African Names for Boys

When it comes to naming a child, most people want to select something that is unique and has a great meaning. A name becomes an identity for each one of us. The birth of a child is a beautiful and joyous occasion and in most cultures, names are selected to reflect traditions and roots. Like other cultures, African cultures also give a lot of importance to naming of the child. In African culture, it is believed that the chosen baby name will exert an influence on the life of the child and his personality. If you are looking for African names for boys choose a unique baby name which has a distinct meaning, and which would describe his personality, or the kind of person you would like him to be. Read more on name meanings.

Africa consists of various ethnic groups and African names and their meanings are based on different beliefs ranging from religious beliefs to tribal beliefs. Male African names can be of Arabic, English, French or Dutch origin. Most traditional African names for boys are based on the circumstances that surround a birth, the day on which the baby was born, the timing of the baby's birth or on a virtue. Read more on names and how they affect personality.

Male African Names and their Meanings

The following is a list of African names for boys along with their meanings:

Male African Names - by Trait

• Abimbola – born to be rich
• Ali – noble or exalted
• Alpha – leader
• Ayo– happiness
• Azizi- beloved or precious one
• Baas- master
• Bohlale-wisdom
• Cheikh – learned
• Dalmar – versatile
• Danso – reliable
• Daudi – beloved
• Dia – champion
• Din - great
• Faraji - consolation
• Gamba - warrior
• Harith - cultivator
• Jabari - brave, fearless
• Jayvyn - light spirit
• Jelani – mighty
• Matata - troublemaker
• Naeem - benevolent
• Razi - secret
• Runako - handsome
• Salim - peace
• Sulaiman - peaceful
• Tabansi - one who endures
• Uba – wealthy
• Zareb - protector

African Names for Boys – Spiritual

• Adom – God's blessing
• Abdullah – servant of God
• Azekel – praising the Lord
• Chiamaka - God is splendid
• Chike - power of God
• Issa - the Messiah
• Jaja – God's gift
• Uchechi, Uchi – God's will
• Yesuto – belongs to Jesus
• Yobachi – pray to God

African Baby Names – Denoting Time

• Kwesi, Sisi – born on Sunday
• Kojo – born on Monday
• Bobo, Kwabena – born on Tuesday
• Kwaku – born on Wednesday
• Hanisi, Khamisi – born on Thursday
• Juma, Kofi - born on Friday
• Atu, Kwame, Kwami – born on Saturday
• Badru – born on a full moon night
• Daren, Othieno – born at night
• Haji – born during Hajj
• Mwaka – born on new year's eve
• Nadif – born between two seasons

African Names for Boys – Family Oriented

• Akia – first-born child
• Manu, Poni, Pili – second-born child
• Mensah – third-born child
• Fodjour – fourth-born child
• Essien – sixth-born son
• Nkrumah, Nkruma - ninth-born child
• Badu – tenth-born child
• Ata, Oko – twin
• Mosi, Ulan, Hassan, Odion, Zesiro – first-born twin
• Kato – second-born twin
• Okello – born after twins
• Gogo – like grandfather

These were just a few ideas for African names for boys. While selecting an African baby name, be it an African name for boys or African name for girls, keep in mind that you want a name that has a beautiful meaning, but is also not very hard to pronounce, as this is the name that your baby boy will have for the rest of his life. So go ahead and pick one that you think will suit your bundle of joy!