The Swahili language is spoken throughout Eastern Africa and it has strong influences from Arabic. Also known as Kiswahili, the language has a melodic sound to it that makes it an excellent choice for some beautiful baby girl names. From Swahili names rooted in religion, to powerful, joyful and popular Swahili baby names, the following options are lovely choices for your precious daughter.
Religious Swahili Names for Girls
Many Swahili names have religious connotations to them. If you're seeking a spiritual name with Swahili roots, this list of Swahili names offers a lovely mix of culturally rich, faith-based girl names for expectant parents.
- Chinira - God receives
- Chriki - Blessing
- Hediye or Hadiya - Gift
- Imani - Faith
- Kaisa - Pure
- Kalifa - Holy child
- Kiojah - Miracle
- Muraty - One who is sacred
- Nala - Gift
- N'bushe - Godly one
- Safiyah - Pure
- Tambika - A religious offering
- Zawati - Gift
Swahili Names for Girls Based on Time
Many Swahili female names are related to when a daughter is born, days of the week, and certain times of the day or year. Some Swahili baby names and meanings are also related to a child's birth order in the family.
- Chauski - Born at night
- Hasana or Huseina - "She arrived first," which is a name used with female twins
- Fifi, Fifia - Born on Friday
- Jioni - Evening
- Kande - Firstborn
- Kapukie, Kapuki, Kapukie, Kapuky, Kapukee, Kapukea, Kapukey - First-born daughter
- Kesi - Born at a time of trouble
- Koffi - Born on Friday
- Kudio - Born on Monday
- Kwashi - Born on Sunday
- Kwau - Born on Thursday
- Layla - Born at night
- Mashika - Born in the rainy season
- Mosi - She is the first
- Mwasaa - Timely
- Mwatabu - Born during sorrow
- Neema - Born during good times
- Tisa - Ninth born
Swahili Girl Names Starting With A
There is something about a baby girl name that begins with "A" that just rolls right off the tongue. Parents seeking Swahili names starting with "A" are in luck, as there are plenty of options.
- Abla - Wild rose
- Adia or Adiah - A gift from God
- Adhra - Apology
- Afia - Born on Friday
- Ahadi - Promising
- Aiesha or Aisha or Asha - Life
- Aiysha - Living, prosperous
- Akili - Wisdom, intelligence
- Akina - Family bond
- Aleela - A girl who cries
- Amali - Hope
- Amana - Trustworthy
- Aminali - Faithful and true
- Amne - Safe and secure
- Arafa - Knowledgeable
- Asali - Sweet like honey
- Asatira - Legend or history
- Asha - Life
- Asya - Born during mourning
- Atiena - Guardian of the night
- Ayanna or Ayonna - Beautiful flower
- Aza - Strong (Unisex name)
- Aziza - Powerful, beloved
Swahili Names for Girls From Animals
Some interesting and unique Swahili baby names come from the names of animals. These are adorable monikers for an animal-loving family or a family that equates specific traits and qualities of an animal to their beautiful baby.
- Pacca or Paka - Catlike woman
- Panya or Panyin - Resembles a mouse
- Nalah - Queen, lion
- Nyoka - Resembling a snake
- Sanura - One who is kittenlike
Beautiful Swahili Names for Girls
Nothing is as beautiful as your baby girl, but these name choices come close! If you're looking for a girl name that means "beautiful" or is related to beauty, Swahili has many lovely options for you to ponder.
- Dara - Beautiful one
- Hasnaa - Beautiful woman
- Jamila - Beautiful, elegant
- Johari - Jewel or precious item
- Jokia - Beautiful robe
- Marini - Pretty or healthy
- Zahara or Zahra - Flower or to bloom or shine
- Zainabu - Beautiful
- Zuri - Beautiful
Powerful Swahili Girl Names
Names that imply strength of character and spirit are commonly found in Swahili. These girl names are perfect ideas for parents striving to raise the future generation of independent young women.
