Eastern African Names

Eastern African names include those from Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. See also about African names.
gender
usage
Aadan m Eastern African, Somali
Possibly a Somali form of Adam.
Aamina f Arabic, Eastern African, Somali
Alternate transcription of Arabic آمنة (see Aminah 1), as well as the Somali form.
Abeba f Eastern African, Amharic
Means "flower" in Amharic.
Aberash f Eastern African, Amharic
Means "giving off light, shining" in Amharic.
Achieng f Eastern African, Luo
Feminine form of Ochieng.
Adhiambo f Eastern African, Luo
Feminine form of Odhiambo.
Aisha f Arabic, Urdu, Western African, Eastern African, Hausa, Swahili, Kazakh, African American
Means "living, alive" in Arabic. This was the name of Muhammad's third wife, the daughter of Abu Bakr. Some time after Muhammad's death she went to war against Ali, the fourth caliph, but was defeated. Her name is used more by Sunni Muslims and less by Shias.... [more]
Akinyi f Eastern African, Luo
Means "born in the morning" in Luo.
Alemayehu m & f Eastern African, Amharic
Means "I have seen the world" in Amharic.
Amina f Arabic, Bosnian, Tatar, Kazakh, Eastern African, Western African, Swahili, Hausa
Alternate transcription of Arabic Aminah 1 or Aminah 2, as well as the form in several other languages.
Amondi f Eastern African, Luo
Feminine form of Omondi.
Asha 2 f Eastern African, Swahili
From Swahili ishi meaning "live, exist".
Ashura f Eastern African, Swahili
From the name of an Islamic holy day that commemorates the death of Husayn ibn Ali. It is so named because it falls on the tenth day of Muharram, deriving from Arabic عشرة ('asharah) meaning "ten".
Atieno f Eastern African, Luo
Feminine form of Otieno.
Awiti f Eastern African, Luo
Means "thrown away" in Luo, possibly used for a child born prematurely.
Axmed m Eastern African, Somali
Somali form of Ahmad.
Ayaan 2 f Eastern African, Somali
Means "good luck" in Somali.
Ayele m Eastern African, Amharic
Means "become strong, become powerful" in Amharic.
Babirye f Eastern African, Ganda
Means "first of twins" in Luganda.
Bahati f & m Eastern African, Swahili
Means "luck, good fortune" in Swahili.
Bakari m Eastern African, Swahili
From the Swahili name for the constellation Boötes.
Baraka m Eastern African, Swahili
Means "blessing" in Swahili, ultimately from Arabic بركة (barakah).
Bekele m Eastern African, Amharic
Means "grow, flourish" in Amharic.
Bereket m Eastern African, Amharic
Means "blessing, abundance, profusion" in Amharic.
Berhane m & f Eastern African, Amharic
Means "my light" in Amharic.
Berhanu m Eastern African, Amharic
Means "his light" in Amharic.
Bontu f Eastern African, Oromo
Means "proud" in Oromo.
Businge m & f Eastern African, Kiga
Means "peace" in Rukiga.
Chausiku f Eastern African, Swahili
Means "born at night" in Swahili.
Chimwala m & f Eastern African, Yao
Means "stone" in Yao.
Chiumbo m Eastern African, Mwera
Means "small" in Mwera.
Dawit m Eastern African, Amharic
Amharic form of David.
Dejen m Eastern African, Amharic
Means "foundation, support" in Amharic.
Desta f & m Eastern African, Amharic
Means "joy" in Amharic.
Elias m Portuguese, German, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish, English, Dutch, Greek, Eastern African, Amharic, Biblical Latin, Biblical Greek
Form of Elijah used in several languages. This is also the form used in the Greek New Testament.
Eliud m Biblical, Biblical Latin, Eastern African
From a Greek form of a Hebrew name meaning "God is grandeur". The Gospel of Matthew lists him as an ancestor of Jesus. This name is popular in Kenya.
Eskinder m Eastern African, Amharic
Alternate transcription of Amharic እስክንድር (see Eskender).
Etenesh f Eastern African, Amharic
Means "you are my sister" in Amharic.
Fadhili m Eastern African, Swahili
Means "kindness, favour" in Swahili, ultimately from Arabic.
Faraji m Eastern African, Swahili
Means "consolation" in Swahili (of Arabic origin).
Fatuma f Eastern African
Form of Fatimah used eastern Africa.
Filbert m Eastern African
Possibly a form of Philibert. It is particularly used in Tanzania due to track star Filbert Bayi (1953-), who set a world record running the 1500 meter in 1974.
