Lingala names.
450 verified names from DR Congo and Congo-Brazzaville — each with its meaning, its sound, and its traditional spelling.
A
Abigaile“A beloved daughter who brings her father joy”/ab-ih-GAH-ee-leh/femaleAbrahama““Father of a multitude/many nations.””/ah-brah-HAH-mah/maleAdele““Noble,” from the Germanic element adal.”/ah-DEL/femaleAdolphe““Noble wolf,” from Germanic elements adal and wulf.”/ah-DOLF/maleAdrien““From Hadria/Adria,” referring to the Adriatic region.”/ah-dree-EN/maleAlain“Meaning uncertain; proposed derivations include a Celtic term meaning “handsome” or “harmony.””/ah-LAN/maleAlexandre““Defender of men/people.””/ah-lek-SAHN-druh/maleAlexis““Defender” or “helper/defender.””/ah-lek-SEES/maleAline“Its derivation is disputed; it may be related to names meaning “noble” or, in some traditions, “light.””/ah-LEEN/femaleAlphonse““Noble and ready/eager,” from Germanic elements adal and funs.”/al-FONSS/maleAmbroise“Immortal”/am-BRWAHZ/maleAmina““Trustworthy,” “faithful,” or “honest.””/ah-MEE-nah/femaleAnais“A form of Anne/Anna, ultimately meaning “grace” or “favor.””/ah-na-EES/femaleAndre““Manly” or “masculine.””/ahn-DRAY/maleAnge““Angel” or “messenger.””/ANZH/anyAngelique“Like an angel; gentle and radiant”/ahn-zheh-LEEK/femaleAnicet““Unconquered” or “invincible.””/ah-nee-SAY/maleAnnie“Grace; favor (a diminutive of Anne).”/AN-ee/femaleAnuarite“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/ah-noo-ah-REE-teh/femaleApolline“Feminine form associated with Apollo, the Greek god.”/ah-poh-LEEN/femaleAriane“Traditionally interpreted as “most holy” or “very holy.””/ah-ree-AN/femaleArielle“Lion of God.”/ah-ree-EL/femaleAristide“The best or exceptionally excellent one”/ah-rees-TEED/maleArlette“Etymology uncertain; often linked to a Germanic element meaning “eagle.””/ar-LET/femaleArmand“Army man; soldier (from Germanic elements meaning army and man).”/ar-MAHN/maleAuguste“Great, dignified, and worthy of respect”/oh-GOOST/maleAugustin“Venerable and worthy of respect”/oh-gus-TAN/maleAurelien“From Aurelianus, meaning “of Aurelius”; Aurelius is associated with Latin aureus, “golden.””/oh-reh-LYAN/male
B
Barnabe“Son of consolation and encouragement”/bar-na-BEH/maleBenedict“Favored by God; blessed”/BEN-eh-dikt/maleBenediction“Blessing; the French noun bénédiction.”/beh-neh-deek-SYON/femaleBernadette“Brave bear; from Germanic elements meaning “bear” and “brave/strong.””/ber-nah-DET/femaleBerthe“Bright and splendid”/BEHRT/femaleBertin“Bright and illustrious”/behr-TAN/maleBethanie“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/beh-ta-NEE/femaleBibi““Grandmother” or a respectful term for an older woman in Swahili.”/BEE-bee/femaleBien-aimee“Beloved; from French bien-aimée.”/byen-ah-MAY/femaleBienvenu“Welcome/welcomed; from French bienvenu.”/byan-vuh-NOO/maleBienvenue“Welcome/welcomed; from French bienvenue.”/byan-vuh-NOO/femaleBintu“Daughter or girl, a form related to Swahili binti.”/BEEN-too/femaleBlandine“Gentle and kind-hearted”/blan-DEEN/femaleBoboto“Kindness, gentleness, and good manners”/boh-BOH-toh/anyBokonzi“Authority, leadership, and the power to guide others”/boh-KON-zee/anyBolamu“God’s goodness”/boh-LAH-moo/anyBolingo“Love—the deep affection and happiness a child brings into the home”/boh-LEENG-goh/anyBomengo“Wealth, abundance, and prosperity”/boh-MENG-goh/anyBomoi“The precious gift of life”/bo-MOY/anyBondimi“Faith; belief in God”/bohn-DEE-mee/anyBosco“A Catholic/Italian-derived male given name, from Italian bosco, “wood” or “forest”; commonly associated with Saint John Bosco.”