'ez
Means "my grace" in Ge'ez.
Tsehai m & f Ge'ez
Means "sun" in Ge'ez.
Tsela m Sotho
Means "path" in Sesotho.
Tšelang-lerato f Sotho
Pour in, love
Tsemru m Ge'ez
Means "his wool" in Ge'ez.
Tshala f Luba
Meaning unknown. It comes from the Tshiluba language, spoken in DR Congo.
Tshanduko m & f Venda
Means "change" in Tshivenda.
Tshediso m Sotho
Means "consolation" in Sesotho.
Tshegofatso f South African, Sotho
Means "blessing" in Sotho.
Tshela m & f Central African
Western Luba unisex name derived from the phrase cyela makàsà meaning "enfant born feet first".
Tshenolo m Tswana
Means "revelations" in Setswana.
Tshephang m & f Tswana
Means "be trustful" in Setswana.
Tshephoyame m & f Tswana
Means "my faith" in Setswana.
Tshepiso f Tswana
Means "a promise" in Setswana.
Tshiamo f & m Tswana
Means "goodness" in Tswana.
Tshiananeo m & f Venda
Means "tale, story" in Tshivenda.
Tshianda m & f Luba
Short form of Tshiandanda.
Tshiandanda m & f Luba
This name is given by Luba people when the newborn has at least four older siblings of the opposite gender.
Tshibola m & f Luba
Means "rotten" in Luba-Kasai.
Tshifhiwa m Venda
Means "gift" in Tshivenda.
Tshilidzi f & m Venda
Possibly means "Grace". A notable bearer is Tshilidzi Marwala, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Internationalisation at the University of Johannesburg.
Tshilobu m & f Luba
Means "brave" in Luba-Kasai.
Tshilongo m Luba
Means "flower" in Luba-Kasai.
Tshimangadzo m & f Venda
Means "miracle" in Tshivenda.
Tshimologo f Tswana
Means "beginning" in Setswana.
Tshintu m & f Luba
Means "big object" in Luba-Kasai.
Tshireletso f Tswana
Means "protection" in Setswana.
Tshupelo m Tswana
Means "witness" in Setswana.
Tshwanelo f Tswana
Means "rights" in Setswana.
Tsietsi m African
Used in South Africa and means "angry".... [more]
Tsige m & f Ge'ez
Means "flower" in Ge'ez.
Tsitsi f Shona
Means "mercy, compassion" in Shona.... [more]
Tsoalo f & m Sotho
Means "birth".
Tsofo m Hausa
Means "old" in Hausa.
Tsotang m Sotho
Means "amazement" in Sesotho.
Tsui m Khoekhoe, African Mythology
The Khoikhoi god of rain and thunder.
Tsul f Berber
Means "lively" in Tamazight.
Tsundzuka m & f Tsonga
Means "remember" in Xitsonga.
Tsungai m & f Shona
Meaning “be resilient; persevere”.
Tsungirirai m Shona
Means "perseverance" in Shona.
Tubbo m Luhya
Means "lover of bees; friend of all" in Luhya.
Tuburuode m Western African, Ijaw
Means "they have moved northward" in Ijaw.
Tuda f Berber
Means "enough" in Tamazight.
Tudatt f Berber
Means "ewe" in Tamazight.
Tuelo f & m Tswana
Means "payment" in Tswana.
Tuere f Swahili (Rare)
Means "sacred" in Swahili.
Tufani f & m Swahili
Means "storm" in Swahili.
Tufayyur f Berber
Means "more beautiful than the moon" in Tamazight.
Tufitran f Berber
Means "more beautiful than the stars" in Tamazight.
Tufitri f Berber
Means "more beautiful than a star" in Tamazight.
Tuftent f Berber
Means "the most beautiful" in Tamazight.
Tugertent f Berber
Means "tallest" in Tamazight.
Tuka f Berber, Arabic
Means "Fear of God" in Berber.
Tukufu m Swahili
Means "exalted" in Swahili.
Tukuswiga m Nyakyusa
Means "we are surprised" in Nyakyusa.
Tumai f Eastern African
Means "hope" in Swahili.
Tumas m Arabic, Somali
Arabic form of Thomas.
Tumbopile f Nyakyusa
Means "let us love Him" in Nyakyusa.
Tumelano m Tswana
Means "agreement" in Setswana.
Tumert f Berber
Means "happiness" in Tamazight.
Tumisang m & f Tswana
Means "give praise" in Tswana.
Tumisho m & f Sotho
Means "glory" in Sotho.
Tumsilt f Berber
this name means ‘one who is well-built’.
Tumwimbilege f Nyakyusa
Means "let us sing for Him" in Nyakyusa.
Tunani m Central African
Middle name of soccer player Benik Afobe.
