226 African & African American Names for Boys

The countries of Africa all have a rich history and a unique culture, so it’s no surprise that there are a variety of beautiful African names for boys. If you want to honor your culture, keep reading, as we’ve compiled a list of over 220 popular, powerful, and unique African boy names from all over the continent.

Best African Boy Name Ideas

Baby name expert Tara Collins says some popular African names for boys include Omari, Kofi, and Amani. Some other common names include the following:

Popular: Aadan, Femi, Hakim, Kwame, Ola
Powerful: Abrafo, Bomani, Ekon, Enzi, Sefu
Unique: Gyan, Jafari, Lekan, Okoro, Xolani

Section 1 of 13:

Popular African Names for Boys

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Many African boy names are popular throughout the countries of Africa, as well as with people of African descent who live in other countries. Here are some common African boy names and their meanings:
- Aadan (meaning “of the earth”)
- Amari (meaning “eternal”)
- Azibo (meaning “earth, youth”)
- Bongani (meaning “the grateful one”)
- Femi (meaning “love me”)
- Hakim (meaning “the ruler, wise”)
- Ike (meaning “God will laugh”)
- Imamu (meaning “spiritual leader”)
- Issa (meaning “God is salvation”)^{[1]
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- Kofi (meaning “born on a Friday”)^{[2]
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- Kwame (meaning “born on a Saturday”)
- Lethabo (meaning “happiness and joy”)
- Mandla (meaning “strength”)
- Ola (meaning “high, arise”)
- Raza (meaning “hope”)
- Sipho (meaning “gift”)
- Siyabonga (meaning “thank you”)

Section 2 of 13:

Powerful African Names for Boys

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Teach your son to be proud of his African heritage by giving him a strong, masculine name. Some of these names have powerful meanings, like “warrior,” while others simply sound strong and authoritative. Here are some examples:
- Abrafo (meaning “warrior”)
- Atu (meaning “powerful”)
- Bomani (meaning “warrior”)
- Davu (meaning “the beginning”)
- Ekon (meaning “strong”)
- Enzi (meaning “powerful”)
- Gamba (meaning “warrior”)
- Gari (meaning “mighty warrior)
- Jabari (meaning “brave”)
- Jelani (meaning “mighty”)
- Kani (meaning “strength, energy”)
- Kasim (meaning “controller of anger”)
- Kellan (meaning “powerful”)
- Ndungu (meaning “the protector”)
- Sefu (meaning “sword”)
- Shomari (meaning “forceful, powerful”)

Section 3 of 13:

Unique African Names for Boys

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While some African names are well-known in other parts of the world, others are still a bit uncommon. Some of these names may be popular in their region, but they’re a great option if you want something a little more unique:
- Gyan (meaning “wisdom”)
- Jafari (meaning “stream”)
- Koda (meaning “last born, mother’s pet”)
- Lekan (meaning “to be pampered”)
- Mahdi (meaning “the expected one”)
- Makari (meaning “one who brings joy”)
- Ndidi (meaning “patience”)
- Nnamdi (meaning “my father is alive”)
- Okoro (meaning “child of the freeborn”)
- Odion (meaning “born of twins”)
- Sekani (meaning “laughs”)
- Sulaiman (meaning “peaceful”)
- Taye (meaning “seen”)
- Udo (meaning “peace”)
- Uland (meaning “noble”)
- Wale (meaning “come home”)
- Wamukota (meaning “born at dawn”)
- Xolani (meaning “peace”)
- Zaid (meaning “increase, growth”)
- Zaire (meaning “the river that swallows all rivers”)
- Zamani (meaning “of the past”)

Section 4 of 13:

South African Names for Boys

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The southern region of Africa consists of many countries other than South Africa, including Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.^{[3]
X
Research source} Here are some popular African boy names that originated in this area:
- Amogelang (meaning “receive”)
- Arno (meaning “eagle”)
- Bandile (meaning “they have increased”)
- Dakarai (meaning “happiness”)
- Gabelo (meaning “guide”)
- Jabulani (meaning “the one that rejoices”)
- Kamogelo (meaning “welcome”
- Katlego (meaning “success”)
- Melokuhle (meaning “to stand for what is right”)
- Mpho (meaning “gift”)
- Rufaro (meaning “happiness”)
- Sizwe (meaning “nation”)
- Tau (meaning “lion”)
- Teboho (meaning “thankful, peace”)
- Thulani (meaning “the quiet one”)
- Tshepiso (meaning “promise”)

Section 5 of 13:

East African Names for Boys

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East Africa consists of countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Rwanda, Somalia, and many others.^{[4]
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Research source} The following names are popular in many countries in this region:
- Abasi (meaning “stern”)
- Azizi (meaning “the precious one”)
- Badru (meaning “born at the full moon”)
- Bwana (meaning “gentleman”)
- Chiumbo (meaning “small child”)
- Dalmar (meaning “versatile”)
- Damu (meaning “the child of Enki, the god of vegetation”)
- Faraji (meaning “consolation”)
- Hamidi (meaning “praised, admired”)
- Ibrahim (meaning “father of many children”)
- Jomo (meaning “farmer”)
- Juma (meaning “born on a Friday”)
- Kamari (meaning “moon”)
- Masamba (meaning “leaves”)
- Mosi (meaning “firstborn child”)
- Mwenye (meaning “owner, lord”)
- Radhi (meaning “forgiveness”)
- Tafari (meaning “he who inspires awe”)

Section 6 of 13:

West African Names for Boys

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West Africa is made up of Benin, Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and many other countries.^{[5]
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Research source} While each country has its own unique culture, many of the same names are popular throughout the region. Here are some examples:
- Abidemi (meaning “born during his father’s absence”)^{[6]
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- Abiola (meaning “born in honor and riches”)
- Adisa (meaning “the clear one”)
- Amadi (meaning “free man”)
- Armani (meaning “wishes”)
- Baako (meaning “for the firstborn child”)
- Babatunde (meaning “the father has returned”)
- Bamidele (meaning “follow me home”)
- Chidike (meaning “God is strong”)
- Chike (meaning “power of God”)
- Chima (meaning “God knows”)
- Chinedu (meaning “God leads”)
- Chuma (meaning “wealth”)
- Diallo (meaning “bold”)
- Dzigbode (meaning “patience”)
- Ekene (meaning “praise”)
- Fela (meaning “happy and lucky”)
- Folami (meaning “honor and respect”)
- Jawara (meaning “lover of peace”)
- Kaikura (meaning “like a squirrel”)
- Yero (meaning “success”)

Section 7 of 13:

North African Names for Boys

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North Africa includes Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia, and Western Sahara.^{[7]
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Research source} Due to this region’s large Muslim population, many popular names have Arabic origins, but others are unique to their country. Here are some examples:
- Ahmed (meaning “highly praised, praising”)
- Ashraf (meaning “distinguished, noble”)
- Baahir (meaning “dazzling, bright, brilliant”)
- Babu (meaning “Osiris’s firstborn”)
- Bahman (meaning “snow avalanche”)
- Bassel (meaning “brave”)
- Essam (meaning “safeguard, protect”)
- Gamal (meaning “God is my reward”)
- Halif (meaning “ally, one who promises”)
- Idir (meaning “alive”)
- Khalid (meaning “immortal”)
- Mahmoud (meaning “the praised one”)
- Moustafa (meaning “chosen one”)
- Nabil (meaning “noble”)
- Nakia (meaning “pure and faithful”)
- Ramses (meaning “son of Ra”)
- Shakir (meaning “grateful”)
- Tariq (meaning “to strike, to take action”)
- Youssef (meaning “God grows in power”)
- Zuberi (meaning “strong”)

Section 8 of 13:

African Boy Names That Mean “King”

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Each African country has a rich history, and many still have royal families today. Whether you’re related to these families or simply want to remind your son of his worth, pick a name that means “king,” “prince,” or “royalty,” like one of the following:
- Abioye (meaning “son of royalty”)
- Addo (meaning “king of the road”)
- Ade (meaning “crown, royalty”)
- Amri (meaning “king, commander”)
- Darius (meaning “rich and kingly”)
- Eze (meaning “king”)
- Kgosi (meaning “king”)
- Malik (meaning “king”)
- Mandlenkosi (meaning “strong king, chief”)
- Nkosana (meaning “prince”)
- Oba (meaning “king”)
- Obayana (meaning “the king warms by the fire”)
- Taj (meaning “exalted, crown”)
- Zane (meaning “well-born, noble”)

Section 9 of 13:

African Boy Names That Mean “Handsome”

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It’s only natural to think your baby is the cutest baby in the world, so why not choose a name that reflects your opinion? Here are some common African names that mean “handsome” or something similar:
- Alassane (meaning “handsome”)
- Amare (meaning “handsome boy”)
- Gamal (meaning “beauty, grace”)
- Hasani (meaning “handsome one”)
- Hasnuu (meaning “good, beautiful, handsome”)
- Hassan (meaning “good, handsome, excellent”)
- Nyillingondo (meaning “handsome”)
- Runako (meaning “handsome”)
- Ruwa (meaning “beauty”)
- Shakil (meaning “handsome”)
- Zeen (meaning “beauty, grace, adornment”)
- Zuri (meaning “handsome, beautiful”)