/BOS-koh/maleBosembo“Honesty, integrity, and upright character”/boh-SEM-boh/anyBotosi“Respectful obedience and good manners”/boh-TOH-see/anyBoyengebene“Justice, fairness, and righteousness”/boh-yeng-geh-BEH-neh/anyBoyokani“Harmony, agreement, and unity”/boh-yoh-KAH-nee/maleBozindo“Depth; figuratively, profundity. “Wisdom” is an interpretive extension, not the literal meaning.”/boh-ZEEN-doh/maleBozwi“Wealth, riches, prosperity, or abundance.”/boh-ZWEE/maleBrigitte“Exalted or high; from a Celtic root associated with height and eminence.”/bree-ZHEET/femaleBwanya“Wisdom, good judgment, and cleverness”/BWAN-yah/any
C
Carmen“Spanish form of Carmel, referring to Mount Carmel; it is also associated with Latin carmen, “song.””/KAR-men/femaleCedric“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/seh-DRIK/maleCesar“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/SAY-zar/maleChance“Chance, luck, or fortune.”/CHAHNSS/anyChanceline“Feminine formation based on Chance; conveys chance, luck, or fortune.”/shan-seh-LEEN/femaleChantal“A French feminine name derived from a place name, ultimately related to Occitan cantal, “stone” or “stony place.””/shahn-TAL/femaleCharline“Feminine form of Charles; ultimately “free woman” by modern feminine interpretation.”/shar-LEEN/femaleChristelle“A feminine form related to Christian/Christine; “Christian,” “follower of Christ,” or “anointed one.””/krees-TEL/femaleChristiane“A follower of Christ”/kree-stee-AHN/femaleCindy“Usually a diminutive of Cynthia (associated with Mount Cynthus and Artemis/the moon); sometimes of Lucinda”/SIN-dee/femaleClarisse“Bright; clear; famous”/klah-REES/femaleClaudette“Feminine diminutive of Claude/Claudia; traditionally connected with “lame” or “limping””/kloh-DET/femaleClaudia“Feminine form of Claudius; traditionally connected with “lame” or “limping””/KLAW-dee-a/femaleClaudine“Feminine form/diminutive of Claude or Claudia; traditionally connected with “lame” or “limping””/kloh-DEEN/femaleClemence“Merciful, gentle, and forgiving”/kleh-MAHNS/femaleClementine“Merciful; mild; gentle”/KLEM-en-teen/femaleConsolata“Consoled; comforted”/kon-soh-LAH-tah/femaleConstant“Steadfast and constant”/kon-STAN/maleCoralie“Coral”/ko-ra-LEE/femaleCorinne“Maiden; young girl”/koh-RIN/femaleCrispin“Curly-haired; associated with Saint Crispin”/KRIS-pin/maleCyprien“From Cyprus; Cypriot”/see-pree-EN/maleCyriaque“Belonging to the Lord”/see-ree-AK/maleCyrille“Lordly; belonging to the Lord”/see-REEL/male
D
Damaris“Young heifer; calf”/DAH-mah-ris/femaleDanielle“God is my judge”/dan-YEL/femaleDanyele“God is my judge”/dan-YEH-leh/maleDavidi“Beloved”/dah-VEE-dee/maleDelphine“Dolphin; woman from Delphi”/del-FEEN/femaleDenis“Follower of Dionysus”/deh-NEES/maleDenise“Female form of Denis; follower of Dionysus”/deh-NEEZ/femaleDestin“Destiny; fate”/des-TAN/maleDestinee“Destiny; fate”/des-tee-NAY/femaleDiane“Divine; associated with the Roman goddess Diana”/dee-AHN/femaleDidier“Desired; longed for”/dee-DYAY/maleDieu-Merci“Thank God; gratitude for a blessing”/dyuh mehr-SEE/maleDieudonne“God-given; gift of God”/dyuh-doh-NAY/maleDieumerci“Thank God; thanks be to God”/dyuh-mehr-SEE/maleDimitri“Dedicated to Demeter”/dee-mee-TREE/maleDivin“Divine”/dee-VAN/maleDivine“Divine”/dee-VEEN/femaleDominique“Belonging to the Lord”/doh-mee-NEEK/anyDonatienne“Given; bestowed”/doh-na-see-EN/femaleDorkasi“Gazelle”/dor-KAH-see/femaleDorothee“Gift of God”/doh-roh-TAY/female
E
