African Best Baby Names - Softcover

Anene, Emmanuel

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1456732005 ISBN 13: 9781456732004

Publisher: AuthorHouse, 2011

Synopsis

The book is an enlightenment and educational. It brings all the cultures and languages of the continent of Africa under on common roof and draws most popular and meaningful African names. It is written in a way to aid African parents and parents to be a fine resource in the selection of their baby name(s). It is the hope of the author that this book will serve the intended purpose.

About this title

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

AFRICAN BABY NAMES

By Emmanuel Anene

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2011 Emmanuel Anene
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4567-3200-4

Contents

Introduction..............................ixAbout the Author..........................xiACKNOWLEDGEMENTS..........................xiiDEDICATION................................xiiiA.........................................1B.........................................7C.........................................9D.........................................12E.........................................14F.........................................16G.........................................17H.........................................18I.........................................19J.........................................21K.........................................22L.........................................25M.........................................26N.........................................28O.........................................30P.........................................36S.........................................37T.........................................39U.........................................41V.........................................42W.........................................43X.........................................44Y.........................................45Z.........................................46FAMILY BIRTH REGISTER.....................47African Languages.........................55References................................65

Chapter One

AFRICAN BABY NAMES

A

Aba – Girl born on a Thursday

Aba – Person named after a town in eastern part of Nigeria

Abasi or Abasy- Stern, harsh, fierce

Abayomi – Joy (one who brings joy). God saved me

Abeba – A delicate woman

Abebe (boy) – One who is flourishing

Abena - Born on a Tuesday

Abeni – A girl child who was prayed for

Abiodun – Child born during an important festival

Abiola – Born favored, Child born into wealth

Abosede – Child born during the weekdays

Abu - Fatherly

Ada – Girl

Adanma - Beautiful girl

Adanna – Father's daughter

Adanne – Mother's daughter

Adaolie (girl) – Born on a market day

Adaoma – A good woman

Adebayo – Joy

Adedayo-Create joy

Adeola – Crown of wealth

Adeola- One who wears a crown of honor

Adesena - Acceptance

Adesuwa - Born into wealth

Adetoun – Princess

Adhama (girl) – Child of glory

Adila – Just and fair

Adjatay – A prince, royalty

Adowa (girl) – Noble

Afafa - First born daughter

Afam – My name

Afamefuna (abbr. Afam) - May my name not be forgotten

Afeaye – Always remember to return to your roots or home

Afia – One born on a market day

Afua – Born on a Friday

Agboilire – Right to live in this world too

Agiegbe – Never laugh at someone

Aigbona – No one can kill or harm this one, you cannot kill or harm this one

Aina – Child born of a complicated delivery

Aissa - One who is thankful, grateful

Ajayi – One who is born face dawn

Ajua – Girl born on a Monday

Akalaka - Destiny

Akhalume or Akalumeh – They cannot harm me

Akhazimheye or Akhazimeye – Live and let live or let me live my life in peace

Akheoya – Never rely on anyone or wait on anyone

Akia – First born girl

Akin - Brave man

Akpi – Scorpion

Alaba – A child born after Idowu

Aleegbe – Knowing one another prevents enmity

Alheri (girl) - Grace

Aloaye – better to move forward or forward moving

Ama – Born on a Saturday

Amadi – One who rejoices, one who gives a reason for rejoicing

Amaechi – One who knows tomorrow

Aman – Trustworthy woman

Amandla – Powerful woman

Amani – Peace, Peaceful

Amani – Peaceful woman

Amaoge – One who knows the time

Amarachukwu - God's favor

Amari - Strength, powerful

Ameze - River water

Amhofuaghu or Amofuaghu – It is not wise to have anger in your spirit or soul

Amike – Girl who is petted

Amuchie – Born to replace

Anan – The fourth born child

Anaya - One who trusts up to God

Aneneuwa or Anene - An onlooker, calmness with assurance, one who perseveres

Aniboku – The character of an Egret or an Egret

Aniekwenna - The land that accepts the father

Animashaun - Generous

Annakiya- Girl with fine face

Anulika – Believes in happiness

Anuoluwa – God's favor

Anwukah – Sun is greater

Anyan – Bright

Anyango – One who is good

Apala - One who creates religious music

Apara - One who is mobile

Arusi – Girl born during wedding

Arziki - One who is prosperous

Asha – Hope

Ashanti - From a tribe in Ghana (West Africa)

