Top 100 Swahili Boy & Girl Names With Meanings

100 Best Swahili Baby Names for Boys and Girls

If you are a new parent whose ultimate goal is to select a thought-provoking or a unique Swahili name for your baby, then here is a compilation of the most beautiful Swahili baby names just for you. After all, the name you choose for your baby creates a lifelong impact. So, do not be overwhelmed by the suggestions you get from the people around you while choosing a name. What matters ultimately is a name that you feel connected to for your baby.

Swahili Baby Boy Names With Meanings

Selecting a name doesn’t have to be a stressful experience with a list of best Swahili boy names below:

1. Azizi

Azizi is a boy name with a Swahili origin. Your baby boy is your precious jewel, so why not name him Azizi, which refers to ‘precious’.

2. Ayubu

Being patient is a quality every child should inherit and develop as a human being. Ayubu is a name with African origin and it refers to ‘patience and perseverance’.

3. Adili

Teaching your son to be fair is a good thing for life. Adili is a wonderful name which means ‘just’.

4. Ahmed

Ahmed happens to one of the names of Prophet Mohammed and is a very famous Swahili name for boys.

5. Akida

Akida is an Urdu name which means ‘firm’.

6. Abdalla

Abdalla is a modern name with a unique pronunciation. Abdalla means ‘servant of God’.

7. Asani

Asani is a name with Swahili roots and which means ‘rebellious’.

8. Azaan

Emerging as a strong individual is the best thing your child.

9. Bahati

Bringing up children by emphazing them to be noble is great. So how about a name like Bahati which means ‘noble’ for your prince.

10. Bakari

If you are a parent who wishes all the success for your baby then Bakari might be a name you would want to consider. Bakari is a wonderful name with African roots. It means one who will succeed.

11. Balozi

If you are looking for a unique name with a wonderful meaning then the name Balozi is a right choice. The name Balozi is of Swahili origin and it means ‘ambassador’.

12. Baraka

Another interesting Swahili name from B is Baraka. This is a name with Arabic root and it refers to ‘blessings’.

13. Chacha

Chacha in Urdu means ‘eagle’.

14. Daudi

Your baby boy is the most loved one for you. Daudi is a beautiful name meaning ‘beloved’.

15. Damu

Damu is a name that has become popular with Africans in recent years. Damu means blood.

16. Faraji

A very common and loved Swahili name is Faraji. This is a boy’s name meaning ‘consolation’.

17. Hami

Hami is a beautiful Persian name which means ‘defender’ or ‘protector’.

18. Hamidi

Hamidi is a masculine name with Arabic roots. The name Hamidi means ‘thankful or commendable’.

19. Haki

Haki is a sweet name from ‘H’ with a Swahili origin. The name Haki means ‘Truth’ and reminds your son to be truthful all his life.

20. Hasani

Your adorable baby boy deserves a name like Hasani which means ‘Handsome’. Hasani is widely used by Africans, Swahilis, and Arabic.

21. Jabali

Jabali is a perfect name for a strong baby as it means ‘rock’.

22. Jel

The name Jel has Swahili origins and means ‘hard and strong’.

23. Jelani

Let your son emerge to be strong and powerful to rule the world with a name like Jelani which means ‘great and powerful’.

24. Jirani

Jirani is a rare but lovely name meaning ‘neighbour’.

25. Kabili

Kabili means ‘brave’ and ‘honest’ in Swahili.

26. Kanai

Kanai is a name that is commonly used in African countries and is known as ‘contentment’.

27. Kenyada

This is a beautiful Swahili name that means ‘gemstone’.

28. Kenyatta

Kenyatta means ‘jewellery’ and is apt for your precious baby boy.

29. Kito

Kito is a vibrant African name meaning ‘jewellery’.

30. Nafasi

This is a Swahili name that means ‘lover of good times’.

31. Penda

The perfect Swahili name for your baby as it denotes ‘love’.

32. Rafiki

Rafiki is a beautiful name with an Arabic origin. A friend is a companion for life and hence naming your boy with a name like Rafiki is a great option as it means ‘friend’.

