The book is an enlightenment and educational. It brings all the cultures and languages of the continent of Africa under on common roof and draws most popular and meaningful African names. It is written in a way to aid African parents and parents to be a fine resource in the selection of their baby name(s). It is the hope of the author that this book will serve the intended purpose.
AFRICAN BABY NAMES
By Emmanuel AneneAuthorHouse
Copyright © 2011 Emmanuel Anene
All right reserved.ISBN: 978-1-4567-3200-4 Contents
Introduction..............................ixAbout the Author..........................xiACKNOWLEDGEMENTS..........................xiiDEDICATION................................xiiiA.........................................1B.........................................7C.........................................9D.........................................12E.........................................14F.........................................16G.........................................17H.........................................18I.........................................19J.........................................21K.........................................22L.........................................25M.........................................26N.........................................28O.........................................30P.........................................36S.........................................37T.........................................39U.........................................41V.........................................42W.........................................43X.........................................44Y.........................................45Z.........................................46FAMILY BIRTH REGISTER.....................47African Languages.........................55References................................65
Chapter One
AFRICAN BABY NAMES
A
Aba – Girl born on a Thursday
Aba – Person named after a town in eastern part of Nigeria
Abasi or Abasy- Stern, harsh, fierce
Abayomi – Joy (one who brings joy). God saved me
Abeba – A delicate woman
Abebe (boy) – One who is flourishing
Abena - Born on a Tuesday
Abeni – A girl child who was prayed for
Abiodun – Child born during an important festival
Abiola – Born favored, Child born into wealth
Abosede – Child born during the weekdays
Abu - Fatherly
Ada – Girl
Adanma - Beautiful girl
Adanna – Father's daughter
Adanne – Mother's daughter
Adaolie (girl) – Born on a market day
Adaoma – A good woman
Adebayo – Joy
Adedayo-Create joy
Adeola – Crown of wealth
Adeola- One who wears a crown of honor
Adesena - Acceptance
Adesuwa - Born into wealth
Adetoun – Princess
Adhama (girl) – Child of glory
Adila – Just and fair
Adjatay – A prince, royalty
Adowa (girl) – Noble
Afafa - First born daughter
Afam – My name
Afamefuna (abbr. Afam) - May my name not be forgotten
Afeaye – Always remember to return to your roots or home
Afia – One born on a market day
Afua – Born on a Friday
Agboilire – Right to live in this world too
Agiegbe – Never laugh at someone
Aigbona – No one can kill or harm this one, you cannot kill or harm this one
Aina – Child born of a complicated delivery
Aissa - One who is thankful, grateful
Ajayi – One who is born face dawn
Ajua – Girl born on a Monday
Akalaka - Destiny
Akhalume or Akalumeh – They cannot harm me
Akhazimheye or Akhazimeye – Live and let live or let me live my life in peace
Akheoya – Never rely on anyone or wait on anyone
Akia – First born girl
Akin - Brave man
Akpi – Scorpion
Alaba – A child born after Idowu
Aleegbe – Knowing one another prevents enmity
Alheri (girl) - Grace
Aloaye – better to move forward or forward moving
Ama – Born on a Saturday
Amadi – One who rejoices, one who gives a reason for rejoicing
Amaechi – One who knows tomorrow
Aman – Trustworthy woman
Amandla – Powerful woman
Amani – Peace, Peaceful
Amani – Peaceful woman
Amaoge – One who knows the time
Amarachukwu - God's favor
Amari - Strength, powerful
Ameze - River water
Amhofuaghu or Amofuaghu – It is not wise to have anger in your spirit or soul
Amike – Girl who is petted
Amuchie – Born to replace
Anan – The fourth born child
Anaya - One who trusts up to God
Aneneuwa or Anene - An onlooker, calmness with assurance, one who perseveres
Aniboku – The character of an Egret or an Egret
Aniekwenna - The land that accepts the father
Animashaun - Generous
Annakiya- Girl with fine face
Anulika – Believes in happiness
Anuoluwa – God's favor
Anwukah – Sun is greater
Anyan – Bright
Anyango – One who is good
Apala - One who creates religious music
Apara - One who is mobile
Arusi – Girl born during wedding
Arziki - One who is prosperous
Asha – Hope
Ashanti - From a tribe in Ghana (West Africa)
Asonye - He who does well
Assaggi – Strong woman
Astarte - Goddess
Audi - Last daughter in a family
Audu/Abdu - Camel/hard