Asonye - He who does well

Assaggi – Strong woman

Astarte - Goddess

Audi - Last daughter in a family

Audu/Abdu - Camel/hard

Awele - Success

Awili - Happiness

Ayanna – Innocent

Ayo - Joy

Ayodele /Ayo - Filled with happiness, happy person/child

Ayokunle – Child born when the family is full of joy

Ayomide – My joy is here

Ayomikun – My joy overflows

Ayonote – No one has the power to determine who will live longer

Ayuba - Same as biblical Job

Ayubu – Preserver

Azani- Preserver of the land

Azekel - Praiser, worshiper of God

Azikiwe – Peaceful person, one who is full of life

Azinza - Mermaid

Azizi - The previous one, the one before

Azmera - Harvester

Azuka - Back is great, back is big

Azuka - Past glory

B

Baakir – The first born child

Baako - First born child

Baba – Father

Babalola - Father's favor

Babangida - Father

Babu – Fierce man

Badru - One borne during full moon

Badu – The tenth child of the parents

Bahari - A person of the sea

Bamba - Carry on the back

Bambeh - Crocodile

Bamidele - Follow me home

Bandele - Born away from home

Banji – Second born of twins

Barack or Baraka - Lucky child, good luck

Baraka - Light skinned woman, favored by God

Baruti – Great teacher

Bayo – Gave birth to joy

Bayo – Joy and happiness

Belay – Superior man, leader

Bello – One who helps others

Beluchi – With God's approval

Bibi - King's daughter

Bidemi – A child born while the father was on a journey

Binta – One with God

Birkita- Strong woman

Bisa – Greatly loved daughter

Bitrus- Same as biblical Peter

Bolade – One who brings honor

Bolanile – Born into riches

Bukola – God add to my wealth

Bulus - Same as biblical Paul

Bupe - Hospitable woman

Busola - Added favor

BLDBLD

Cakusola - Heart of a lion

Camara - Teacher

Candace - Queen

Chacha – One with great strength

Chalondra – Intelligent woman

Cheche - A small woman

Chiamaka – God is very good

Chiayindi - Our God lives

Chiazor – God saves

Chibuike – God is strength

Chibundu – God is life

Chibuzor – God is leader, God is the way

Chibuzor – God shows the way, God's the true way

Chidi – God exits

Chidi – God lives

Chidiebere - God is merciful

Chidiebube - God is glorious

Chidindu - God is alive

Chidinma - God is good

Chikadi – The day is bright

Chikama - God knows best

Chikanma - God is best

Chike – Created by God

Chike - God is powerful

Chikelu – God created me

Chiku – Spoken by God

Chikwere - God in agreement

Chima – God known

Chimalsi - A proud man

Chimaobim - God knows my heart

Chime - God made it happen

Chimelu – God created me

Chimelu - Made of God

Chinaka - God's chosen

Chinara - God receives

Chinedu - God leads

Chineye - God gives

Chinonso – God is near

Chinue – Daughter of the Nile

Chinue – God's blessing

Chioma - God is good

Chioma - Good God

Chipo – God's gift

Chiriga - Triumphant

Chiwe - God owns

Chiwendu – God owns life

Chiye – God's gift

Chiyere - God gave, God provided

Chizoba - Well protected

Chuki - Born in an unpleasant time

Chukwuakponamasi - God will not forsake me

Chukwudi - God lives

Chukwuebuka - God is too great

Chukwueku – God decides

Chukwuemeka –Thanks to God

Chukwuemeka/Emeka - God has done great

Chukwuemeke/Emeke - God has done great

Chukwuka – God is greatest

Chukwukelum – God created me

Chukwuma – God knows best

Chukwuneye – God gives

Chukwura – Accepted by God, God is universal

D

Dada – Dread luck (child born with dread luck)