33. Radhi

Radhi is an interesting Swahili name for your adorable munchkin. The name Radhi means ‘forgiveness’.

34. Simba

A fun and loving name for your munchkin are Simba. Simba means lion and is of a Swahili origin. The name Simba is very popular because of the famous Disney character in ‘The Lion King’ series.

35. Sadiki

A cool yet unique Swahili name is Sadiki. Teaching your son to be true to oneself is one of the best lessons for life. Sadiki means ‘faithful or loyal’.

36. Sahel

The Sahel is an interesting name starting with the letter S. Sahel is a wonderful variation to the much common name Sahil from Hindi. Let your son lead from the front with a name like this which means ‘leader’.

37. Sadeeki

The name Sadeeki is a beautiful variation to the Swahili name Sadiki. Let your son learn to be loyal and truthful with a name like this which means ‘faithful’.

38. Salimu

Salimu means ‘to greet’. So perfect for a cheerful little baby.

39. Sefu

This name means ‘sword’ and is derived from the Arabic word for the sword ‘sayf’.

40. Tabari

This is a unique name as it means ‘A famous historian’.

41. Taha

Looking for the best of names for your baby? Go for Taha as it literally means ‘best’!

42. Tumaini

Being hopeful about a positive life is a must and hence why not name your baby boy Tumaini which is a name with Swahili origin and it means ‘hope’.

43. Yahya

Yahya is a Swahili name meaning ‘God’s gift’.

44. Yazeed

You would certainly want your little one to get better every day. So, check out the name Yazeed which is a variation to the name Yazid which means ‘to become greater’.

45. Yazid

One of the most loved names of Swahili origin is Yazid. This name also has Arabic roots and refers to ‘becoming greater’.

46. Zahur

Names starting with the letter Z are rare, Zahur is one such unique name for your baby. Zahur is derived from Arabic and it means ‘blossom’.

47. Zubery

An interesting Swahili name with Arabic origin is Zubery. It means ‘powerful’.

48. Zahoor

Zahoor is a variation of the name Zahur, it means ‘to blossom’. Zahoor is an adorable Swahili name.

49. Zahour

Another interesting name from ‘Z’ is Zahour. Zahour has its roots from Africa. Zahour means ‘blossom’.

50. Zuberi

Swahili Baby Girl Names With Meanings

Swahili Baby Girl Names with Meaning

Take a look at the best Swahili girl names with their meanings below:

1. Amani

Amani is a rare name with a Kiswahili origin. It is a nice name for your princess which means ‘peace’.

2. Adila

Showing your girl the path of honesty is a great way of upbringing. A name like Adila reminds your daughter to be true as it means ‘honesty’.

3. Avana

Another interesting name to be considered for your little princess is the name Avana. It is a short and sweet name that has a variation to the Kiswahili name Ayanna meaning ‘pretty flower’.

4. Afiya

Let your baby know the importance of good health for life with a name like Afiya which means health.

5. Ayanna

We know how delicate and precious is your little one for you. Try a name like Ayanna which sounds girly and means ‘beautiful flower’.

6. Akina

If you are someone looking for a name that makes your bond stronger with your baby, then Akina might be a great choice, as it means ‘solidarity’.

7. Alix

This is a name of German origins meaning ‘noble’.

8. Amira

Your baby girl is the princess of your home, then why not give her a name like Amira which means ‘Princess’,  to cherish all her life.

9. Bahiya

For the pretty princess of your house, Bahiya is an apt name as it means beautiful and has Arabic roots.

10. Binti

Binti has African-Swahili roots and means ‘daughter’.

11. Buhle

A beautiful name for your precious baby girl as it means ‘beauty’.

12. Chiku

Chiku means ‘chatty’ or ‘talkative’ and is perfect for your bubbly little baby.

13. Dalila

We know your baby is to be handled gently, so check out the name Dalila. Dalila is a wonderful name with a Tanzanian origin meaning ‘delicate’.

14. Hasina

Hasina is an excellent Swahili name from the letter H. Your little princess deserves a name like Hasina which means ‘good or beautiful’.

15. Imani

This name means ‘faith’ or ‘belief’.