Awele - Success
Awili - Happiness
Ayanna – Innocent
Ayo - Joy
Ayodele /Ayo - Filled with happiness, happy person/child
Ayokunle – Child born when the family is full of joy
Ayomide – My joy is here
Ayomikun – My joy overflows
Ayonote – No one has the power to determine who will live longer
Ayuba - Same as biblical Job
Ayubu – Preserver
Azani- Preserver of the land
Azekel - Praiser, worshiper of God
Azikiwe – Peaceful person, one who is full of life
Azinza - Mermaid
Azizi - The previous one, the one before
Azmera - Harvester
Azuka - Back is great, back is big
Azuka - Past glory
B
Baakir – The first born child
Baako - First born child
Baba – Father
Babalola - Father's favor
Babangida - Father
Babu – Fierce man
Badru - One borne during full moon
Badu – The tenth child of the parents
Bahari - A person of the sea
Bamba - Carry on the back
Bambeh - Crocodile
Bamidele - Follow me home
Bandele - Born away from home
Banji – Second born of twins
Barack or Baraka - Lucky child, good luck
Baraka - Light skinned woman, favored by God
Baruti – Great teacher
Bayo – Gave birth to joy
Bayo – Joy and happiness
Belay – Superior man, leader
Bello – One who helps others
Beluchi – With God's approval
Bibi - King's daughter
Bidemi – A child born while the father was on a journey
Binta – One with God
Birkita- Strong woman
Bisa – Greatly loved daughter
Bitrus- Same as biblical Peter
Bolade – One who brings honor
Bolanile – Born into riches
Bukola – God add to my wealth
Bulus - Same as biblical Paul
Bupe - Hospitable woman
Busola - Added favor
BLDBLD
Cakusola - Heart of a lion
Camara - Teacher
Candace - Queen
Chacha – One with great strength
Chalondra – Intelligent woman
Cheche - A small woman
Chiamaka – God is very good
Chiayindi - Our God lives
Chiazor – God saves
Chibuike – God is strength
Chibundu – God is life
Chibuzor – God is leader, God is the way
Chibuzor – God shows the way, God's the true way
Chidi – God exits
Chidi – God lives
Chidiebere - God is merciful
Chidiebube - God is glorious
Chidindu - God is alive
Chidinma - God is good
Chikadi – The day is bright
Chikama - God knows best
Chikanma - God is best
Chike – Created by God
Chike - God is powerful
Chikelu – God created me
Chiku – Spoken by God
Chikwere - God in agreement
Chima – God known
Chimalsi - A proud man
Chimaobim - God knows my heart
Chime - God made it happen
Chimelu – God created me
Chimelu - Made of God
Chinaka - God's chosen
Chinara - God receives
Chinedu - God leads
Chineye - God gives
Chinonso – God is near
Chinue – Daughter of the Nile
Chinue – God's blessing
Chioma - God is good
Chioma - Good God
Chipo – God's gift
Chiriga - Triumphant
Chiwe - God owns
Chiwendu – God owns life
Chiye – God's gift
Chiyere - God gave, God provided
Chizoba - Well protected
Chuki - Born in an unpleasant time
Chukwuakponamasi - God will not forsake me
Chukwudi - God lives
Chukwuebuka - God is too great
Chukwueku – God decides
Chukwuemeka –Thanks to God
Chukwuemeka/Emeka - God has done great
Chukwuemeke/Emeke - God has done great
Chukwuka – God is greatest
Chukwukelum – God created me
Chukwuma – God knows best
Chukwuneye – God gives
Chukwura – Accepted by God, God is universal
D
Dada – Dread luck (child born with dread luck)
Dakaria – Filled with happiness
Dalope - Much favor
Damilola – Make me wealthy
Dandeh - Wall, pillar, strength
Danjuma - Friday
Danso – A reliable man
Darasimi – God is good to me
Daudi/Dauda - One who is loved
Dayo – One who gives joy has arrived
Dembe – A peaceful man
Demissie – The destroyer
Deshawn – God is gracious
Dia – Champion
Diata- Lioness
Dibie – Traditional medicine man
Diji - Farmer
Dike - A strong man
Dondoh - Loan
Dumisani/Sani – Great leader
Dunsin – God is worthy of serving
Dupe – Thank God
Dupe - Thanks
E
Ebelechukwu - God's mercy
Ebere - Mercy
Ebo - Born on a Tuesday
Ebube – Glory
Ebubechukwu - Glory of God
Ebun – God's gift
Efia - Born on a Friday
Eghiegba or Egiegba – The kingdom is now complete
Eghosa - God's time
Egwaogie or Egwaoghie – In the courtyards of a king
Ejiekeme - Not by might /strength
Ejime - Second born twins
Ekenna – By God's power
Ekenne or Ekennedelichukwu -Thanks be to God
Ekundayo - Sorrow turns to joy
Ellema - A diary farmer
Emeghoghena or Emegogena – Whatever pleases God
Emosi – Female child
Enekola – Purity
Enge – Hard working man
Eniola – Child of wealth, a successful child
Epke – Tiger
Eregieuwa/Eregie - Our ancestors are here to direct us
Eriamhona or Eriamona – They cannot ruin this for me
Eshe - Life
Esi - Born on a Sunday
Esosa - God's gift
Essien - The people's child
Essien - The sixth born son
Etseoghena – God's providence
Ewele - Good luck
Eze – King
Ezimhede or Ezimhede – My family or my people or they will not let me fall
F
Fabunni – Given by God
Fahim - An educated man
Faizah - Victorious woman
Fana - Light
Fanta - Born on a beautiful day
Farah - Tear apart, go separate ways.
