African Boy Names

A simple and straightforward choice from northwest Africa.

Among the Ewe people of Ghana and Togo, Yao is the name for babies born on Thursday.

A common unisex name used frequently in South Africa.

More substantial than it sounds: Shango was the god of thunder and legendary ancestor of the Yoruba people of Nigeria.

Strong name from the Esan language of Nigeria, with a satisfyingly specific meaning for a child's place in the family.

Unusual and attractive name, might be worth considering if you're expecting twins.

Ebo is a powerful African day name that can be used to fit its definition.

Variation of Alexander.

This town in northern Libya could find a spot on the name map.

Themba is a common male name in southern African countries such as Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Eswatini.

Common in Nigeria, Chima is used as both a full name and a nickname for names beginning with Chima-.

Upbeat name for a son with a hopeful future.

Christian Igbo people use Chi as the name for their god.

Tariku is a traditional Ethiopian name as well as that of a river in Indonesia.

A very common boys' name (and nickname) in Nigeria that some Americans will recognize as the name of one of the main characters on NBC's The Good Place.

Uduak is a name from the Ibibio language, native to Southern Nigeria.

In Nigeria, Chibuike is seen as a surname as well as a given name for both girls and boys. John Chibuike is a notable Nigerian footballer.

Variation of Ejiroghene

Unusual name chosen for her son by actress Nia Long, who combined it with the even more unusual literary middle name, Zhivago.

Variation of Olamilekan