Dakaria – Filled with happiness

Dalope - Much favor

Damilola – Make me wealthy

Dandeh - Wall, pillar, strength

Danjuma - Friday

Danso – A reliable man

Darasimi – God is good to me

Daudi/Dauda - One who is loved

Dayo – One who gives joy has arrived

Dembe – A peaceful man

Demissie – The destroyer

Deshawn – God is gracious

Dia – Champion

Diata- Lioness

Dibie – Traditional medicine man

Diji - Farmer

Dike - A strong man

Dondoh - Loan

Dumisani/Sani – Great leader

Dunsin – God is worthy of serving

Dupe – Thank God

Dupe - Thanks

E

Ebelechukwu - God's mercy

Ebere - Mercy

Ebo - Born on a Tuesday

Ebube – Glory

Ebubechukwu - Glory of God

Ebun – God's gift

Efia - Born on a Friday

Eghiegba or Egiegba – The kingdom is now complete

Eghosa - God's time

Egwaogie or Egwaoghie – In the courtyards of a king

Ejiekeme - Not by might /strength

Ejime - Second born twins

Ekenna – By God's power

Ekenne or Ekennedelichukwu -Thanks be to God

Ekundayo - Sorrow turns to joy

Ellema - A diary farmer

Emeghoghena or Emegogena – Whatever pleases God

Emosi – Female child

Enekola – Purity

Enge – Hard working man

Eniola – Child of wealth, a successful child

Epke – Tiger

Eregieuwa/Eregie - Our ancestors are here to direct us

Eriamhona or Eriamona – They cannot ruin this for me

Eshe - Life

Esi - Born on a Sunday

Esosa - God's gift

Essien - The people's child

Essien - The sixth born son

Etseoghena – God's providence

Ewele - Good luck

Eze – King

Ezimhede or Ezimhede – My family or my people or they will not let me fall

F

Fabunni – Given by God

Fahim - An educated man

Faizah - Victorious woman

Fana - Light

Fanta - Born on a beautiful day

Farah - Tear apart, go separate ways.

Faraji – A consoler

Fashola- God protects

Fayola - Honorable

Feechi - Woman who worships

Femi – God loves me

Femi - Loved by God

Ferenkeh - Male twin

Funlola – Give me wealth

G

Gamada - Pleasing woman

Gbanga - Lift me up

Genet – Woman from the garden of paradise

Geteye – Master

Ghalyela - Precious woman

Ghedi – A traveler

Gimbya – Daughter of a king or royalty

Gowon - A rainmaker

Gozie - Bless

Guwedia - Stay with me

H

Haiba- Charming woman

Hamidi - One who is commendable

Hannatu - Same as biblical Hannah

Harith – A provider

Hasina - Good and beautiful woman

Hawa - Woman who is desired

Hazina - Woman who is treasured

Hesiena - First born female twins

Hidi – Woman rooted to earth

Husani – The small handsome one, a good man

Hussein – A good man

I

Ibrahim - Same as biblical Abraham

Ibukun – Blessing

Idowu – Child born after a set of twins

Idowu - Third of a triplet

Idowu- Child born after twins

Ifama - Well being

Ife - Loves and is loved

Ife – One who is widely loved

Ifeanyichukwu or Ifeanyi – No obstacle is too much for God

Ifeoma - Beautiful woman

Igbekele – Trust in God

Igenegbai – The men are now complete (name for a second son or male child)