Ebale“A flowing river, symbolising life and continuity”/eh-BAH-leh/anyEdgard“Wealthy or prosperous spear”/ED-gar/maleEdmond“Wealthy protector or guardian”/ed-MON/maleEdouard“Wealthy guard or protector”/eh-dwah/maleEliane“Light or torch; a form related to Helen/Helena”/eh-lee-AHN/femaleElie“My God is Yahweh”/eh-lee/maleEliezer“God is my help”/eh-lee-EH-zehr/maleElikia“Hope and hopeful expectation—a child who fills the family’s future with promise”/eh-lee-kee-ah/anyElikya“Hope and trust in God”/eh-LEE-kyah/anyElisa“God is my oath”/eh-LEE-za/femaleElisabeth“God is my oath”/eh-lee-zah-BET/femaleElise“God is my oath”/eh-LEEZ/femaleEliya“My God is Yahweh”/eh-LEE-yah/maleEloi“Chosen or elected”/eh-LWAH/maleElombe“A brave, strong-hearted person worthy of respect”/eh-LOHM-beh/anyElonga“Victory or success—a joyful triumph and cause for celebration”/eh-LONG-gah/anyEmanwele“God is with us”/eh-man-WEH-leh/maleEmery“Work-ruler; powerful ruler”/eh-meh-REE/maleEmilie“Rival; striving or emulating”/eh-mee-LEE/femaleEmilienne“Rival; striving or emulating”/eh-mee-lee-EN/femaleEmmanuel“God is with us”/eh-man-wel/maleEmmanuelle“God is with us”/eh-man-wel/femaleEphrem“Fruitful”/EH-frem/maleEsawu“Hairy”/eh-SAH-woo/maleEsengo“Joy and thanksgiving”/eh-SENG-goh/anyEsperance“Hope”/es-peh-RANS/femaleEspoir“hope”/eh-SPWAR/maleEstelle“A shining star”/es-TEL/femaleEtienne“crown; garland”/eh-tyen/maleEtumba“A child born during wartime or remembered as a sign of courage through difficult times”/eh-TOOM-bah/anyEugenie“well-born; of noble birth”/yoo-zheh-NEE/femaleEvelyne“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/eh-veh-LEEN/femaleEvodia“good journey; prosperous journey”/eh-VOH-dee-ah/femaleExauce“A long-awaited answer to prayer”/eg-ZOSS/maleExaucee“A prayer answered and a precious gift from God”/eg-zoh-SAY/femaleEzekiele“God strengthens”/eh-zeh-kee-EH-leh/male
F
Fabien“associated with the Roman family name Fabius; traditionally linked to faba, “bean””/fa-BYAN/maleFabienne“feminine form of Fabien; associated with the Roman family name Fabius and traditionally with faba, “bean””/fa-bee-EN/femaleFabiola“feminine Roman family name derived from Fabius, traditionally associated with faba, “bean””/fah-bee-OH-lah/femaleFanny“free one; a diminutive of Frances/Françoise”/FAN-ee/femaleFatuma“a Swahili and other African form of Fatimah, commonly interpreted as “one who abstains” or “one who weans””/fah-TOO-mah/femaleFaveur“favor; grace”/fah-VUR/femaleFebe“A bright, radiant woman whose presence brings light”/FEH-beh/femaleFelicia“happy; fortunate; lucky”/feh-LEE-see-ah/femaleFelicite“Happiness and good fortune”/feh-lee-see-TAY/femaleFilipo“Lover of horses.”/fee-LEE-poh/maleFirmin“Firm and steadfast”/feer-MAN/maleFiston“Son; a familiar or affectionate term for a son.”/fees-TON/maleFlore“A flower, symbolizing beauty and flourishing”/FLOR/femaleFoi“Faith.”/FWAH/femaleFortunata“One who is born fortunate and blessed”/for-too-NAH-tah/femaleFrancine“A free and independent woman”/fran-SEEN/femaleFrederic“Peaceful ruler”/freh-deh-REEK/male
G
Gabrielle“God is my strength.”/ga-bree-EL/femaleGaelle“A Gael; of Gaelic/Breton origin.”/gah-EL/femaleGerard“Brave or hardy with the spear.”/zheh-RAR/maleGhislain“A Germanic name derived from gisel, commonly interpreted as “pledge” or “hostage”; associated with Saint Ghislain.”/gee-LAN/maleGisele“Pledge; promise; hostage (in the older Germanic sense).”/zhee-ZEL/femaleGladys“Princess; ruler of a territory (traditional Welsh interpretation).”/GLA-dis/femaleGlody“Glory; a name formed from or associated with French gloire/English glory.”/GLOH-dee/maleGloire“Glory, honor, and a life that brings praise”/GLWAR/anyGrace“Grace and divine favor”/grays/female
