260 Adorable Swahili Girls Names With Meanings

Every parent is looking for the right name for their baby. But in doing so, many go for names that aren’t popular for whatever reason.

However, this is a costly mistake because you can’t change the name later.

We’ve all heard stories where parents name their child something that the child ends up growing up to hate it. How can you avoid that?

Do some research and check out some popular Swahili girl names to get the better idea.

Jioni: “evening“

Kamili: “flawless or perfect”

Nalah: “lioness”

Nalla: “successful person”.

Niara:  “utmost purpose”

Ramla: “prophetess”

Tish: “has strong willpower”

Terema: “cheerful one”

Zahara: “To shine or to bloom”

Zalika: “one who is well born”

Akida: “chief or officer”

Asani: “rebellious”

Ayubu: “patience and perseverance”

Chacha: “strong man”

Hami: “protector or supporter”

Jabali: “strong as a rock”

Jel: “strong and hard”

Jirani: “neighbor”

Kabili: “honest and brave”

Kanai: “contentment.”

In the past, some parents have named their child after celebrities or fictional characters. Sometimes the parents themselves will choose a name that is not typical.

Other times they will choose a name that is not common at all.

Some parents are so overwhelmed with the task of naming their child, they opt for a one-word baby name. And although this has been a popular choice, it’s not always the best decision.

In many cultures around the world, a name is considered an important part of a child’s identity. Besides, it’s a good idea to avoid naming your child the same as their father, which might lead to confusion.

So, what should the perfect baby’s name be? Let’s dive into the list of awesome Swahili girl names.

Kenyada: “gem”

Kenyatta: “jewel”

Kito: “precious stone”

Nafasi: “someone who loves a good time”

Penda: “love”

Sahel: “leader”

Salimu: “to greet”

Sefu: “sword”

Tabari: “famous historian”

Zuberi: “one who is strong”

Jafari : “creek“

Jata: “celestial star”

Issa : “the Lord is my salvation”

Akil : “learned or wise”

Msia : “wise man”

Hodari : “powerful”

Muhammed : “praised”

Neema : “born during prosperous times”

Jela : “father suffers during wife’s labour”

Ramadhani : “born during the month of Ramadan”

Khary : “Better”

Swahili Girl Names

Johannes : “God is gracious”

Amani : “wishes or desires”

Rashid : “rightly guided”

Kamari : “moonlight”

Mune : “the rules”

Asante : “gratitude or thanks”

Okapi : “related to the giraffe”

Njowga : “shoes”

Tumaini : “hope”

Nuru : “light”

Bahati : “fortune”

Baraka : “blessings”

Mwando : “efficient worker”

Sentwaki : “the courageous one”

Balozi : “ambassador”

Haki : “justice”

Sadiki : “loyal”

Zubery : “powerful”

Jamba : “a hero”

Musa : “saved from the water”

Powerful Swahili Girl Names

Sefu : “sword”

Taji : ”a crown”

Muraty : “friend”

Jaleel : “noble or grand”

Salene : “good”

Jamal : “handsome or beautiful”

Shani : “marvellous or wonderful”

Tamu : “sweet & delightful”

Salehe : “good”

Shomari : “forceful”

Jaleel : “noble or grand”

Simba : “lion or a strong person”

Kwanza : “first”

Jelani : “strong”

Sultan : “ruler”

Jalil : “exalted or sublime or great”

Tabia : “one of good character”

Kijana : “youth”

Akina : “solidarity”

Asani : “rebellious”

Bakari : “promising and lovely”

What are some of cutest Swahili girl names?

Abedi : “worshipper”

Kamaria : “like the moon”

Imani : “belief or trust”

Jina : “a baby with a name”

Jamani : “friend”

Kanene : “an important thing”

Alix : “defending men”

Itanya : “hope”

Kakena : “the happy one”

Juma : “born on Friday”

Imarisha : “establish and stabilize”

Kaluwa : “forgotten one”

Muraty : “friend”

Onyesha : “clear or sight”

Jamba : “a hero”

Kamara : “moonlight”

Jaha : “dignity”

Kanika : “black cloth”

Mwamini : “honest”

Jama : “friend”

Otesha : “cultivate the earth”

Nigesa : “born during harvest season”

Imara : “strong one or resolute”

Kali : “intense”

Afiya : “health”

Swahili Girls Names

More Baby Names:

Tips to Naming Your Babies

There are millions of baby names out there, and while most parents decide on a name and stick with it for the rest of their lives, there are some who wish the best for their future child, but don’t have a clue how to choose a name.