Furaha f Eastern African, Swahili
Means "joy, happiness" in Swahili (ultimately of Arabic origin).
Gadisa m Eastern African, Oromo
From Oromo gaaddisa meaning "shade".
Gadise f Eastern African, Oromo
Feminine form of Gadisa.
Gudina m Eastern African, Oromo
Means "growth, advancement" in Oromo.
Gwandoya m Eastern African, Ganda
Means "met with misery" in Luganda.
Halima f Arabic, Urdu, Bengali, Western African, Eastern African, Hausa, Swahili
Alternate transcription of Arabic حليمة (see Halimah), as well as the usual form in several other languages.
Hamisi m Eastern African, Swahili
From Swahili Alhamisi meaning "Thursday".
Haregewoin f Eastern African, Amharic
Means "grape vine" in Amharic.
Hibo f Eastern African, Somali
Somali form of Hiba.
Hiwot f Eastern African, Amharic
Means "life" in Amharic.
Hodan f Eastern African, Somali
Means "rich, lush" in Somali.
Ifa m Eastern African, Oromo
Means "light" in Oromo.
Imamu m Eastern African, Swahili
Means "spiritual leader" in Swahili, ultimately from Arabic إمام (imam).
Imani f & m Eastern African, Swahili, African American
Means "faith" in Swahili, ultimately of Arabic origin.
Isingoma m Eastern African, Ganda
Means "first of twins" in Luganda.
Janeth f Spanish (Latin American), Eastern African
Variant of Janet, currently in use in South America and eastern Africa.
Jengo m Eastern African (Rare), Swahili (Rare)
Means "building" in Swahili.
Juma m Arabic, Pashto, Eastern African, Swahili
Means "Friday" or "week" in Arabic.
Jumanne m Eastern African, Swahili
Means "Tuesday" in Swahili.
Kamaria f Eastern African, Comorian
From Arabic qamar meaning "moon", also the root of the name of the island country of the Comoros.
Kamau m Eastern African, Kikuyu
Meaning unknown. This was the birth name of the Kenyan president Jomo Kenyatta (1897-1978).
Kariuki m Eastern African, Kikuyu
Means "reincarnated one" in Kikuyu.
Kato m Eastern African, Ganda
Means "second of twins" in Luganda.
Kebede m Eastern African, Amharic
Means "heavy, serious" in Amharic.
Kidist f Eastern African, Amharic
Means "blessed" in Amharic.
Kirabo m & f Eastern African, Ganda
Means "gift" in Luganda.
Kisembo m & f Eastern African, Tooro
Means "gift" in Rutooro.
Konjit f Eastern African, Amharic
From Amharic ቆንጆ (qonjo) meaning "beautiful".
Lelisa m Eastern African, Oromo
From Oromo leellisaa meaning "admirer".
Lelise f Eastern African, Oromo
Feminine form of Lelisa.
Lencho m Eastern African, Oromo
Means "lion" in Oromo.
Lishan f & m Eastern African, Amharic
Means "award" in Amharic.
Lulit f Eastern African, Amharic
From Amharic ሉል (lul) meaning "pearl".
Maina m Eastern African, Kikuyu
Means "sing, dance" in Kikuyu. Kikuyu males were traditionally organized into age sets or generations, each lasting about 30 years. The Maina generation occupied the last part of the 19th century.
Makena f & m Eastern African, Kikuyu
Means "happy one" in Kikuyu.
Malaika f Eastern African, Swahili
Means "angel" in Swahili, derived from Arabic ملك (malak).
Marijani m Eastern African, Swahili
Means "coral" in Swahili, originally a borrowing from Arabic.
Masamba m Eastern African, Yao
Means "leaves, vegetables" in Yao.
Meklit f Eastern African, Amharic
Means "talent" in Amharic.
Meti f Eastern African, Oromo
Means "umbrella" in Oromo.
Mirembe f Eastern African, Ganda
Means "peace" in Luganda.
Mohamed m Arabic, Dhivehi, Eastern African, Swahili
Alternate transcription of Arabic محمّد (see Muhammad) chiefly used in Egypt and Algeria. This is also the usual Dhivehi and Swahili form.
Mosi f & m Eastern African, Swahili
Means "first (child)" in Swahili.
Moti m Eastern African, Oromo
Means "leader" in Oromo.
Mubiru m Eastern African, Ganda
Meaning unknown. This is the name of a figure in Ganda mythology associated with forests and hunting.