H
Halima“Gentle, patient, and kind-hearted”/hah-LEE-mah/femaleHelene“A shining and radiant woman”/eh-LEN/femaleHeritier“Heir; inheritor.”/eh-ree-TYEH/maleHerve“Battle-worthy or worthy in battle; from Breton elements meaning “battle” and “worthy.””/ehr-VEH/maleHilaire“Cheerful and joyful”/ee-LAIR/maleHugues“Mind, intellect, or spirit; from a Germanic root.”/OOG/maleHuguette“Feminine diminutive of Hugues, ultimately meaning mind, intellect, or spirit.”/oo-GET/female
I
Immaculee“Immaculate; without stain or blemish.”/ee-mah-koo-LAY/femaleIngrid“Beautiful or beloved of Ing, an Old Norse god.”/ING-grid/femaleInnocent“Pure-hearted and sincere”/in-noh-SAHN/maleIrma“A whole-hearted and complete person”/EER-ma/femaleIsabelle“God is my oath”/ee-zah-BEL/femaleIsaka“A form of Isaac, meaning “he laughs” or “laughter.””/ee-SAH-kah/maleIsrael“One who struggles with God; traditionally interpreted as one who contends with God.”/IZ-ra-el/male
J
Jacqueline“Feminine form of Jacques/James, ultimately from Jacob, traditionally interpreted as “supplanter.””/ZHAH-kleen/femaleJasmine“A fragrant flower and a symbol of beauty”/JAZ-min/femaleJeannette“God is gracious”/zhah-NET/femaleJemima“Dove.”/jeh-MEE-mah/femaleJennifer“Fair/white phantom or spirit (Cornish form related to Guinevere).”/JEN-ih-fer/femaleJeremie“Yahweh/God exalts.”/zheh-reh-MEE/maleJoachim“Yahweh/God establishes.”/zho-ah-KEEM/maleJob“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/JOHB/maleJocelyne“Traditionally derived from a Germanic element referring to a Gaut/Goth; the exact derivation is debated.”/JOH-seh-leen/femaleJoël“Yahweh is God.”/zhoh-EL/maleJoie“Joy and happiness”/ZHWAH/femaleJonas“Dove.”/YOH-nas/maleJosaphat“Yahweh/God judges.”/zho-sa-FAT/maleJosette“Feminine diminutive of Joseph; “may he/Yahweh add or increase.””/zhoh-ZET/femaleJosias“Yahweh/God supports.”/zho-ZEE-as/maleJosue“The Lord saves”/zhoh-ZWAY/maleJude“Praise; praised one.”/JOOD/maleJules“Youthful”/ZHYL/maleJulienne“Youthful and full of promise”/zhoo-lee-EN/femaleJustine“Just, fair, and upright”/zhoos-TEEN/female
K
Kabasele“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/kah-bah-SEH-leh/maleKalebe“A Congolese form of Caleb, from Hebrew; traditionally glossed “dog” (the Hebrew etymology is not fully certain).”/kah-LEH-beh/maleKanza“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/KAHN-zah/anyKhadija“An Arabic name meaning “premature child” or “one born early.””/kha-DEE-jah/femaleKimbangu“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/kim-BAHN-goo/maleKimia“A peaceful, harmonious life”/kee-MEE-a/anyKitoko“Beautiful or lovely”/kee-TOH-koh/anyKizito“A Luganda name associated with -zito, “heavy”; it is used in the DRC largely through Catholic devotion to St. Kizito.”/kee-ZEE-toh/male
L
Lambert“A Germanic name meaning “land-bright” or “bright land.””/lam-BEHR/maleLaurence“French feminine form of Laurent; “from Laurentum,” traditionally associated with laurel.”/loh-RAHNS/femaleLazare“God has helped”/la-ZAR/maleLea“Weary; traditionally understood as a woman who has endured much”/LEE-ah/femaleLelo““Today.””/LEH-loh/anyLeonie“French feminine form of Léon, meaning “lion.””/leh-oh-NEE/femaleLibonza“Offering or gift—a child welcomed as a blessing”/lee-BON-zah/anyLiboso“One who goes first and leads the way”/lee-BOH-soh/anyLibota“Family, lineage, and the enduring bond of one’s people”/lee-BOH-tah/anyLikabo“Gift—a precious child received with gratitude and love”/lee-KAH-boh/anyLikambo““Matter,” “affair,” “issue,” or “event.””