Tunaruz f Berber
Means "hope" in Tamazight.
Tunau m Hausa
Means "remember" in Hausa.
Tungibwaga m Nyakyusa
Means "we should not forget" in Nyakyusa.
Tuni m & f African
Meaning different and gifted in east Africa, specifically Kenya
Tuntum m Akan
Means "the black" in Akan.
Turai f Hausa
Name given to a girl born on a Tuesday.
Tureght f Berber
From the Amazigh uregh meaning "gold".
Tusmo f Somali
Means "in tandem" in Somali.
Tutonda m Kongo
Means "to thank" in Kongo.
Tutondele m Kongo
Means "we thank you" in Kongo.
Tutsirai m Shona
Means "add to what's already there" in Shona.
Tutu m & f Western African, South African
Means "cliff dweller".
Tuwilika f African
Originates from Namibia, africa. Means "guide us"
Twelani f Tsonga
Possibly from the Xitsonga word twila meaning "pity, feel pity".
Tyjah m & f African, African American (Modern)
Apparently means "smart" in one of the languages on the African continent. However, the name can also be derived from the name abbreviation (or initials) T.J., which is typically pronounced as "tee-jay" and its pronunciation henceforth developed into a first name of its own right (Teejay).
Tzeddig f Berber
Meaning unknown.
Uakile m Tsonga
“He has built”
Ubax f Somali
Means "flower" or "blossom" in Somali.
Ubena m Eastern African
Probably derived from a place name in Tanzania.
Ubonemem m & f Efik (Modern)
Means "offspring of peace" in Efik.
Ubong m & f Efik
Means "my glory" in Efik.
Uchechea m Igbo
Means “think about it” in Igbo.
Uchechukwu m & f Igbo, African
Based on the IGBO belief in a Supreme deity, Chukwu whose decision or will is final in the determination of human fate or destiny. It is a combination of two words of the Igbo (IBO), language, UCHE (WISH,WILL,THOUGHT) and CHUKWU (GOD)... [more]
Uchi m African, Literature
Uchi is of African-Igbo origin. Uchi is a derivative of the African and Igbo Uchechi. This is the name of Uchi Akimbo, a character in the "Harry Potter" series written by J.K. Rowling.
Udad m Berber
Means "ram (male sheep)" in Tamazight.
Udeera f Swahili
Udeera was a baby born in the covenant of kings in africa she went through trials and tribulations growing up , stories told that god helped her throughout hard times and starvation.... [more]
Udemeobong m Efik
Means "my share from God" in Efik.
Udendaneki f Datooga
Means "the spring, source of water" in Datooga.
Udo m Efik
Means "second son" in Efik.
Udofia m Efik
Means "fourth son" in Efik.
Udofia m Ibibio
Means "third son" in Ibibio.
Udofot m Efik
Means "fourth son" in Efik.
Udoh m Efik
Means "second son" in Efik.
Udoh-udoh m Efik
Means "third son" in Efik.
Udoka m Nigerian, Igbo
Allegedly an Igbo name meaning "peace is above all else"; compare Udo 2.
Udom m Efik
Means "right" in Efik.
Udonna m Igbo
Means "Father's Peace" in Igbo.
Udonne f Igbo
Means "Mother's Peace" in Igbo.
Uduakabasi m & f Ibibio, Efik
Means "will of God" in Ibibio and Efik.
Uduma m Igbo
The name means serenity, quietness. It's derived from the deity god of river, Uduma mmiri. A deity believed to be responsible for maintaining stillness of the waters in ohafia community in Igbo race.
Ufot m Efik
Means "third son" in Efik.
Ugbaad f Somali
Variant of Ugbad.
Ugbad f Somali
The meaning is a "Bouquet of Roses". It is a new name, people used it as a very advanced language term of the meaning.
Ugo m & f Igbo
Means "eagle" in Igbo. It is also a short form of names containing the element ùgó.
Ugonna m Igbo
Meaning "eagle of the father" or "father's glory" in Igbo.
Ugwistan m Berber
Meaning unknown.
Ugwu m Igbo
From Igbo Ùgwù meaning "respect; reverence; dignity" or Úgwú meaning "hill, mountain; highland" or also "north". ... [more]
Uke m & f Igbo
Short form of names beginning with or containing Uke-.
Ukeme f Efik
Means "ability" in Efik.
Ukeme m Ibibio
Means "strength" in Ibibio.
Ukoakpan m Ibibio
Means "brave first son" in Ibibio.
Ukpahyugoco m & f Agatu
Means "power of God" in Agatu.
Ukpong m & f Efik
Ukpono m & f Ibibio
Means "respect" in Ibibio.
Ukume f Nigerian
"Ukume" means "sound of rain in water/ river" in nigerian
Uloma f Igbo
Means "beautiful home" in Igbo.