Mukami f Eastern African, Kikuyu
Possibly means "the one who milks the cows" in Kikuyu.
Mumbi f Eastern African, Kikuyu
Means "she who shapes" in Kikuyu. In Kikuyu mythology Mumbi was the wife of Gikuyu and the mother of his nine daughters.
Muthoni f Eastern African, Kikuyu
Means "mother-in-law" in Kikuyu.
Mwanahamisi f Eastern African, Swahili
Means "child born on Thursday" in Swahili.
Mwanahawa f Eastern African, Swahili
Combination of Swahili mwana meaning "child" and the name Hawa.
Mwanaidi f Eastern African, Swahili
Means "child born during the festival" in Swahili.
Mwanaisha f Eastern African, Swahili
Combination of Swahili mwana meaning "child" and the name Aisha.
Mwanajuma f Eastern African, Swahili
Means "child born on Friday" in Swahili.
Mwangi m Eastern African, Kikuyu
Means "rapid expansion" in Kikuyu. Kikuyu males were traditionally organized into age sets or generations. The Mwangi generation started around the beginning of the 20th century and lasted for about 30 years.
Nafula f Eastern African, Luhya
Feminine form of Wafula.
Nakato f Eastern African, Ganda
Means "second of twins" in Luganda.
Naliaka f Eastern African, Luhya
Means "born during the weeding season", from Luhya liliaka meaning "weeding".
Nanjala f Eastern African, Luhya
Feminine form of Wanjala.
Nasimiyu f Eastern African, Luhya
Feminine form of Simiyu.
Neema f Eastern African, Swahili
Means "divine grace" in Swahili, from Arabic نعمة (ni'mah) meaning "blessing".
Nekesa f Eastern African, Luhya
Feminine form of Wekesa.
Nia 2 f Eastern African, Swahili, African American
Means "purpose, aim" in Swahili.
Njeri f Eastern African, Kikuyu
Means "travelling one" in Kikuyu. Njeri (or Wanjeri) is the name of one of the nine daughters of Mumbi in the Kikuyu origin legend.
Nuru f Eastern African, Swahili
Means "light" in Swahili, ultimately from Arabic نور (nur).
Nuur m Eastern African, Somali
Somali form of Nur.
Nyambura f Eastern African, Kikuyu
From Kikuyu mbura meaning "rain". This is the name of one of the nine daughters of Mumbi in the Kikuyu origin legend.
Nyongesa m Eastern African, Luhya
Means "born on Saturday" in Luhya.
Ochieng m Eastern African, Luo
Means "born when the sun shines", derived from Luo chieng meaning "sun".
Odhiambo m Eastern African, Luo
Means "born in the evening" in Luo.
Omari m Eastern African, Swahili
Meaning uncertain, possibly a Swahili variant of Umar.
Omondi m Eastern African, Luo
Means "born early in the morning" in Luo.
Otieno m Eastern African, Luo
Means "born at night" in Luo.
Pili 2 f Eastern African, Swahili
Means "second (child)" in Swahili.
Proscovia f Eastern African
Meaning uncertain, possibly related to Praskovya. It is mainly used in Uganda.
Prossy f Eastern African
Diminutive of Proscovia, mainly used in Uganda.
Rajabu m Eastern African, Swahili
Swahili form of Rajab.
Rehema f Eastern African, Swahili
Means "mercy, compassion" in Swahili, from Arabic رحمة (rahmah).
Samuel m English, French, German, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Czech, Slovak, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish, Jewish, Eastern African, Amharic, Biblical
From the Hebrew name שְׁמוּאֵל (Shemu'el) meaning "name of God", from the roots שֵׁם (shem) meaning "name" and אֵל ('el) meaning "God". Other interpretations have the first root being שָׁמַע (shama') meaning "to hear" leading to a meaning of "God has heard". As told in the Books of Samuel in the Old Testament, Samuel was the last of the ruling judges. He led the Israelites during a period of domination by the Philistines, who were ultimately defeated in battle at Mizpah. Later he anointed Saul to be the first king of Israel, and even later anointed his successor David.... [more]
Samwel m Eastern African
Form of Samuel used in Tanzania and Kenya.
Sauda f Eastern African, Swahili
Meaning uncertain, possibly a variant of Sawda.
Scovia f Eastern African
Short form of Proscovia, mainly used in Uganda.
Seble f Eastern African, Amharic
Means "harvest" in Amharic.
Sefu m Eastern African, Swahili
Possibly a Swahili form of Saif.