/lee-KAHM-boh/anyLikoki““Ability,” “capacity,” or “possibility.””/lee-KOH-kee/anyLikolo“The open sky and high aspirations”/lee-KOH-loh/anyLiliane“French feminine given name, usually connected with Lily/Lillian; conventionally interpreted as “lily.””/lee-lee-AN/femaleLipamboli“Blessing from God”/lee-pam-BOH-lee/anyLisanga““Gathering,” “assembly,” “association,” or “union.””/lee-SAHN-gah/anyLisungi““Help,” “assistance,” or “support.””/lee-SOON-gee/anyLitomba““Benefit,” “advantage,” “value,” or “profit.””/lee-TOM-bah/anyLobiko“Salvation and deliverance”/loh-BEE-koh/anyLokua“A Congolese personal and family name; a secure literal Lingala etymology is not established.”/loh-KOO-ah/maleLokumu“Honor and glory to God”/loh-KOO-moo/anyLolendo““Pride,” sometimes with the negative sense “arrogance” or “conceit.””/loh-LEN-doh/anyLolo“A widely used familiar nickname or reduplicated personal form; it has no single fixed meaning of “sweet and affectionate.””/LOH-loh/anyLomingo““Sunday,” from the regional form lomingo/domingo.”/loh-MEEN-goh/anyLosako““Blessing” or “benediction.””/loh-SAH-koh/anyLosambo“Prayer and devotion”/loh-SAM-boh/anyLoyembo““Song.””/loh-YEM-boh/anyLuc“A child who brings light”/LOOK/maleLucie“A woman who brings light”/loo-SEE/femaleLucien“Radiant and full of light”/loo-SYAN/maleLumiere“French lumière, “light.””/loo-MYEHR/anyLumumba“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/loo-MOOM-bah/anyLutumba“A Congolese personal and family name; a verified literal Lingala meaning is unavailable.”/loo-TOOM-bah/any
M
Mabele“The earth, grounding and nourishing”/mah-BEH-leh/anyMabiala“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/mah-bee-AH-lah/maleMado“A French-language affectionate short form, usually of Madeleine; it has no distinct Lingala lexical meaning.”/MAH-doh/femaleMaimuna“Arabic name, also spelled Maimouna or Maymuna, meaning “fortunate,” “blessed,” or “auspicious.””/my-MOO-nah/femaleMakasi“Strength, power, and the ability to stand tall”/mah-KAH-see/anyMakiadi“A Congolese/Kongo personal name; in Kongo usage it is associated with hardship or troubles, not family continuity.”/mah-kee-AH-dee/maleMalaki“My messenger or my angel”/mah-LAH-kee/maleMalonga“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/mah-LONG-gah/maleMapamboli“Blessings—a child welcomed as a source of happiness and good fortune”/mah-pahm-BOH-lee/anyMapasa“A child associated with twins, or a name celebrating twin birth”/mah-PAH-sah/anyMarguerite“Pearl”/mar-guh-REET/femaleMariama“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/mah-ree-AH-mah/femaleMarius“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/ma-RYUS/maleMarlene“A European feminine name, commonly analyzed as a form combining Marie and Madeleine/Magdalene; it is not a Lingala word meaning strength or courage.”/mar-LEHN/femaleMarlyse“A French feminine form, generally treated as a Marie-Lise/Marie-Élise-type compound; it has no verified meaning of “precious child.””/mar-LEES/femaleMarta“Lady; mistress of the household (from Aramaic).”/MAR-tah/femaleMarthe“Lady; mistress of the household (from Aramaic).”/mart/femaleMartine“Feminine form of Martin: of Mars; warlike.”/mar-TEEN/femaleMaseka“Laughter and smiles—a child who fills the family with joy”/mah-SEH-kah/anyMathieu“Gift of Yahweh/God (from Hebrew Mattityahu).”/mah-TYUH/maleMathilde“Mighty in battle”/mah-TEELD/femaleMathurin“Related to Latin maturus, “mature” or “ripe.””