Ultasila f Berber
Means "of the plains" in Tamazight.
Ulu f Igbo
Given for the second-born female.
Ulunji f & m Tumbuka
Means "righteousness, justice" in Tumbuka.
Uluthando m Ndebele, Zulu
Means "he is love" in Ndebele and Zulu.
Ulwazi m Zulu
Derived from Zulu ulwazi meaning "knowledge".
Umakoti f Zulu
Means "bride" in Zulu.
Umaler f Berber
Means "star of the peace" in Tamasheq, language of Tuareg people.
Umande f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "dew".
Umklomelo f Zulu
Means "prize" in Zulu.
Umoh m & f Western African, Ibibio
Means "wealth" in Ibibio.
Umoh m & f Efik
Means "born during a festival" in Efik.
Umoja f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "unity, harmony".
Unako m & f Xhosa
Means "ability" or "you can" in Xhosa.
Unashe m & f Shona
Means "God is with you" in Shona.
Undule m Nyakyusa
Means "you help me" in Nyakyusa.
Unetu m Amharic
Means "the truth" in Amharic.
Unkulunkulu m Zulu, African Mythology
Means "the old, old one" or "ancestor" in Zulu. This was the name of a mythic first ancestor in early Zulu mythology, who appeared, or was created from, breaking reeds. It may have also been used to denote any significant ancestor... [more]
Unwana m & f Ibibio
Means "light" in Ibibio.
Unwanaabasi m Efik
Means "Lord's light" in Efik.
Upenyu m Shona
Upenyu means "life". This may be given by a parent meditating over the circumstances of life.
Urenna f Igbo
Means "father's pride" in Igbo.
Urirasera f Central African, Bantu
Himba name of uncertain meaning.
Ursala f Eastern African
Ugandan variant of Ursula.
Usakteayda f Datooga
Means "one who was born in the morning" in Datooga.
Usaza m Nsenga
Meaning youthful or childhood. A person who looks much younger than his age
Usem m Berber
Means "lightning" in Tamazight.
Usen m Efik
Means "the day" in Efik.
Useni m & f Yao
Means "tell me" in Yao.
Ushindi m Swahili
Swahili masculine name meaning "victory, triumph".
Usiku m Swahili
Swahili masculine name meaning "night".
Usorọ m & f Ibibio, Efik
Means "festival" in Ibibio and Efik.
Ussen m Amharic
Amharic form of Husayn.
Usuman m Hausa
Hausa form of Osman.
Usumanu m Hausa
Hausa form of Uthman.
Utah m & f English (American, Rare), English (African, Rare), South African
Taken from the name of the US State of Utah. While a masculine name in the USA, in Nigeria and South Africa, it is sometimes used as a feminine name.
Utibe m Efik
Means "marvelous: wonderful" in Efik.
Utibeima f Ibibio
Means "wonderful love" in Ibibio.
Utin m & f Ibibio
Means "sun" in Ibibio.
Uukongo m Ovambo
Means "hunting" in Ovambo.
Uusiku m Ovambo
Means "night" in Ovambo. This name is traditionally given to children born during the night.
Uwa f Hausa
Means "mother" in Hausa.
Uwem m & f Ibibio, Efik
Means "life" in Ibibio and Efik.
Uwemediemoh m & f Efik
Means "health is wealth" in Efik.
Uwemedimoh m & f Efik
Means "life is wealth" in Efik,
Uyai f Efik
Means "beauty" in Efik.
Uyobong m Efik
Means "God's voice" in Efik.
Uys m Afrikaans
Transferred use of the surname Uys. The Uys family played a significant role in South African history during the nineteenth century and made distinguished contributions to South African culture, politics and sports during the course of the twentieth.
Uzima f & m Swahili
Life
Uzo f & m Nigerian
Short form of Uzoamaka.
Uzoaku f Igbo
Means "a way to wealth" in Igbo.
Uzoamaka f Igbo, African
Means "a good path" in Igbo.
Uzoamani f Igbo
Means "the road to aspirations" in Igbo.
Uzoechina m & f Igbo
Means "let the road not be closed" in Igbo.
Uzondu m Igbo
Means "way of life; road of life" in Igbo.
Uzuru m & f Shona
Meaning “a higher place; sky; paradise; heaven”.
Valmarie f English (American), Afrikaans
Variant of Valmai influenced by Marie as well as a combination of Valerie and Marie.
Valsero m Western African
Created from Serval by inverting the order of syllables.... [more]
Varaidzo m Shona
Varaidzo means "One who keeps company". This is given to acknowledge your child as one with whom you keep company. It is common to give this name to a child born in your later years.
Varney m & f English (Rare), English (African), Western African
Transferred use of the surname Varney. It is mainly used in Liberia.