Ijeawele - Safe journey, glorious journey

Ijeoma - Good journey, safe journey

Ijeoma – Good journry

Ikeakpiokhai or Akpiokhai – King's subjects can only murmur in his absence

Ikechukwu or Ike – God's Strength

Ikechukwuka (abbr. Ike) - God's strength is greatest

Ikioda – I do not want a substitute

Ikpi – Python

Ilo – Sunshine, joy

Ilom – One who has enemies

Ilori – Treasured child

Iluobe – I will not plan evil against another

Iman – Having great faith

Imhoudu or Imoudu – Tough and patient

Imoesi – I have God with me

Imoitsike – Someone has my back or I know who is got my back

Inetah – I have no time for worry about the past

Ini – Elephant

Iniko - Daughter born during hardship

Inofomo – I do not fear my child

Iroboudu or Irobodu – Patience

Isah- Savior/Jesus

Ishaku – Same as biblical Jacob

Ishaya – Same as biblical Isaiah

Isoke – Gift from God

Itoha – Mercy

Itsenegbemhe or Itsenegbeme – I will take my share or what is mine

Iyabo – Mother came back in form of a child

Iyasu - Elias

Izebe – I make no enemies

J

Jahi – A dignified man, distinguished man

Jimiyu – One born on a dry day

Jimoh – Born on a Friday

Juji- Woman who greatly loved

Jummai (girl) - Friday

Jumoke – Dearly beloved

Jumoke - Loved by all

K

Kabaka - A king

Kabibe- A petite woman

Kabira - Powerful woman

Kafi – A quiet, well mannered boy

Kalunga – Alert and watchful person

Kamau - A quiet warrior

Kambiri - New family member

Kambo - Hardworking woman

Kamuzu - Healer

Kanayochukwu or Kanayo – Continue to thank, praise and worship God

Kande - First born daughter

Kanika - Dark beautiful woman

Kareem – A generous man

Karifa - Hand over to someone to take care of someone, a gift

Kato – A man of good judgment

Kayin – A long awaited child

Kayode – Child that brings a lot of joy

Kazan – A creative man

Kazi – A hardworking man

Kehinde – Second child of twins

Kehinde- Second of a TRI

Kekura – New man, new husband, sweet, loving

Kelechi – Thanks to God

Kelkun- Warrior, strong, energetic, leader

Kelly - Take an oath

Kemi – Gods favor

Kemi - Watch me

Kendi – Beloved by all

Kenya – Innocent

Kenyangi- Resembling a white egret

Kenyi – A son born after daughter

Kepri - Born of the morning sun

Kerel – Forever young

Khairi – A kingly man, Stately man

Khamisi – One born on a Thursday

Kijana- A youthful man

Kimathi - A devote provider

Kimoni - A great man

Kirabo – A gift from God

Kito - Precious

Kiwa- Lovely woman

Kizzy - Energetic woman

Kofi – Born on a Friday

Kojo – Born on a Monday

Kolawale - Let favor come in

Kolawole – A child born when parents were successful

Kono – An industrious man

Kossarau - Free spirited

Kullie - Fast, strong like a leopard.

Kumani - Fulfilling one's destiny

Kumba- Fat

Kumi – A forceful man

Kundu - Come to stay (given birth to after parents have lost previous babies)

Kunle- Well done, well deserved

Kwabena – Born on a Tuesday

Kwaku – Born on a Wednesday

Kwame – Born on a Saturday

Kwasi – Born on a Sunday

Kwesi – Born on a Sunday

L

Laraba (girl) -Wednesday

Lekeleke - Egret, finesse

Leshan – Award winner

Lewa or Lewana - A beautiful woman

Litini (girl) - Monday

Loba – A good talker

Lumumba – A talented or gifted man

M

Madu – A manly man

Mafuane - Daughter of the earth

Maha - Woman with beautiful eyes

Mahari - A giving man

Mahari - Woman who offers forgiveness

Maisha - Life

Maizah - One who has good judgment

Maji – Literary water( calmness, clean, life, lively, smooth

Makeda - Graceful and queenly

Makena - Happy woman

Mama - Mother

Mamo- A little boy

Mandesa - Sweet woman

Mansa - A king

Mansa - Chief of a tribe, a king, Prince

Manyara - Humble woman

Mariama – Gift from God

Mariatu - Pure and innocent woman

Mariatu – Pure, clear, immaculate

Markeisha or Keisha - Favorite child

Maryamu (girl) - Mother of Jesus

Masami – Commanding and truthful

Masara – Magical woman

Mashaka - Mischievous woman

Masika - Woman born during rainstorm

Massassi - First woman on earth

Matunde – Someone who is fruitful

Mavonde - Woman of abundant harvest

Mikaili - Angle of God

Mmeri - Winner

Moja - Content with life

Mojisola - Awake to favor

Mona - A jealous man

Mongo – A well known man

Monifa - Lucky woman

Moreh - Muslim fortune teller, wisdom

Mosi - First born child

Moyo - Of the heart

Mukasa – An administrator of God

Mukisa – A man of fortune

Musa - Same as biblical Moses

Musu - Woman, beautiful, loving, kind, gentle.

Musukura - New woman/New wife

Mwaka - Born on a new year eve

N

Nabwine (girl) - Meaning calm, peace (given birth to when others were asleep

Nafula (girl) - Given birth to when it is raining signifies blessing, good luck

Naima - Content woman

Naira - Money used in Nigeria. Wealth

Naira - Woman with big eyes

Nakhumwa – Good luck

Naliaka- Future wife

Naliaka- Name denoting a boy or girl

Nanyama (girl) – Female born child

Nasenya (girl) – Joy

Nasha – Born during raining season

Nasiemu – Quiet, loyal, calm

Ndidi – Patience

Neema - Born into prosperity

Neema – Calmness

Nekbet-Goddess

Nekesa (girl) - Given birth to during harvesting signifies good luck, wealth

Ngozi - Blessing

Ngozichukwuka - God's blessing is great

Nigesa – Daughter of the harvest

Nike – One to keep

Nkechika or Nkechi - For tomorrow's sake

Nkechukwu or Nkechi) - God's property

Nkem – Mine

Nkeoyeasoa – Mine is the best, I love my own, I love what I have

Nkiruka or Nkirru - The future holds big promise

Nkoye – Mine own

N'naba - Big mama, kind and gentle, authoritative

Nnamdi – My God lives

Nnanna – Father of father

Nne – Mother

Nneka – Mother is greatest

Nnenna – Mother of father

Nneoma - Good mother

Nonyelum – Stay with me. Be with me

Nosiwe - Mother of the homeland

Nwaka - Child is greater

Nwamaka – Child is good

Nwanma – Beautiful child

Nweke - Born on a Sunday

(Continues...)

Excerpted from AFRICAN BABY NAMESby Emmanuel Anene Copyright © 2011 by Emmanuel Anene. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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Edition details

• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Publication date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1456732005
• ISBN 13: 9781456732004
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 108