Naming a female child in Africa can have a lasting influence on their personality and upbringing. These names often stem from deep historical, cultural, and religious roots. They also have a range of meanings that can be attributed to beauty, strength, intelligence, fertility, and motherhood. In considering 100 African names for females, we will be looking at names from popular African tribes/ethnic groups that are known globally.
10 Zulu Names For Females
The Zulu people are the largest ethnic group in South Africa. These people take pride in their culture which comprises music, dance, and various forms of beadwork. The women in Zulu society are known to be beautiful and hard-working. The names given to women in this culture are
Zobuhle
- Meaning: Lady of beauty
Yibanathi
- Meaning: Be with us
Thobeka
- Meaning: Humble
Thadie
- Meaning: Loved one
Sinenhlanhla
- Meaning: We have luck
Ntokozo
- Meaning: Happiness or joy
Nomvula
- Meaning: After the rain
Khethiwe
- Meaning: The chosen one
Duduzile
- Meaning: Consoled
Ayanda
- Meaning: One who is always increasing
10 Yoruba Names For Females
The Yoruba people are a West African ethnic group that mainly inhabit parts of Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. Like many other African ethnic groups, Yoruba names for females project a child’s identity or respond to certain circumstances to which the child was born.
Ayomide
- Meaning: My joy has come
Tiwa
- Meaning: One who owns the crown
Toluwalase
- Meaning: God’s will be done
Oyinlola
- Meaning: Wealth is sweet
Oluwafunbi
- Meaning: God has given this child to me
Morenikeji
- Meaning: This girl resembles me
Ifedayo
- Meaning: Love has become joy
Iretioluwa
- Meaning: God’s hope
Idowu
- Meaning: A girl born after twins
Ibukun
- Meaning: Blessing
10 Masai Names For Females
The Masai ethnic group inhabits northern, central, and southern Kenya as well as the African Great Lakes region. Masai names often signify elements of Maasai culture, nature, and other significant events.
Naitoti
- Meaning: Born during a drought
Nataana
- Meaning: Born of a neighbor
Lankenua
- Meaning: Lucky
Naipanoi
- Meaning: The big one
Nanyoka
- Meaning: Young and energetic
Napayian
- Meaning: The chosen one
Nkasiogi
- Meaning: One who is always in a hurry
Neelai
- Meaning: Intelligent
Naserian
- Meaning: The peaceful one
Nalepo
- Meaning: Born at night
10 Hausa Names For Females
The Hausa ethnic group is mostly found in the West African region of the continent and most of the Hausa names for females are drawn from Arabic.
Habibah
- Meaning: A beloved child
Jamilah
- Meaning: Beautiful, elegant, or graceful
Faɗimatu
- Meaning: Premature child
Fara
- Meaning: A joyful person
Gimbiya
- Meaning: Princess
Fa’idah
- Meaning: Benefit or advantage
Hakuri
- Meaning: A patience person
Hamidah
- Meaning: An appreciative person
Jummai
- Meaning: Born on Friday
Fa’idah
- Meaning: Benefit or advantage
SEE ALSO: South African Names – 150 Popular South African Names And Meanings
10 Swahili Names For Females
The Swahili people comprise the Bantu, Afro-Arab, and Comorian ethnic groups inhabiting the Swahili coast. Spoken across Eastern Africa, the Swahili language has strong influences from the Arabic. Meanwhile, most female Swahili names find their roots in religion, culture, and contemporary happenings.
Tambika
- Meaning: A religious offering
Imani
- Meaning: Faith
Chinira
- Meaning: God receives
Safiyah
- Meaning: Pure
N’bushe
- Meaning: Godly one
Zawati
- Meaning: Gift
Chriki
- Meaning: Blessing
Kaisa
- Pure
Muraty
- Meaning: One who is sacred
Kiojah
- Meaning: Miracle
10 Igbo Names For Females
The Igbo are primarily found in Eastern Nigeria. Several female Igbo names hold cultural and spiritual significance and are believed to be essential in shaping a person’s destiny.
Isioma
- Meaning: One who is fortunate and blessed
Uzoamaka
- Meaning: A good path
Chukwudaalu
- Meaning: Thank you God
Amaogechukwu
- The Lord’s time is the best
Achebe
- Meaning: One who is protected by the Goddess
Adaolisa
- Meaning: God’s daughter
Adaobi
- Meaning: The first daughter in the family compound
Ahunna
- Meaning: One with the body of her father
Anwulichukwu
- Meaning: Joy of the Lord
Chiasoka
- Meaning: God is too sweet
10 Asante Names For Females
The Asante ethnic group is native to the Ashanti Region of modern-day Ghana. The Asante people frequently name their children after the day of the week. They also name their children after special circumstances.
Akosua
- Meaning: Sunday
Adwoa
- Meaning: Monday
Abena
- Meaning: Tuesday
Akua
- Meaning: Wednesday
Yaa
- Meaning: Thursday
Afua
- Meaning: Friday
Ama
- Meaning: Saturday
Ataá
- Meaning: Twin
Píèsíe
- Meaning: Firstborn
Nyaméama
- Meaning: Premature or sickly
10 Akamba Names For Females
The Kamba or Akamba are of the Bantu ethnic group of Kenya. The Kamba believe that names have specific traits. They also believe in giving names that will honor and preserve their cultural heritage.
Moathimo
- Meaning: Blessings
Mumbe
- Meaning: Beautiful
Wayua
- Meaning: Born during famine
Nduku
- Meaning: Born at night
Mwikali
- Meaning: Born after a long duration gestation
Mueni
- Meaning: The new one
Kasyoka
- Meaning: Reincarnation of a dead family member
Mumbua
- Meaning: Born during the rainy season
Mbuku
- Meaning: Hare
Mutanu
- A happy one
10 Rwanda Names For Females
Most of the Rwandan names for females have spiritual significance. They also portray attributes like favor and peace.
Uwimana
- Meaning: Daughter of God
Neza
- Meaning: Good
Uwera
- Meaning: The holy one
Urimana
- Meaning: Daughter of God
Muteteli
- Dainty
Mutoni
- Favored one
Akaliza
- Firstborn
Amahoro
- Peace
Uwase
- Meaning: She is her father’s
Uwimbabazi
- Meaning: She who is merciful
10 Xhosa Names For Females
The Xhosa are a South African cultural group who emphasize traditional practices and customs inherited from their forefathers. Most of the female names the Xhosa people give their females are also rooted in their culture. But they also give names that have contemporary meanings.
Nkosazana
- Meaning: Princess
Zimkhitha
- Meaning: One who has dignity
Noxolo
- Meaning: Peace
Fundiswa
- Meaning: Smart or educated
Funeka
- Meaning: Needed
Gugu
- Meaning: Our pride
Khanyiswa
- Meaning: Lights up
Sindiswa
- Meaning: We have it
Nonhle
- Beautiful
Zintle
- Beautiful one