These parents may be confused about why they can’t come up with a name for their baby, or they may have tried several times and have given up on the idea.

If you are considering giving your child a name, there are some things you should know:

1.      Pick the name you love, even if it is popular.

It is popular and you love it. Anything else you need to think upon? Nope. Go for it. If you want to give it uniqueness, think of a great middle name.

Here are some popular Swahili girl names out there:

Jama

Meaning: “Friend”

Origin: Somalia

Description: is an international peer-reviewed general medical journal

Spelling And Variations: Jaime, Jaimee, Jaimie, Jamee, Jamey.

Famous People with this name:

Jamala

Meaning: “Friendly; good manners”

Origin: Swahili

Description: She performs music that includes elements of such styles as soul

Spelling And Variations: –

Famous People with this name: Jamal Abro

Kakena

Meaning: “Happy one”

Origin: Christian

Description: is more frequently found in The DR Congo than any other country or territory

Spelling And Variations: Carina, Carus, Kalena.

Famous People with this name: –

Kanai

Meaning: “Contentment”

Origin: Swahili

Description: Kanai name is driven from Hindi Language

Spelling And Variations: Kana, Nakai, Keena.

Famous People with this name:

Kichaka

Meaning: “One who blushes”

Origin: Banasura

Description: Kichaka was the eldest son of Kekaya

Spelling And Variations:

Famous People with this name:

Lakeisha

Meaning: “Joyful, favorite”

Origin: American

Description: The name Lakeisha is primarily a female name

Spelling And Variations: Lakeisha, Lakesha, Lakeshia, Lakeysha.

Famous People with this name: Lakeisha Lawson

Lakicia

Meaning: “A woman who is the favorite of everyone”

Origin: Swahili

Description: Lakicia in the Swahili origin, means She who is a Favorite among people.

Spelling And Variations: Lakica, Lakaca.

Famous People with this name:

Mchumba

Meaning: “Sweetheart, fiancé or fiancée”

Origin: Eastern African

Description: Mchumba occurs in Tanzania more than any other country or territory.

Spelling And Variations:

Famous People with this name:

Najuma

Meaning: “Boundless joy”

Origin: Swahili

Description: A user from Germany says the name Najuma is of Swahili origin

Spelling And Variations: Najima, Najma.

Famous People with this name:

Njema

Meaning: “Good”

Origin: Swahili

Description: Njema is a popular Swahili novel written by the renowned Kenyan autho

Spelling And Variations:

Famous People with this name:

Oyana

Meaning: “inspire”

Origin: Nigerian

Description: Oyana, a full-service marketplace, partners with fitness

Spelling And Variations: Oyna, Oyania.

Famous People with this name:

Penda

Meaning: “Loved or beloved”

Origin: Senegalese

Description: an Australian timber tree of the family Myrtaceae

Spelling And Variations: Painda, Panda.

Famous People with this name:

2.      Do not skip lovely Swahili girl names even if they are unique, unusual, and different.

Sometimes, parents will not go for unusual, unique, and different baby names. They consider it weird. Let me tell you that being attractive and thought-provoking is the game these days.

How would you like these Swahili girl names:

Fujo : “no-nonsense”

Pili : “second child”

Keva : “the beautiful one”

Hiba : “a gift from God”

Bahiya : “beautiful”

Fine:“looking Doli”

Jahaira : “dignified”

Oyana : “uplift and inspire”

Penda : “loved”

Aza : “strong”

Mwanahamisi : “born on Thursday”

Julisha : “the advisor or gives advice”

Mzuzi : “inventive”

Inira : “to sing”

Mwinyi : “one who summons”

Jiona : “to glow with pride”

Nadira : “rare”

Mwatabu : “born during sorrow“

Issa : “the Lord is my salvation”

Kalere : “a short woman”

Mwanaidi : “born during festival”

Jamaa : “kin or relation”

Mwasaa : “timely”

Mtupeni : “not very welcome”

Nbushe : “the godly one”

3.      Be confident if you want to go toward personalized spellings for your baby’s name.

SURE. You should be confident when giving personalized spellings to your baby’s name. However, it is important that you do not make it weird.