16. Imarisha

Beautiful Swahili name which means ‘stabilize’.

17. Jaha

This name means ‘dignity’.

18. Jama

A Swahili name which means ‘relative’.

19. Kakena

Have a jolly little baby? Choose this name as it means ‘happy’.

20. Kaluwa

A rare but unique name which means ‘forgotten’.

21. Kamili

Your daughter may grow up to a person who does anything to perfection. So look at a name like Kamili with Swahili roots which refers to ‘perfect’.

22. Kesi

Kesi is a famous name with Africans, Kenyans and Swahilians. This name means ‘ one who is born at the time of trouble for father’.

23. Kali

A unique yet adorable baby girl name is Kali. Kali is a name with Swahili origin and it means ‘Intense’.

24. Kanzi

A child is the most precious gift for every parent. The name Kanzi is a wonderful Swahili name which means treasure.

25. Lulu

Lulu is a pretty name for your baby, it is a feminine name originating from Swahili. Lulu means pearl.

26. Mila

Girls are an epitome of grace. So try a name like Mila for your baby girl which means ‘gracious’.

27. Manga

Manga is a unique name that makes your child stand apart. Manga means wanderer and is a name of Swahili origin.

28. Muraty

Daughters are our first best friends. So why not choose this name which means ‘friend’?

29. Musu

Musu in Swahili means ‘wife’.

30. Mwamini

Beautiful Swahili name which means ‘truthful’.

31. Nina

If you are searching for a short and sweet name starting with N then give a thought about the name Nina with Swahili roots that means ‘mother’.

32. Njeri

Njeri is a name which makes your daughter stand out of the crowd for its uniqueness. Njeri means ‘warrior’.

33. Nuru

Nuru is a wonderful Swahili name for your little girl. Nuru means the one who is born in daylight.

34. Nia

A cute name for your little princess is Nia. Nia refers to ‘with purpose’.

35. Nea

Your baby girl is the most amazing star for you. How about a name like Nea that refers to radiant, glossy or shimmering.

36. Onyesha

This lovely-sounding name means ‘clear’ in Swahili.

37. Otesha

This name is a beautiful one as it means ‘reason to dream’.

38. Penda

You shower all the love for your little angel. Penda is a Swahili name meaning beloved. It is a stylish variation to the name Penha.

39. Rehema

Rehema is a lovely name starting with the letter R. Rehema means mercy or indulgence, it is an excellent name choice for your little one.

40. Sakina

Sakina is a wonderful feminine name meaning peace. This name is derived from the Arabic word Sakoon.

41. Safiyah

How about a name like Safiyah for your munchkin. Safiyah is a name with Arabic roots which means ‘friend or pure’.

42. Sune

Sune means ‘beautiful angel’ in Swahili.

43. Terema

Terema means ‘cheerful or happy one’.

44. Tumaini

Its obvious that the birth of your little princess brings a new ray of hope into your life. So try naming her Tumaini, which means ‘hope’.

45. Tisha

Tisha is a cute and adorable name for your little one. Tisha is a name with African roots and it means innocent.

46. Wub

This name means ‘one with beautiful features’.

47. Zahra

Zahra in Swahili means ‘bright and shining’.

48. Zainabu

This is a perfect name for your princess as it means ‘beautiful’.

49. Zuwena

If you are looking for a unique Swahili name, then try the name Zuwena which means ‘good’.

50. Zuri

Zuri is a catchy Swahili name popular which originates from Africa. Your pretty princess deserves a name like Zuri as it refers to ‘beautiful’.

One of the important decisions to make as a parent is to choose the right name for your baby. We know that it is not always the easiest decision to choose Swahili names for boy child or girl child. So, find a name from the above list that suits your taste and preferences and remember that the name you choose for your child represents one’s individuality and character. However, selecting a name may not be as stressful as you think. Make this process enjoyable and find a perfect name for your munchkin. Happy parenting!!!

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Ruchelle has a vast experience working with clients in hospitality, health and wellness, entertainment, real estate, and retail. She aims to utilise her learnings to deliver quality content which will in turn help drive sales and customer engagement.