Simba 2 m Eastern African, Swahili
Means "lion" in Swahili. This is the name of the main character in the Disney movie The Lion King (1994), about a lion cub who exiles himself after his father is murdered.
Simiyu m Eastern African, Luhya
Means "born during the dry season" in Luhya.
Sisay m Eastern African, Amharic
Means "good omen" in Amharic.
Ssanyu f Eastern African, Ganda
Means "joy" in Luganda.
Subira f Eastern African, Swahili
Means "patience" in Swahili.
Tadesse m Eastern African, Amharic
Means "revived" in Amharic.
Tafari m Eastern African (Rare), Amharic (Rare)
Possibly means "he who inspires awe" in Amharic. This name was borne by Lij Tafari Makonnen (1892-1975), also known as Haile Selassie, the last emperor of Ethiopia. Rastafarians (Ras Tafari meaning "king Tafari") revere him as the earthly incarnation of God.
Tamrat m Eastern African, Amharic
Means "miracle" in Amharic.
Tariku m Eastern African, Amharic
Means "his history, his story" in Amharic.
Tatu 2 f Eastern African, Swahili
Means "third (child)" in Swahili.
Tesfaye m Eastern African, Amharic
From Amharic ተስፋ (tasfa) meaning "hope".
Tumaini f & m Eastern African, Swahili
Means "wish, hope" in Swahili.
Uhuru m Eastern African, Swahili
Means "freedom" in Swahili.
Upendo f Eastern African, Swahili
Means "love" in Swahili.
Wafula m Eastern African, Luhya
Means "born during the rainy season", from Luhya ifula meaning "rainy season".
Wairimu f Eastern African, Kikuyu
From Kikuyu irimũ meaning "ogre, giant". In the Kikuyu origin legend Wairimu is of one of the nine daughters of Mumbi.
Wamalwa m Eastern African, Luhya
Means "born during the brewing season" in Luhya.
Wambui f Eastern African, Kikuyu
Means "zebra" in Kikuyu. This is one of Mumbi's nine daughters in the Kikuyu origin legend.
Wangari f Eastern African, Kikuyu
From Kikuyu ngarĩ meaning "leopard". In the Kikuyu origin legend this is the name of one of the nine daughters of Mumbi.
Wangui f Eastern African, Kikuyu
From Kikuyu ngũi meaning "song leader". This is one of Mumbi's nine daughters in the Kikuyu origin legend.
Wanjala m Eastern African, Luhya
Means "born during famine", from Luhya injala meaning "hunger, famine".
Wanjiku f Eastern African, Kikuyu
Meaning unknown. This is one of Mumbi's nine daughters in the Kikuyu origin legend.
Wanjiru f Eastern African, Kikuyu
Possibly from Kikuyu njĩra meaning "way, path". In the Kikuyu origin legend this is the name of one of the nine daughters of Mumbi.
Wanyonyi m Eastern African, Luhya
Means "born during the weeding season", from Luhya enyonyi meaning "weeds".
Wasswa m Eastern African, Ganda
Means "first of twins" in Luganda.
Wekesa m Eastern African, Luhya
Means "born during harvest" in Luhya.
Werknesh f Eastern African, Amharic
Alternate transcription of Amharic ወርቅነሽ (see Worknesh).
Workneh m Eastern African, Amharic
Means "you are gold", from Amharic ወርቅ (warq) meaning "gold".
Xaawo f Eastern African, Somali
Somali form of Eve.
Xasan m Eastern African, Somali
Somali form of Hasan.
Yared m Biblical Hebrew, Eastern African, Ethiopian
Hebrew form of Jared. This form is also used in Ethiopia. It was borne by a semi-legendary 6th-century Ethiopian musician who is considered a saint in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
Yewubdar f Eastern African, Amharic
Means "beautiful beyond limits" from Amharic ውብ (wb) meaning "beautiful" and ዳር (dar) meaning "limit, horizon, frontier, shore".
Yuusuf m Eastern African, Somali
Somali form of Yosef (see Joseph).
Zawadi f & m Eastern African, Swahili
Means "gift" in Swahili.
Zephania m Southern African, Eastern African
Variant of Zephaniah. This form of the name appears to be used in southern and eastern Africa.
Zuhura f Eastern African, Swahili, Dhivehi
Means "Venus (planet)" in Swahili and Dhivehi. Both are borrowed from Arabic الزهرة (al-Zuharah), derived from the root زهر (zahara) meaning "to shine".
Zuri f Eastern African, Swahili
Means "beautiful" in Swahili.