Faraji – A consoler
Fashola- God protects
Fayola - Honorable
Feechi - Woman who worships
Femi – God loves me
Femi - Loved by God
Ferenkeh - Male twin
Funlola – Give me wealth
G
Gamada - Pleasing woman
Gbanga - Lift me up
Genet – Woman from the garden of paradise
Geteye – Master
Ghalyela - Precious woman
Ghedi – A traveler
Gimbya – Daughter of a king or royalty
Gowon - A rainmaker
Gozie - Bless
Guwedia - Stay with me
H
Haiba- Charming woman
Hamidi - One who is commendable
Hannatu - Same as biblical Hannah
Harith – A provider
Hasina - Good and beautiful woman
Hawa - Woman who is desired
Hazina - Woman who is treasured
Hesiena - First born female twins
Hidi – Woman rooted to earth
Husani – The small handsome one, a good man
Hussein – A good man
I
Ibrahim - Same as biblical Abraham
Ibukun – Blessing
Idowu – Child born after a set of twins
Idowu - Third of a triplet
Idowu- Child born after twins
Ifama - Well being
Ife - Loves and is loved
Ife – One who is widely loved
Ifeanyichukwu or Ifeanyi – No obstacle is too much for God
Ifeoma - Beautiful woman
Igbekele – Trust in God
Igenegbai – The men are now complete (name for a second son or male child)
Ijeawele - Safe journey, glorious journey
Ijeoma - Good journey, safe journey
Ijeoma – Good journry
Ikeakpiokhai or Akpiokhai – King's subjects can only murmur in his absence
Ikechukwu or Ike – God's Strength
Ikechukwuka (abbr. Ike) - God's strength is greatest
Ikioda – I do not want a substitute
Ikpi – Python
Ilo – Sunshine, joy
Ilom – One who has enemies
Ilori – Treasured child
Iluobe – I will not plan evil against another
Iman – Having great faith
Imhoudu or Imoudu – Tough and patient
Imoesi – I have God with me
Imoitsike – Someone has my back or I know who is got my back
Inetah – I have no time for worry about the past
Ini – Elephant
Iniko - Daughter born during hardship
Inofomo – I do not fear my child
Iroboudu or Irobodu – Patience
Isah- Savior/Jesus
Ishaku – Same as biblical Jacob
Ishaya – Same as biblical Isaiah
Isoke – Gift from God
Itoha – Mercy
Itsenegbemhe or Itsenegbeme – I will take my share or what is mine
Iyabo – Mother came back in form of a child
Iyasu - Elias
Izebe – I make no enemies
J
Jahi – A dignified man, distinguished man
Jimiyu – One born on a dry day
Jimoh – Born on a Friday
Juji- Woman who greatly loved
Jummai (girl) - Friday
Jumoke – Dearly beloved
Jumoke - Loved by all
K
Kabaka - A king
Kabibe- A petite woman
Kabira - Powerful woman
Kafi – A quiet, well mannered boy
Kalunga – Alert and watchful person
Kamau - A quiet warrior
Kambiri - New family member
Kambo - Hardworking woman
Kamuzu - Healer
Kanayochukwu or Kanayo – Continue to thank, praise and worship God
Kande - First born daughter
Kanika - Dark beautiful woman
Kareem – A generous man
Karifa - Hand over to someone to take care of someone, a gift
Kato – A man of good judgment
Kayin – A long awaited child
Kayode – Child that brings a lot of joy
Kazan – A creative man
Kazi – A hardworking man
Kehinde – Second child of twins
Kehinde- Second of a TRI
Kekura – New man, new husband, sweet, loving
Kelechi – Thanks to God
Kelkun- Warrior, strong, energetic, leader
Kelly - Take an oath
Kemi – Gods favor
Kemi - Watch me
Kendi – Beloved by all
Kenya – Innocent
Kenyangi- Resembling a white egret
Kenyi – A son born after daughter
Kepri - Born of the morning sun
Kerel – Forever young
Khairi – A kingly man, Stately man
Khamisi – One born on a Thursday
Kijana- A youthful man
Kimathi - A devote provider
Kimoni - A great man
Kirabo – A gift from God
Kito - Precious
Kiwa- Lovely woman
Kizzy - Energetic woman
Kofi – Born on a Friday
Kojo – Born on a Monday
Kolawale - Let favor come in
Kolawole – A child born when parents were successful
Kono – An industrious man
Kossarau - Free spirited
Kullie - Fast, strong like a leopard.