/ma-too-RAN/maleMatondo“Thanks to God; gratitude”/mah-TON-doh/anyMaxime“The greatest”/mak-SEEM/maleMayele“Wisdom, intelligence, and practical understanding”/mah-YEH-leh/anyMbemba“Dove or pigeon.”/m-BEM-bah/maleMbula“Rain, renewal, and a fruitful year”/MBOO-lah/anyMedard“Strength or might plus hardy/brave (Germanic elements maht and hard).”/meh-DAR/maleMerveille“Wonder; marvel (French merveille).”/mehr-VAY/anyMichelle“Who is like God?”/mee-SHEL/femaleMika“Who is like God?”/MEE-kah/maleMireille“A French feminine name, used in Francophone Congo; usually connected with Provençal Mireio and interpreted as “to admire” or “admirable,” not “one who brings joy.””/mee-RAY/femaleMoke““Small,” “little,” or “young one.””/MOH-keh/maleMokili““World,” “earth,” or, depending on context, “country.””/moh-KEE-lee/maleMokolo“A child whose birth marks an important or much-remembered day”/moh-KOH-loh/anyMokonzi“Leader, ruler, or chief”/moh-KON-zee/anyMolende“A determined, hardworking person who does not give up”/moh-LEN-deh/anyMolimo““Spirit” or “soul.””/moh-LEE-moh/anyMolongi“Victor or one who triumphs—a child who brings celebration and pride”/moh-LONG-ghee/maleMonganga““Doctor,” “healer,” or traditional practitioner/healer.”/mohn-GAHN-gah/maleMoninga““Friend” or “companion.””/moh-NEEN-gah/anyMonique“A French feminine name, ultimately related to Greek monos, “alone” or “solitary.””/mo-NEEK/femaleMopamboli““One who blesses” or “blesser.””/moh-pahm-BOH-lee/maleMopepe““Wind.””/moh-PEH-peh/anyMosantu““Holy one,” “saint,” or “sacred.””/moh-SAHN-too/maleMose“Drawn out of the water”/MOH-seh/maleMoseka““Young woman” or “young girl.””/moh-SEH-kah/femaleMotema“A loving heart”/moh-TEH-mah/anyMoteyi““Teacher” or “instructor.””/moh-TEH-yee/maleMotuya““Value,” “worth,” “importance,” or “price.””/moh-TOO-yah/femaleMoyekoli““Learner,” “pupil,” or “student.””/moh-yeh-KOH-lee/maleMoyi““Sun” and, by extension, “daylight.””/MOH-yee/anyMoyindo““Black,” “dark,” or “dark-colored.””/moh-YEEN-doh/maleMozwi““Rich person,” “wealthy person,” or “one who has wealth.””/moh-ZWEE/anyMpema““Breath”; in some contexts, life or vital breath.”/m-PEH-mah/maleMpeve““Wind,” “air,” or “spirit,” depending on context.”/MPEH-veh/maleMpiko“Courage and bravery in difficult times”/MPEE-koh/anyMpongo“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/m-PONG-goh/anyMutombo“A Luba/Tshiluba name, commonly glossed as “head”; it is not a Lingala expression meaning family-line honor.”/moo-TOM-boh/maleMwana“A cherished child who continues the family line”/MWAH-nah/any
N
Nadege“Hope; French Nadège is a form related to Russian Nadezhda/Nadia.”/nah-DEZH/femaleNadia“Hope, from the Russian form of Nadezhda.”/NAH-dee-ah/femaleNatacha“Russian diminutive of Natalia, ultimately meaning “birthday” and traditionally associated with Christmas.”/nah-TAH-shah/femaleNataniele“God has given”/nah-tah-nee-EH-leh/maleNathalie“A woman born on Christmas Day”/nah-tah-LEE/femaleNathanael“God has given.”/na-ta-na-EL/maleNdombe““Black” or “dark” in Lingala; also found as a Congolese personal/family name.”/n-DOHM-beh/maleNehemia““Yahweh comforts” or “the LORD has comforted.””/neh-heh-MEE-ah/maleNehemie“Yahweh comforts; alternatively, “Yahweh has comforted.””/neh-eh-MEE/maleNelly“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/NEL-ee/femaleNestor““Homecoming” or “one who returns.””/NES-tor/maleNgala“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/ngah-LAH/maleNgando“Crocodile.”/ngahn-DOH/anyNganga“Traditional healer, ritual specialist, or diviner.”