Adding or removing an alphabet would be enough here.

Try changing these baby names spellings into personalized ones:

Radhiya

Meaning: “Friendly, content”

Origin: Arabic

Description: Radhiya name meaning is Contented, agreeable

Spelling And Variations: Radee, Radhee, Radhi, Radi, Radeyah.

Famous People with this name:

Raziya

Meaning: “Agreeable”

Origin: Arabic

Description: is an Asian feminine given name and an occasional

Spelling And Variations:

Famous People with this name:

Safiyya

Meaning: “Best friend or friend”

Origin: Arabic

Description: Safiyya is an alternative spelling for Safiyyah, and is a feminine

Spelling And Variations: Saffiyah, Safiyyah, Safie, Safia, Safija.

Famous People with this name: Safiya Zaghloul

Shanie

Meaning: “Marvelous woman”

Origin: Sanskrit

Description: refers to the divine personification of the planet Saturn in Hinduism

Spelling And Variations:

Famous People with this name: Shani Wallis

Shanit

Meaning: “Wondrous, marvelous”

Origin: Hebrew

Description: Shanit was the name given by King David to a flower of crimson

Spelling And Variations:Shanita, Shanya.

Famous People with this name:

Sikudhani

Meaning: “A pleasant surprise”

Origin: Swahili

Description: and is used in more than one countries and different languages of the world

Spelling And Variations: Sikudha, Sikudhan.

Famous People with this name:

Terema

Meaning: “Cheerful”

Origin: Swahili

Description: Terema is a training organisation which incorporates

Spelling And Variations:

Famous People with this name:

Tumaini

Meaning: “Hope, an optimist”

Origin: Swahili

Description: is a majority Black Owned Recruitment Company

Spelling And Variations: Tumainy or Tohmaini.

Famous People with this name:

Uzima

Meaning: “Full of life”

Origin: Swahili

Description: The name Uzima is of Swahili origin, also having Arabic roots

Spelling And Variations: Uzyma or Uzimah.

Famous People with this name:

Zuwena

Meaning: “Good”

Origin: Swahili

Description: Zuwena is Arabic/Muslim Girl name.

Spelling And Variations:

Famous People with this name:

Aminali

Meaning: “Faithful and true”

Origin: Swahili

Description: Aminali is a name given primarily to females.

Spelling And Variations:

Famous People with this name:

Barika

Meaning: “Bloom or success or flourishing”

Origin: African

Description: is a city in Batna Province, in Eastern Algeria.

Spelling And Variations: Bareeka, Baika, Berka.

Famous People with this name:

Binti

Meaning: “Daughter”

Origin: Swahili

Description: and is used mostly in Swahili speaking countries but also in a few other countries

Spelling And Variations:

Famous People with this name:Binti Angel

Chiku

Meaning: “One who talks a lot, talkative”

Origin: Swahili

Description: Chiku is also the name of a fruit in India.

Spelling And Variations: Coy, Cissy, Chuck, Chika, Chico.

Famous People with this name:

4.      Crossing your favorite Swahili girl names on the feedback on friends and family members.

Feedback is important. But it does not mean to listen to every other person’s opinion. You will hardly find Swahili girl names that everybody would like.

Therefore, get feedback but still know your choice.

Consider getting feedback on these baby names from your friends and family members:

Inithia : “leads in song and dance”

Najuma : “abounding in joy”

Ujana : “youth”

Kai : “from the sea”

Deka : “one to satisfy”

Shamfa : “sunshine”

Zahra : “beautiful, lovely”

Sune : “angelic”

Gamila: “gorgeous”

Adiah : “A gift from God”

Chinira : “God receives”

Chriki : “Blessing”

Hediye : “Gift”

Imani : “Faith”

Kaisa : “Pure”

Kalifa : “Holy child”

Kiojah : “Miracle”

Muraty : “One who is sacred”

Nala : “Gift”

Bushe : “Godly one”

Safiyah : “Pure”

Tambika : “A religious offering”

Zawati : “Gift”

Afia : “Born on Friday”

Asya : “Born during mourning”

5.      Do a little research and find what is out there.

Research is an important to step for first-time parents as well for those who do not know what sort of names people pick. You will be all good once you do a little internet research.

