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.
Religious Swahili Names for Girls
Many names in Swahili have religious connotations. If you're seeking a more spiritual name for a girl, these choices will be of interest.
- Adia or Adiah - A gift from God
- 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 names in Swahili are related to when a daughter is born, whether it's the day of the week or the time of the year. Some baby names are also related to a child's birth order in the family.
- Afia - Born on Friday
- Asya - Born during mourning
- Chauski - Born at night
- Hasana or Huseina - "She arrived first" which is a name used with female twins
- Fifi, Fifia - Born on Friday
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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 Names for Girls From Animals
Some Swahili names come from the names for animals. These can be adorable names for an animal-loving family.
- Pacca or Paka - Catlike woman
- Panya or Panyin - Resembles a mouse
- Nyoka - Resembling a snake
- Sanura - One who is kitten like
Beautiful Swahili Names for Girls
If you're looking for a girl name that means "beautiful" or is related to beauty, Swahili has many lovely options for you.
- Aziza - Powerful, beloved
- Ayanna or Ayonna - Beautiful flower
- 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 can be easily found in Swahili. These girl names are perfect for raising an independent young woman.
- Abla - Wild rose
- Aiesha or Aisha or Asha - Life
- Aiysha - Living, prosperous
- Akili - Wisdom, intelligence
- Amana - Trustworthy
- Arafa - Knowledgeable
- Asha - Life
- Atiena - Guardian of the night
- Aza - Strong (Unisex name)
- 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
If you have a joyous family and want a girl name to match your free spirits, these Swahili girl names fit the bill!
- Amali - Hope
- Asali - Sweet like honey
- 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
For some adorable choices, these Swahili girl names are perfect for a sweet baby.
- Aminali - Faithful and true
- 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.
- Adhra - Apology
- Ahadi - Promising
- Akina - Family bond
- Aleela - A girl who cries
- Amne - Safe and secure
- Asatira - Legend or history
- 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 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.
