We all love popular Swahili names. Not only are they musical, they are also loaded with meaning. The most popular Swahili names are typical conversation starters. When you hear names like Barack (meaning blessing) or Zalika (which means the one who was born well), you can’t help but chat about the name. Swahili names are perfect for parents who want their children to bear deep, meaningful and peculiar names.
But where do these popular Swahili names originate from?
Kiswahili (popularly known as Swahili) is the language from which Swahili names are coined. Swahili is one of the Bantu languages. It is the foremost lingua franca of most inhabitants of the African Great Lakes region, East and South Africa. Again, this eclectic language is an important lingua franca in Burundi, Mozambique, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and the DRC.
The history of Swahili names
By now, you’ve probably figured out that Swahili is the most spoken language in Africa. There are approximately one hundred million Swahili speakers in the world.
Before you adopt one of the popular Swahili names, take note of this short history 101 lesson. A huge part of the Kiswahili vocabulary is framed from Arabic.
According to historical records, many Arabs travelled to and traded in parts of East and South Africa. As the people mixed, they began to adopt some Arabic vocabulary as well as Arabic (Islamic) religion.
Now that you know the history of those fantastic Swahili names, let’s see a list of suggestions.
Most popular Swahili names you should consider adopting for your children
Names
A
Akila Well read, or knowledgeable
Amani Aspirations or Desires
Amira Royal princess
Aneesa The one who is chaste, pure and unspoiled
Anisa Jovial or friendly
Asante Thank you (an expression of gratitude to God or man)
Alix Defending men
Aza Strong
Ashia Life
Asiya Caregiver or nurse
Asma Prestige
Asya Resurrection
Atiya Gift
Aziza Powerful
B
Barack Blessing
Bakari Promising person (someone who is full of potential)
Barika Blossom, excel and succeed
Binti Daughter
C
Chaniya Rich or wealthy
Chane The one with a heart that’s as strong as an oak tree.
E
Emani Faith
F
Fatou Abstinence
Fatima To abstain
H
Hassani Beautiful
Hafsa Discerning (the one who has good judgment)
Hiba Gift
Halima Gentle
Hodari Powerful or strong
I
Ila Earth
Imani Faith
Issa God is my salvation
Itanya Hope
Imarisha Stabilize
J
Jafari Creek
Johannes God is gracious
Jela The father suffers during wife’s his labor
Jata Heavenly star
Jamila Beautiful, gorgeous or elegant
Jelani Strong
Jina Born with leadership skills, or triumphant
Jaleel Noble
Jabari Comfort
Jahaira Dignified
Juma Born on a Friday
Jamba A hero
Jaha Dignity
Julisha Advisor (the one who gives advice)
Jiona To beam proudly or to glow with pride
K
Khari or Khary Improved or better
Kamaria Bright as the moon
Kesi Born when father was in trouble
Kia Christian
Karima Generous
Kanene Important matter or person
Kaluwa The forgotten person
Kanika Black cloth
L
Lakeisha Joyful
Latifa Gentle and kind
Lela Night
M
Msia Wise man
Mune The rules (or the laws)
Muraty Friend
Mwanahamisi Born on a Thursday
Mwamini Honest, truthful or trustworthy
Mzuzi creative (or the inventor)
N
Naima Tranquil
Nia Bright
Nour Light
Neema Born during a prosperous period
Nigesa Born during the harvest season
O
Okapi Related to the giraffe
Oyana Uplift
Onyesha clear or sight
Otesha Till the soil or cultivate the earth
P
Penda (A variation of Penha) Beloved
R
Rahma Compassion
S
Simba Like a lion
Shani Fantastic Woman
Samira Pleasant companion
Sefu Sword
Safiri Journey
T
Tamu Sweet
Taraji Aspiration
Taji Crown
Ujana Youth
Y
Yusra Wealth or riches
Z
Zaida Increasing
Zuri Beautiful (or my rock)
Zarina Pure gold
Zakia Smart or clever
Final thoughts on popular Swahili names
Now that you have a list of popular Swahili names, your journey is almost complete. The next step will be choosing a name that fits your preferred guidelines. Whatever your preference, you will definitely find something you love.
Which names do you love best and why?
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