Kumani - Fulfilling one's destiny
Kumba- Fat
Kumi – A forceful man
Kundu - Come to stay (given birth to after parents have lost previous babies)
Kunle- Well done, well deserved
Kwabena – Born on a Tuesday
Kwaku – Born on a Wednesday
Kwame – Born on a Saturday
Kwasi – Born on a Sunday
Kwesi – Born on a Sunday
L
Laraba (girl) -Wednesday
Lekeleke - Egret, finesse
Leshan – Award winner
Lewa or Lewana - A beautiful woman
Litini (girl) - Monday
Loba – A good talker
Lumumba – A talented or gifted man
M
Madu – A manly man
Mafuane - Daughter of the earth
Maha - Woman with beautiful eyes
Mahari - A giving man
Mahari - Woman who offers forgiveness
Maisha - Life
Maizah - One who has good judgment
Maji – Literary water( calmness, clean, life, lively, smooth
Makeda - Graceful and queenly
Makena - Happy woman
Mama - Mother
Mamo- A little boy
Mandesa - Sweet woman
Mansa - A king
Mansa - Chief of a tribe, a king, Prince
Manyara - Humble woman
Mariama – Gift from God
Mariatu - Pure and innocent woman
Mariatu – Pure, clear, immaculate
Markeisha or Keisha - Favorite child
Maryamu (girl) - Mother of Jesus
Masami – Commanding and truthful
Masara – Magical woman
Mashaka - Mischievous woman
Masika - Woman born during rainstorm
Massassi - First woman on earth
Matunde – Someone who is fruitful
Mavonde - Woman of abundant harvest
Mikaili - Angle of God
Mmeri - Winner
Moja - Content with life
Mojisola - Awake to favor
Mona - A jealous man
Mongo – A well known man
Monifa - Lucky woman
Moreh - Muslim fortune teller, wisdom
Mosi - First born child
Moyo - Of the heart
Mukasa – An administrator of God
Mukisa – A man of fortune
Musa - Same as biblical Moses
Musu - Woman, beautiful, loving, kind, gentle.
Musukura - New woman/New wife
Mwaka - Born on a new year eve
N
Nabwine (girl) - Meaning calm, peace (given birth to when others were asleep
Nafula (girl) - Given birth to when it is raining signifies blessing, good luck
Naima - Content woman
Naira - Money used in Nigeria. Wealth
Naira - Woman with big eyes
Nakhumwa – Good luck
Naliaka- Future wife
Naliaka- Name denoting a boy or girl
Nanyama (girl) – Female born child
Nasenya (girl) – Joy
Nasha – Born during raining season
Nasiemu – Quiet, loyal, calm
Ndidi – Patience
Neema - Born into prosperity
Neema – Calmness
Nekbet-Goddess
Nekesa (girl) - Given birth to during harvesting signifies good luck, wealth
Ngozi - Blessing
Ngozichukwuka - God's blessing is great
Nigesa – Daughter of the harvest
Nike – One to keep
Nkechika or Nkechi - For tomorrow's sake
Nkechukwu or Nkechi) - God's property
Nkem – Mine
Nkeoyeasoa – Mine is the best, I love my own, I love what I have
Nkiruka or Nkirru - The future holds big promise
Nkoye – Mine own
N'naba - Big mama, kind and gentle, authoritative
Nnamdi – My God lives
Nnanna – Father of father
Nne – Mother
Nneka – Mother is greatest
Nnenna – Mother of father
Nneoma - Good mother
Nonyelum – Stay with me. Be with me
Nosiwe - Mother of the homeland
Nwaka - Child is greater
Nwamaka – Child is good
Nwanma – Beautiful child
Nweke - Born on a Sunday
(Continues...)
Excerpted from AFRICAN BABY NAMESby Emmanuel Anene Copyright © 2011 by Emmanuel Anene. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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