/ngahn-GAH/anyNgolu“Grace, favor, or mercy.”/ngoh-LOO/anyNgoma“Drum.”/ngoh-mah/anyNgonga“Hour, time, or occasion.”/ngoh-NGAH/anyNgoy“A common Congolese name/surname; it is not the standard Lingala word for leopard, which is nkoyi.”/ngoy/anyNgudi“Mother; maternal source or origin.”/ngoo-DEE/femaleNguma“Python.”/ngoo-MAH/anyNicolas“Victory of the people”/nee-ko-LA/maleNicole“Victory of the people”/nee-KOL/femaleNkembo“Glory and honor to God”/n- KEM-boh/anyNkoko“Grandparent or ancestor.”/n-KOH-koh/anyNkolo“Lord, master, owner, or chief.”/n-KOH-loh/maleNkoyi“Leopard.”/n-KOH-yee/anyNkumu“Chief, leader, or elder.”/n-KOO-moo/maleNoella“Feminine form of Noël; Christmas.”/noh-EL-ah/femaleNoelle“Feminine form of Noël; Christmas.”/noh-EL/femaleNorbert““Bright north” or “northern brightness.””/NOR-behr/maleNsango“news; message”/n-SAHN-goh/anyNsimba“The name traditionally given to one of a pair of twins”/nseem-bah/anyNtango“time; season; occasion”/n-TAHN-goh/anyNtina“reason; cause; purpose”/n-TEE-nah/anyNtoma“messenger; envoy; apostle”/n-TOH-mah/anyNyoka“snake”/nyoh-KAH/anyNzambe“God”/nzam-BEH/anyNzela“path; way; road”/n-ZEH-lah/anyNzete“tree; wood”/n-ZEH-teh/anyNzoku“elephant”/n-ZOH-koo/anyNzoto“body”/n-ZOH-toh/anyNzuzi“The name traditionally given to the other child in a pair of twins”/n-zoo-zee/any
O
P
Pacifique“peaceful; peaceable”/pah-see-FEEK/malePacome“broad-shouldered”/pa-KOM/malePatience“Patience and steadfastness”/pa-SYENS/femalePatient“patient; enduring”/pah-SYAN/malePatrice“A noble person”/pah-TREES/malePauline“Humble, gentle, and grounded”/poh-LEEN/femalePaulo“Small or humble”/PAH-oo-loh/malePerle“A precious pearl”/PERL/femalePetelo“Rock or steadfast foundation”/peh-TEH-loh/malePhilippe“Lover of horses; horse-loving.”/fee-LEEP/malePhilomene“Lover of strength; commonly interpreted as “friend/lover of strength.””/fee-loh-MEN/femalePlamedi“God's wonderful plan; from the Congolese Christian expression/acronym “Plan merveilleux de Dieu.””/plah-MEH-dee/malePolo“A Lingala/Congolese form of Paul, ultimately “small” or “humble.””/POH-loh/malePrecieux“Precious; valuable.”/preh-SYUH/malePrisca“Ancient; old; venerable.”/PRIS-kah/femalePriscille“Ancient; old; a diminutive form of Prisca.”/pree-SEEL/femaleProsper“Prosperous and flourishing”/proh-SPAIR/maleProvidence“Divine providence; God's protective guidance or care.”/proh-vee-DAHNSS/femalePrudence“Wise foresight and good judgment”/PROO-dens/female
R
Raoul“Counsel-wolf; traditionally interpreted from Germanic elements meaning “advice/counsel” and “wolf.””/ra-OOL/maleRaphael“God heals and brings restoration”/rah-fah-EL/maleReine“A queen”/REN/femaleRoger“Famous spear (from Germanic elements meaning “fame” and “spear”).”/roh-ZHAY/maleRoland“Famous land; renowned in the land (from Germanic elements for “fame” and “land”).”/roh-LAN/maleRomain“Roman; a person from Rome.”/roh-MAN/maleRosalie“A rose; beautiful and cherished”/roh-zah-LEE/femaleRoselyne“Little rose.”/roh-zeh-LEEN/femaleRosette“A little rose, symbolizing beauty and tenderness”/roh-ZET/femaleRosine“A rose; a name evoking beauty and tenderness”/roh-ZEEN/femaleRoxane“Dawn and brightness—a hopeful new beginning”/rok-SAHN/female
S