You will also be able to find some great Swahili girl names that you might consider now or in the future.

Here are some common baby names examples to help you:

Kamara

Meaning: “Variation of Qamar”

Origin: American

Description: It is traditionally a girl’s name. In Swahili, African, and Arabic

Spelling And Variations:

Famous People with this name: Aboubakar Kamara.

Leta

Meaning: “Bringer”

Origin: Latin

Description: The name Leta is a girl’s name of Latin origin meaning “glad

Spelling And Variations: Letah. Leeta. Leetah. Lita.

Famous People with this name:

Marjani

Meaning: “Of coral reef”

Origin: African – Eastern

Description: The name Marjani is a girl’s name of Swahili, African origin

Spelling And Variations:

Famous People with this name:

Nuru

Meaning: “Light”

Origin: Swahili

Description: The name Nuru is primarily a gender-neutral name of Swahili

Spelling And Variations: Noor, Nur, Noori or Noorie.

Famous People with this name:

Nyota

Meaning: “Stars”

Origin: Swahili

Description: Nyota is a given name. It means star in the African languages Swahili

Spelling And Variations:

Famous People with this name: Nyota Carl

Ramla

Meaning: “A fortune teller or can see the future”

Origin: Swahili

Description: The name Ramla is of Swahili origin but also has an Arabic meaning

Spelling And Variations: Ramadan, Ramadhan, Ramazan, Rameez, Rami, Ramih.

Famous People with this name:

Rukiya

Meaning: “To arise; awake”

Origin: Swahili

Description: Rukiya is Arabic/Muslim Girl name.

Spelling And Variations: Ruqaiya, Ruqayyah, Ruqaiyyah, Ruqaya.

Famous People with this name:

Safari

Meaning: “Expedition or journey”

Origin: Arabic

Description: The name Safari is primarily a gender-neutral name of Swahili origin

Spelling And Variations: Sa-fa-reeh’ or ‘Saaf-rih’.

Famous People with this name:

Sauda

Meaning: “Dark beauty”

Origin: Arabic

Description: The name Sauda is primarily a female name of Arabic origin

Spelling And Variations:

Famous People with this name:

Subira

Meaning: “Patience”

Origin: AfricanEastern

Description: The name Subira is primarily a female name of African – Eastern

Spelling And Variations: –

Famous People with this name: Subira Sakhim

Tabia

Meaning: “Talented”

Origin: Egyptian

Description:Tabia is baby girl name mainly popular in Muslim religion and its main origin is Arabic.

Spelling And Variations:

Famous People with this name: Othallo Tabia

Tulia

Meaning: “Quiet and calm”

Origin: Swahili

Description: but also with Spanish and Latin origins having almost contradictory meanings.

Spelling And Variations:

Famous People with this name:

6.      Consider names of the subsequent children.

Maybe, you are first-time parents and figuring out some cool Swahili girl name. It is a good idea to consider the names of subsequent children too.

7.      Avoid names with bad meanings.

Baby-names with bad meanings can be a cause of embarrassment for you and your kid. Be sure to know the meaning of the name you are gonna pick and be sure it is encouraging and positive.

Here are some of the cool Swahili girl names with meanings:

Chauski : “Born at night”

Fifia : “Born on Friday”

Jioni : “Evening”

Kande : “Firstborn”

Kesi : “Born at a time of trouble”

Mwasaa : “Timely”

Mwatabu : “Born during sorrow”

Neema : “Born during good times”

Tisa : “Ninth born”

Pacca: “Catlike woman”

Panya : “Resembles a mouse”

Nyoka : “Resembling a snake”

Sanura : “One who is kitten like”

Aziza : “Powerful, beloved”

Ayanna: “Beautiful flower”

Dara : “Beautiful one”

Hasnaa : “Beautiful woman”

Jamila : “Beautiful, elegant”

Johari : “Jewel or precious item”

Jokia : “Beautiful robe”

Marini : “Pretty or healthy”

Zahara: “Flower or to bloom or shine”

Zainabu : “Beautiful”

Zuri : “Beautiful”

Abla : “Wild rose”

8.      Pick up good people names from history.

The name of person has effect on his/her personality, it is said. Maybe, that’s the reason why people choose names from history. You can consider this as well.

