Believe it or not, you’ve heard more Swahili than you think. When you’re eating a jumbo-size fry, playing Jenga, or heading on a safari, you’re speaking Swahili! Of course, there’s plenty more to Swahili than an extra-large fry from Mickey D’s, and these beautiful Swahili girl names prove it.
Let’s start with another Swahili name most millennials are familiar with: Nala. If you’re thinking of Simba’s female companion from Disney’s timeless classic The Lion King, you’re right on the money–her name comes from the Swahili that unsurprisingly means ‘queen lion.’ If you want to give your baby girl a name that will help her rule the roost, consider Nala.
There’s also the playful Shani, a solid moniker that simply means ‘a wonderful woman.’ Now, who doesn’t want their daughter to grow up to be someone like that? Interestingly, it’s also a popular Hebrew name, but it’s a far way away from breaking into the top 1,000 baby names in the U.S. Perhaps your wonderful little woman could help kickstart its popularity!
Another Swahili name that folks have likely seen is Zahara, which also happens to be the name of one of Angelina Jolie’s adopted children. This rapturous name means ‘flower’ in Swahili as well as ‘to shine’ in Hebrew, proving to be another name that’s a hit outside of Africa as well.
We have plenty more lovely Swahili girl names on our long list below, so keep reading to learn more about them.
Adea
Meaning: A kind gift from the God
Origin: Swahili
Ahadi
Meaning: Promising
Origin: Swahili
Aiysha
Meaning: Powerful and complete
Origin: Swahili
Akina
Meaning: Solidarity
Origin: Swahili
Amana
Meaning: A warrior at heart who is faithful and loyal
Origin: Swahili
Amne
Meaning: Safe, Secure
Origin: Swahili
Atiena
Meaning: Guardian of the night
Origin: Swahili
Banou
Meaning: Lady, Princess
Origin: Swahili
Barika
Meaning: Bloom
Origin: Swahili
Binti
Meaning: Daughter
Origin: Swahili
Chaniya
Meaning: Wealthy
Origin: Swahili
Chiku
Meaning: The one talking a lot
Origin: Swahili
Fahari
Meaning: Splendor
Origin: Swahili
Faizah
Meaning: Victorious
Origin: Swahili
Hasnaa
Meaning: Very beautiful
Origin: Swahili
Hediye
Meaning: Gift
Origin: Swahili
Jamala
Meaning: Friendly
Origin: Swahili
Jasiri
Meaning: Courageous
Origin: Swahili
Jina
Meaning: Baby with a name
Origin: Swahili
Johari
Meaning: Something of value
Origin: Swahili
Kadija
Meaning: Wife of the Prophet Mohammed
Origin: Swahili
Kamaria
Meaning: Bright like the Moon
Origin: Swahili
Kibibi
Meaning: Little lady
Origin: Swahili
Kichaka
Meaning: The one who blushes
Origin: Swahili
Lakeisha
Meaning: Joyful
Origin: Swahili
Lakicia
Meaning: Favorite among people
Origin: Swahili
Mosi
Meaning: The first born child
Origin: Swahili
Nala
Meaning: Queen lion
Origin: Swahili
Nea
Meaning: Radiant, Shimmering, Glossy
Origin: Swahili
Niagh
Meaning: An aim
Origin: Swahili
Nya
Meaning: A friend
Origin: Swahili
Pacca
Meaning: Lovely person
Origin: Swahili
Penda
Meaning: Loved, Beloved
Origin: Swahili, African
Rafiya
Meaning: Dignified
Origin: Swahili
Rahma
Meaning: Compassion
Origin: Swahili
Ramla
Meaning: Prophet
Origin: Swahili
Russom
Meaning: A leader
Origin: Swahili
Sarabi
Meaning: Mirage
Origin: Swahili
Shani
Meaning: A wonderful woman
Origin: Swahili
Sikudhani
Meaning: A pleasant surprise
Origin: Swahili
Tabia
Meaning: Polite behavior and talented
Origin: Swahili
Tambika
Meaning: Religious offering
Origin: Swahili
Tish
Meaning: A strong will or will-power
Origin: Swahili
Uheri
Meaning: Good fortune
Origin: Swahili
Uzima
Meaning: Full of life
Origin: Swahili
Winda
Meaning: Hunter
Origin: Swahili
Yumna
Meaning: Good fortune
Origin: Swahili
Zahara
Meaning: Flower
Origin: Swahili
Zalika
Meaning: One who is well born
Origin: Swahili
Zuri
Meaning: Beautiful
Origin: Swahili