Section 10 of 13:

African Boy Names That Mean “God’s Gift”

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While prominent religions vary from country to country, many Africans are Christian or Muslim, so a lot of popular African names reflect their love for God. Many parents see a newborn child as a gift from God, so show your thanks by choosing a name that means “gift from God” or something similar. Here are some popular options:
- Adom (meaning “blessed”)
- Barack (meaning “blessed”)^{[8]
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- Chinua (meaning “God’s own blessing”)
- Chinyelu (meaning “given by God”)
- Chinyere (meaning “given by God”)
- Chukwuemeka (meaning “God did great things”)
- Eleojo (meaning “gift from God”)
- Izibekien (meaning “God’s gift”)
- Kirabo (meaning “gift from God”)
- Lubanzi (meaning “love of God”)
- Obasi (meaning “in honor of God”)
- Olufemi (meaning “God loves me”)
- Omari (meaning “praise God”)
- Onkarabile (meaning “God has answered our prayers”)
- Onyinyechi (meaning “God’s gift”)
- Sbusiso (meaning “blessed”)
- Simbarashe (meaning “God’s power”)

Section 11 of 13:

African Boy Names That Mean “Love”

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If you want your son to know just how much you love him, you can do more than just tell him—give him a name that means “love”! Here are some popular African names or terms of endearment that are perfect for your bouncing baby boy:
- Bes (Egyptian god of love)
- Biko (meaning “he who is loved”)
- Chicha (meaning “beloved”)
- Daudi (meaning “beloved, dear, friend”)
- Ife (meaning “love, affection”)
- Jacayl (meaning “love, darling”)
- Jumoke (meaning “everyone loves the child”)
- Kendi (meaning “loved one”)^{[9]
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- Lolonyo (meaning “love is beautiful”)
- Mahaba (meaning “love”)
- Mpenda (meaning “lover, one who loves deeply”)
- Rudo (meaning “love”)
- Thato (meaning “love, will”)
- Upendo (meaning “love”)

Section 12 of 13:

African Boy Names That Mean “Life”

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If you want to promote a long, happy life for your baby boy, set your intention by giving him a name that means “life.” There are many names from various African cultures and languages that mean “life” or something similar. Here are some popular options:
- Asa (meaning “healer, starting life at dawn”)
- Jiya (meaning “life”)
- Moyo (meaning “heart, life”)
- Mrehe (meaning “one with an easy life”)
- Nduka (meaning “life is supreme”)
- Omar (meaning “flourishing, long-lived”)
- Umer (meaning “flourishing, prosperous, long-lived”)
- Umi (meaning “life”)^{[10]
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- Upenyu (meaning “life”)
- Utni (meaning “life”)

Section 13 of 13:

African American Boy Names

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Not all popular African American names have African origins. Many are inspired by other cultures or are invented names that originated in the United States. Here are some common names given to African American boys:
- Abdul (meaning “servant of God”)
- Amir (meaning “prince”)
- Andre (meaning “manly, brave”)
- Antoine (meaning “praiseworthy”)
- Booker (meaning “scribe, bookbinder”)
- Cairo (meaning “victorious”)
- Clarence (meaning “bright”)
- Cornell (meaning “the crow”)
- Damari (meaning “gentle”)
- Damonte (meaning “from the mountain”)
- Darius (meaning “maintains possessions well”)
- Darnell (meaning “the hidden spot”)
- Demetrius (meaning “earth lover”)
- Denzel (meaning “wild one”)^{[11]
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- Elijah (meaning “God is powerful”)
- Eshawn (meaning “gift of God”)
- Gavin (meaning “white hawk”)
- Grady (meaning “noble”)
- Hendrix (meaning “home ruler”)
- Izaak (meaning “laughter”)
- Jace (meaning “healer”)
- Jayden (meaning “thankful”)
- Jeremiah (meaning “God will uplift”)
- Marcel (meaning “young warrior, belonging to Mars”)
- Marquis (meaning “noble”)
- Raffiel (meaning “healer”)
- Terrell (meaning “stubborn”)
- Terrence (meaning “smooth”)
- Xavier (meaning “bright, splendid, new”)
- Zahair (meaning “blossoming”)