I am sure you have heard about many legends from the past. I bet you’d find some awesome and useable Swahili girl names if you look into it.

We have a small list of Swahili girl names here for you to check out and know if you have heard them before:

Winda

Meaning: “Hunter”

Origin: Swahili

Description: The name Winda is primarily a female name of Swahili origin.

Spelling And Variations: Windy or Wanda.

Famous People with this name:

Yumna

Meaning: “Good fortune”

Origin: Swahili

Description:  In Arabic/Urdu and taken from the verses of the Quran (holy book of Islam)

Spelling And Variations: Yamna or Amnaa

Famous People with this name:

Adhra

Meaning: “Apology”

Origin: Swahili

Description: The name Adhra is primarily a female name of Swahili origin

Spelling And Variations: ‘Adhh-rah’ or ‘Ad-rah’.

Famous People with this name: Akkineni Nageswara Rao

Ahadi

Meaning: “Promising”

Origin: Swahili

Description: The name Ahadi is of Swahili origin, with roots in Arabic as well.

Spelling And Variations:

Famous People with this name:

Akina

Meaning: “Family bond”

Origin: Swahili

Description: Name Akina in the Swahili origin, means Solidarity

Spelling And Variations:

Famous People with this name: Akina Nakamori

Aleela

Meaning: “A girl who cries”

Origin: Swahili

Description: he name Aleela is a girl’s name of Swahili origin

Spelling And Variations: Alyllah, Alylla, Aleelah

Famous People with this name:

Amne

Meaning: “Safe and secure”

Origin: Swahili, African

Description: his name is especially approved for ‘Girls’ Gender. Name: Amne.

Spelling And Variations:

Famous People with this name: Anne Murray

Asatira

Meaning: “Legend or history”

Origin: Swahili

Description: The name Asatira is primarily a female name of Swahili origin.

Spelling And Variations:

Famous People with this name:

Batini

Meaning: “Inner thoughts”

Origin:Old English

Description: This name is especially approved for ‘Girls’ Gender.

Spelling And Variations:

Famous People with this name:

Chaniya

Meaning: “Wealthy”

Origin: Swahili

Description: The name Chaniya is primarily a female name of Swahili origin

Spelling And Variations:

Famous People with this name: Chaniya Cham

Dinka

Meaning: “People”

Origin: south central Sudan

Description: a member of a pastoral people of the Nile Valley in south central Sudan

Spelling And Variations:

Famous People with this name:

Jaha

Meaning: “Dignified or dignity”

Origin: Persian

Description: This name is especially approved for ‘Girls’ Gender.

Spelling And Variations: Jahara, Jayha.

Famous People with this name: Jahangir Khan

9.      Make sure the first and second name fit with each other.

This happens rarely that the first and seconds names do not fit and meet each other well. It is, however, something you would not want.

Check out Swahili girl names and try to make full names that fit each other nicely:

Aiesha: “Life”

Aiysha : “Living, prosperous”

Akili : “Wisdom, intelligence”

Amana : “Trustworthy”

Arafa : “Knowledgeable”

Asha : “Life”

Atiena : “Guardian of the night”

Aza : “Strong”

Eshe : “Giver of life“

Fahari : “Splendor”

Faizah : “Victorious woman”

Imara : “Strong, resolute”

Jelani : “Great, mighty”

Nalla : “A very successful person”

Nyah : “Purpose, goal”

Niara : “With utmost purpose”

Tisha : “Strong will”

Amali : “Hope”

Asali : “Sweet like honey”

Bina : “Dancer”

Furaha : “Joy, happiness”

Goma : “Joyful dance”

Hasina : “Good”

Inira : “Sing”

Itanya : “Hope”

10. Avoid names with too many syllables.

Baby-names with too many syllables are complex. They are hard to remember. They should be avoided.

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About Mehroz Sohail

Mehroz Sohail is a computer science student. He specializes in research and content writing. Currently, he is helping the NamesFrog team in producing good content for their audience.