Discover and Shortlist Your Perfect Baby Names!
East African names are shaped by Swahili culture, tribal traditions, and regional languages, reflecting the region’s shared history and diversity. Names like Nia (purpose) and Baraka (blessing) carry meanings tied to virtues and ancestry. These names celebrate East Africa’s unity and vibrant cultural identity.
| Name | Meaning | Origins | Gender | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuuta | Fuuta means "land" in Fulfulde, originating from the Fulani people. | African, Bantu, East African, Ethiopian, Somali, Swahili | Either | |
| Galilani | Galilani: Unique Swahili name meaning "on the shores," unisex. | East African | Unisex | |
| Ikia | Ikia: Unique African name symbolizing arrival, gaining popularity in America. | African, East African, Swahili | Girl | |
| Katima | Katima: Unique Swahili name meaning "to measure," unisex and culturally significant. | East African | Unisex | |
| Keke | African, Amharic, Bantu, East African, Ethiopian | |||
| Lewa | Lewa: Swahili name meaning "beautiful," popular in East Africa. | African, East African, Kenyan, Swahili, Tanzanian | Unisex | |
| Maasai | Maasai: name reflecting East African culture, language, and heritage. | East African | Unisex | |
| Mapenzi | Mapenzi means "love" in Swahili; it's a unisex name. | East African | Unisex | |
| Maskini | Maskini means "poor" in Swahili; symbolizes compassion and empathy. | East African | Unisex | |
| Massassi | Massassi: an African name symbolizing strength, used for boys and girls. | East African | Unisex | |
| Mboya | Mboya means "one who brings happiness," originating from Kenya. | Bantu, East African, Kenyan, Luo, Swahili | Male | |
| Meleka | Meleka: Swahili name meaning "angel," symbolizes spirituality and divine connection. | African, East African, Swahili | Unisex | |
| Mersinah | Mersinah: Unique African name meaning "born during rainy season." | East African | Girl | |
| Mpamire | Mpamire means "one who brings peace" in African origin. | Bantu, East African, Ethiopian | Unisex | |
| Mwambu | Mwambu means "one who is born during a rainy season." | Bantu, East African, Ugandan | Male | |
| Mwinyi | Mwinyi means "leader" in Swahili, symbolizing strength and wisdom. | East African | Unisex | |
| Nkunda | Nkunda: Bantu name meaning "hunter," symbolizing strength and resilience. | African, Bantu, East African, Swahili | Unisex | |
| Nyabya | Nyabya: Bantu name meaning "one who brings happiness" or joy. | East African | Unisex | |
| Paka | Paka, a unisex Swahili name, means "cat" or "feline." | East African | Unisex | |
| Pare | Pare is a unisex African name meaning "gift" or "blessing." | East African | Unisex | |
| Pembe | Pembe is a Swahili name meaning "pink," often for girls. | East African | Girl | |
| Pendo | Pendo, a unisex Swahili name, means "love" or "affection." | East African | Unisex | |
| Phillidah | Phillidah: Unique African name meaning "beloved," perfect for daughters. | East African | Girl | |
| Pili | Pili: Swahili name meaning "second-born," symbolizes rebirth and renewal. | East African | Unisex | |
| Siifu | Siifu means "father" in Swahili; origin is African cultural heritage. | African, Bantu, East African | Unisex | |
| Taita | Taita is a unisex African name meaning "father" in Swahili. | East African | Unisex | |
| Tindyebwa | Tindyebwa means "he who brings happiness" in Ugandan origin. | Amharic, East African, Ethiopian, Ugandan | Male | |
| Ujana | Ujana is a unisex Swahili name meaning "youth" or "young." | East African | Unisex |
