I will start this article by pointing out some facts about Swahili.
Did you know
- Swahili is the official language of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Some of the Swahili words are Arabic, obtained from the 12 centuries contact with the Arabic nations.
- The vocabulary also includes English, Persian, Portuguese, German, and French words, attained through contact with these countries in the past centuries.
Searching for a name can be quite rigorous, it is more like a treasure hunt. Swahili baby names are either Arabic or Biblical and to a very large extent, it is influenced by the facts highlighted above. There is a Swahili name for every child regardless of their gender and parent wishes.
It is, however, challenging to settle for the most appropriate without understanding their meanings. So if you are expecting a baby, or you have a newborn baby and you are finding it difficult to come up with a perfect name, here is a list of Swahili names and their meanings.
Swahili Baby Names and Their Meanings
Names Meaning
Bakari A promising and lovely human being
Barika Bloom, Be Successful
Binti Daughter
Chane The one having a strong Oak-heart
Kamaria The name means Bright like the Moon
Kesi Born at a time of great trouble for father
Lakeisha Joyful
Penda African – Admired; Loved; Beloved; A variant of Penha
Shani A wonderful woman
Simba To be like a lion
Zahara To shine, to bloom
Abedi Worshipper
Adea A kind gift from the God
Adia A gift, or a gift from the God
Adiah God’s gift or God’s ornaments
Ahadi Promising, With much promise
Aiysha Powerful and complete
Akida Chief, Officer; one who is determined and diplomatic
Akina Solidarity, bond, family bond
Amana A warrior at heart who is faithful and loyal
Amaziah The one who has the strength of God is unusual and extraordinary
Amne Safe; Secure
Asafa One who is a son of a chief and a Persian officer
Asani Rebellious
Asanis Rebel; a clear and modest person
Ashura Friend or the one who accompanies.
Athumani The third Khalifa
Atiena Guardian of the night.
Auni Help; Assist
Azizi Arabic – Beloved; Precious One; Treasure; Valuable
Banou Female; Lady; Princess
Chacha A strong man
Chandu An octopus
Chiku The one talking a lot
Djimon One who has strong blood; a powerful person
Elewisa An intelligent and mindful person
Hami Defender, Patron, Protector, Supporter, Show Favour,
Hashaan Good-looking
Hasnaa very beautiful
Hassian Handsome
Hediye Gift
Jabali A man who is strong as a rock
Jabori One who brings comfort to people
Jel Refers to Strong and hard.
Johari Something of value, jewel, something precious which is adored
Kamili Perfect, No Flaws
Kenyada Gem
Kenyatta Jewel