- Eshe - Giver of life (variation of Asha)
- Fahari - Splendor
- Faizah - Victorious woman
- Imara - Strong, resolute (unisex name)
- Jelani - Great, mighty
- Nalla - A very successful person
- Nia or Nyah - Purpose, goal
- Niara - With utmost purpose
- Tisha - Strong will
Happy Swahili Girl Names
One look at her, and a smile spreads across your face. Your daughter is the epicenter of your joy, so gift her a name that represents the happiness she brings to the world.
- Bina - Dancer
- Furaha - Joy, happiness
- Goma - Joyful dance
- Hasina - Good
- Inira - Sing
- Itanya - Hope
- Jama - Friend
- Jamala - Friendly; good manners
- Kakena - Happy one
- Kanai - Contentment
- Kichaka - One who blushes
- Lakeisha - Joyful, favorite
- Lakicia - A woman who is the favorite of everyone
- Mchumba - Sweetheart, fiancé or fiancée
- Najuma - Boundless joy
- Njema - Good
- Oyana - Uplift others; inspire
- Penda or Penha - Loved or beloved
- Radhiya - Friendly, content
- Raziya - Agreeable
- Safiyya - Best friend or friend
- Shany or Shanee or Shani or Shanie - Marvelous woman, wonderful
- Shanit - Wondrous, marvelous
- Sikudhani - A pleasant surprise and unexpected gift
- Terema - Cheerful
- Tumaini - Hope, an optimist
- Uzima - Full of life
- Zuwena - Good
Cute Swahili Names for Girls
There is no shortage of cute Swahili baby names available to parents. These adorable monikers range from short to long and have varying meanings, but they all have one thing in common: they are all unbelievably precious picks.
- Barika - Bloom or success or flourishing
- Binti - Daughter
- Chiku - One who talks a lot, talkative
- Kamaria or Kamara - Variation of Qamar, which means "moon" or "bright like the moon" in Arabic
- Leta - Bringer
- Marjani - Of coral reef
- Nuru - Light
- Nyota - Stars
- Ramla - A fortune teller or can see the future
- Rukiya - To arise; awake
- Safari - Expedition or journey (unisex name)
- Sauda - Dark beauty
- Subira - Patience
- Tabia or Tabea - Talented
- Tulia - Quiet and calm
- Winda - Hunter
- Yumna - Good fortune
Popular Swahili Girl Names
There are many more Swahili girl names for you to choose from that may not have a specific theme. Swahili girl names can cover everything from personality traits to precious items. The following is an assortment of pretty and popular names.
- Batini - Inner thoughts
- Chaniya - Wealthy
- Dinka - People
- Jaha or Jahaira - Dignified or dignity
- Jamaa - A relative
- Jina - Named child
- Julisha - Advisor; a woman with good advice
- Kalere - Short woman
- Kaluwa - Forgotten one
- Kameke - Blind
- Kenene or Kanene - A little important item
- Kimya - Silent
- Mtupeni - Unwelcome, not very welcome
- Mwamini - Honest
- Mzuzi - Inventive
- Nadira - Rare
- Najia - Offspring
- Nathari - Prose
- Nyimbo - Song
- Nyofu - Shy, candid
- Onyesha - Clear or sight
- Otesha - Cultivate the earth; garden
- Rafiya - Dignified
- Rahma - Compassion
- Rehema - Compassionate
- Salama - Security and safety
- Sanaa - Artwork, shining light
- Sarabi - Mirage
- Shafira - Distinguished
- Siti - A respected woman
- Tahiya - Security
- Taraji - Faith; anticipation
- Tosha - Satisfaction
- Ujana - Young
- Zalika - Born into royalty
Choosing a Swahili Baby Girl Name
Swahili is the most widely spoken African language in the world and offers many choices for an African-inspired girl name. Not only can you find your girl a beautiful, meaningful name, but it can be a springing point to research more about African culture and languages.
