Swahili Names for Boys
Here, our full list of Swahili names for boys. The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically.
- Kobe
Origin:
SwahiliMeaning:
"tortoise"Description:
Basketball legend Kobe Bryant, whose name was inspired by a Japanese steak house, brought this energetic and appealing name into -- and out of -- the mix. Bryant's tragic death in a helicopter crash in 2020 increased the popularity of his name, as fans and admirers named their children Kobe in honor of the star.
- Kito
Origin:
SwahiliMeaning:
"precious jewel"Description:
An energetic African name with a stylish o ending.
- Omari
Origin:
Swahili, ArabicMeaning:
"populous, flourishing"Description:
This name, like Omar and Amari, has been in the US Top 1000 for many years. After taking a downturn in 2008, it's now again on the upswing. Actor Omari Hardwick keeps it in the public eye.
- Simba
Origin:
Swahili or ShonaMeaning:
"lion; strength"Description:
Traditional African name made cartoonish by the Disney character in The Lion King. In Shona it means "strength".
- Barack
Origin:
Hebrew; also Swahili from ArabicMeaning:
"thunderbolt, lightning; or blessing"Description:
The name of the 44th president, which he inherited from his Kenyan father, is related to the Swahili word "baraka," meaning "blessing," derived from the Arabic "baracka." It is linked, through the Semitic root, to the Hebrew name Baruch. Barack is also sometimes an alternate spelling of the Hebrew name Barak, which stems from the Semitic word for "lightning." Barack Obama may have found it a difficult name to grow up with, but the same won't be true for the many babies starting to be given that name. Other parents are being inspired to use Obama, which is a common surname among the Luo people of East Africa meaning "to lean or bend."
- Jabari
Origin:
SwahiliMeaning:
"comforter, bringer of consolation"Description:
Coolly attractive African name, with distinguished representatives in sports and literature. Jabari has been on the rise recently, returning to the US Top 1000 in 2023.
- Haji
Origin:
SwahiliMeaning:
"born during the pilgrimage to Mecca"Description:
A name appropriate for boys born during the hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca every Muslim is expected to make once in his lifetime.
- Azizi
Origin:
SwahiliMeaning:
"precious treasure"Description:
Two z's equal double pizzazz.
- Sultan
Origin:
SwahiliMeaning:
"ruler"Description:
Passé pasha image.
- Nuru
Origin:
SwahiliMeaning:
"born in daylight"Description:
Evocative African choice.
- Omavi
Description:
Omavi is a masculine name with African origins, particularly from the Nigerian Yoruba and Igbo cultures. The name often carries meanings related to strength, wisdom, and divinity depending on specific cultural interpretations. In Yoruba, elements of the name may connect to concepts of beauty and knowledge. Omavi remains relatively uncommon in Western countries, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with deep cultural significance. The name's melodic three-syllable structure (oh-MAH-vee) gives it a rhythmic quality while its uniqueness ensures it stands out. As global naming trends increasingly embrace diverse cultural names, Omavi represents a meaningful option with strong heritage connections.
- Sadik
Origin:
SwahiliMeaning:
"friend"Description:
Frequently found in all three forms: Sadik, Sadiki, and Sadiq.
- Sadaka
Origin:
SwahiliMeaning:
"religious offering"Description:
This traditional Swahili folktale name could mark you as a Neil Sedaka fan.
- Abdu
Origin:
SwahiliMeaning:
"worshipper of God"Description:
The vowel ending energizes this relative of Abdul.
- Abdalla
Origin:
AfricanMeaning:
"servant of God"Description:
This Muslim name derived from the Arabic is found in North and East Africa.
- Hasani
Description:
Hasani is a masculine name of Swahili and Arabic origin meaning 'handsome' or 'beautiful.' It derives from the Arabic root 'hasan' (حسن) which relates to beauty, goodness, and excellence. In many East African communities, particularly in countries like Tanzania and Kenya, Hasani is bestowed upon boys as a wish for them to embody physical and spiritual beauty. The name carries melodic qualities with its flowing syllables and soft sounds. While not extensively used in Western countries, Hasani has gained some recognition among families seeking names with African heritage or meaningful international origins. The name conveys positive attributes of attractiveness and virtue while maintaining a strong masculine identity.
- Omarr
Description:
Omarr is a masculine name that represents a distinctive variation of the more common Omar. With Arabic origins, it relates to Omar meaning 'flourishing,' 'long-lived,' or 'eloquent speaker.' The doubled 'r' adds a unique stylistic element while maintaining the name's cultural roots. Omarr carries the dignified heritage of its original form, which was popularized through Omar Khayyám, the renowned Persian mathematician, astronomer, and poet. In contemporary usage, Omarr remains relatively uncommon, offering distinctiveness while still being recognizable. The name carries a strong, melodic quality with its emphasis on the final syllable. Parents might choose this variation for its blend of cultural significance and unique spelling, providing a name that stands out subtly while honoring Arabic naming traditions.