Sabine“A Sabine woman; belonging to the ancient Sabine people of Italy.”/sa-BEEN/femaleSafi“Pure; clean.”/SAH-fee/femaleSagesse“Wisdom.”/sah-ZHES/anySakombi“Meaning not reliably established; it is a Congolese personal name and surname.”/sah-KOM-bee/maleSalomo“Peaceful or peaceful one”/sah-LOH-moh/maleSalomon“A peaceful one”/sa-loh-MON/maleSamsoni“A regional African/Swahili-form variant of Samson; Samson is generally understood as “sun-like” or “of the sun.””/sam-SOH-nee/maleSamwele“God has heard”/sam-WEH-leh/maleSandra“Defender of humankind/men; a short form of Alexandra.”/SAN-drah/femaleSandrine“Defender of humankind/men; a French diminutive form related to Sandra/Alexandra.”/sahn-DREEN/femaleSebastien“Honored, respected, and worthy of admiration”/seh-bas-TYAN/maleSeraphine“Seraph; a fiery celestial being. Feminine form of Seraphin.”/seh-rah-FEEN/femaleSilasi“A form of Silas, meaning “forest.””/see-LAH-see/maleSintike“Fortunate; Greek form of Syntyche.”/seen-TEE-keh/femaleSonia“Wisdom; a form of Sophia.”/SOH-nee-ah/femaleSophie“A woman of wisdom”/soh-FEE/femaleStefano“Crown; Italian form of Stephen.”/steh-FAH-noh/maleStella“A shining star”/STEL-ah/femaleStephanie“Crown; feminine form of Stephen/Stephane.”/steh-FAH-nee/femaleSunga“Help; support; assist (from Lingala kosunga, “to help/support”).”/SOON-gah/maleSuzette“Little Suzanne; a diminutive of Suzanne, ultimately associated with “lily.””/soo-ZET/female
T
Tabita“Gazelle.”/tah-BEE-tah/femaleTabitha“Gazelle.”/TAH-bi-thah/femaleTalitha“Little girl.”/tah-LEE-tah/femaleTamara“Date palm.”/tah-MAH-rah/femaleTatiana“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/ta-tee-A-na/femaleTelema“Stand up; rise.”/teh-LEH-mah/anyTheodora“A gift from God”/thee-oh-DOR-ah/femaleTheogene“Born of God; God-born.”/teh-oh-ZHEN/maleTheophane“Manifestation or appearance of God.”/teh-oh-FAN/maleTheophile“Lover or friend of God.”/tay-oh-FEEL/maleTherese“Meaning uncertain; possibly associated with the Greek place-name Thera or, less certainly, Greek therizein, “to harvest.””/teh-REZ/femaleThierry“Ruler of the people.”/tee-eh-REE/maleTimote“Honoring God; one who honors God.”/tee-moh-TEH/maleTito“A Roman personal name of uncertain origin.”/TEE-toh/maleTokolonga“We will overcome; we will win.”/toh-koh-LOHN-gah/anyTokumisa“Let us praise; let us glorify.”/toh-koo-MEE-sah/anyToma“Twin”/TOH-mah/maleToussaint“All Saints.”/too-SAN/maleTresor“Treasure.”/treh-ZOR/any
U
V
Valentin“Strong, healthy, and vigorous”/vah-lahn-TAN/maleValerie“Strong, healthy, and full of vitality”/vah-leh-REE/femaleVanessa“A coined literary name created by Jonathan Swift; no established lexical meaning.”/vah-NES-sah/femaleVasti“A woman of good fortune and honored status”/VAH-stee/femaleVeronique“The one who brings victory”/veh-roh-NEEK/femaleVictoire“Victory”/veek-TWAR/femaleViolette“A delicate and beautiful violet flower”/vee-oh-LET/femaleVirginie“A maiden; traditionally associated with purity”/veer-zhee-NEE/femaleViviane“Living; alive”/vee-vee-AN/female
W
X
Y
Yaele“A courageous woman as sure-footed and lively as a mountain goat”/yah-EH-leh/femaleYakobo“One who follows or supplants”/yah-KOH-boh/maleYamba“Receive; welcome”/YAHM-bah/maleYannick“God is gracious”/yah-NEEK/maleYasmine“Jasmine flower”/yas-MEEN/femaleYeremia“Jeremiah; the Lord exalts”/yeh-reh-MEE-ah/maleYesu“Jesus; “YHWH saves””/YEH-soo/maleYisaya“God is salvation”/yee-SAH-yah/maleYoane“The Lord is gracious”/yoh-AH-neh/maleYoele“Joel; “YHWH is God””/yoh-EH-leh/maleYoka“Hear; listen”/YOH-kah/maleYolande“French feminine name, ultimately associated with the yew tree (from Germanic iv, “yew”).”/yo-LAND/femaleYosua“God will save”/yoh-SOO-ah/maleYozefe“God will add or increase”/yoh-ZEH-feh/maleYvette“French feminine name associated with the yew tree.”/ee-VET/femaleYvonne“French feminine name associated with the yew tree.”/ee-VON/female
Z