Shona girl names.
288 names — open any of them for its meaning, sound and story.
Aizivaishe““She knew the Lord/God” (from aiziva Ishe).”/eye-zee-vah-EE-sheh/femaleAnashe“God is with us”/ah-NAH-sheh/anyAnatswanashe““Cleansed/purified by the Lord (God).””/ah-nah-tswah-nah-SHEH/femaleAnenyasha“She has grace”/ah-neh-NYAH-shah/femaleAnerudo““She has love” or “one who has love.””/ah-neh-ROO-doh/femaleAnesu“God is with us”/ah-NEH-soo/anyAngel“Greek-derived name meaning “messenger”; in Christian use, a messenger of God.”/AYN-juhl/anyAnodiwa“Beloved and deeply cherished”/ah-noh-DEE-wah/femaleAnofara“He/she is happy.”/ah-noh-FAH-rah/anyAnokosha“Precious and deeply valued”/ah-noh-KOH-shah/femaleAnokudzwa“He/she is honoured; one who is respected.”/ah-noh-KOODZ-wah/anyAnotenda“He/she gives thanks; he/she is thankful.”/ah-noh-TEN-dah/anyAnotida“God loves us”/ah-noh-TEE-dah/anyAnotidaishe“The Lord loves us”/ah-noh-tee-dah-EE-sheh/anyAripano“She is here.”/ah-ree-PAH-no/femaleAtafadzwa“One who has been made happy; one who is pleased.”/ah-tah-FADZ-wah/femaleAtifarire“May we rejoice; let us be happy.”/ah-tee-fah-REE-reh/femaleAtinotenda“We give thanks”/ah-tee-noh-TEN-dah/anyAtipaishe“Give us, Lord.”/ah-tee-pie-SHEH/anyBatsirai“Help and support are always with you”/baht-see-RYE/anyBelieve“Believe; have faith.”/bih-LEEV/anyBernadette“A French feminine form of Bernard, meaning “brave bear.””/ber-nah-DET/femaleBlessing“A blessing.”/BLES-ing/anyBrenda“A name of uncertain origin, often linked to Old Norse brandr, “sword.””/BREN-dah/femaleBvumai““Agree” or “accept” (a plural/addressee imperative from bvuma).”/bvoo-MY/anyChabuda““That which has come out/emerged” (from -buda, to come or go out).”/cha-BOO-dah/anyChabvuta“Related to -bvuta, “to snatch, seize, or grab.””/cha-BVOO-tah/anyChakafadza““It has pleased” or “that which has pleased.””/chah-kah-FAD-zah/anyChakafadzwa““It has been pleased/delighted.””/chah-kah-FADZ-wah/anyChakafara““It became happy” or “it rejoiced.””/chah-kah-FAH-rah/anyChamunorwa““That which is fought for” or “one who is contended for,” from -norwa, “to be fought.””/chah-moo-NOR-wah/anyChando“Winter or the cold season, for a child born in that season.”/CHAN-do/anyCharity“A child associated with love, kindness, and generosity”/CHAR-i-tee/femaleChauya““It has come” or “that which has come.””/chah-OO-yah/anyChawanda““It has increased,” “become many,” or “multiplied.””/cha-WAN-dah/anyChawasarira““What has remained/been left behind,” from -sarira.”/chah-wah-sah-REE-rah/anyChengetai“A blessing that the child will safeguard the family and all it holds dear.”/chen-geh-TYE/anyChengeto“Protection, guarding, or safekeeping.”/chen-GEH-toh/anyChenjerai“A thoughtful, careful, and wise person”/chen-je-RAI/anyChidamoyo““Heart’s desire” or “what the heart desires.””/chee-dah-MOH-yoh/anyChido“Desire, love, or something wished for.”/CHEE-doh/femaleChidochangu“My desire; my love.”/chee-doh-CHAN-goo/femaleChidochashe“God's desire or God's will.”/chee-doh-chah-SHEH/femaleChiedza“Light, warmth, and goodness”/chee-ED-zah/anyChikomborero“Blessing; benediction.”/chee-kom-bo-REH-roh/anyChikumbiro“Request, plea, or prayer.”/chee-koom-BEE-roh/anyChikumbutso“Reminder, remembrance, or memorial.”/chee-koom-BOOT-soh/anyChinokosha“What is precious and valuable”/chee-noh-KOH-shah/anyChipo“A gift, gratefully received from God”/CHEE-poh/femaleChipochashe“God's gift; a gift from God.”/chee-poh-chah-SHEH/femaleChiratidzo“A child seen as a meaningful sign or blessing”/chee-rah-TID-zoh/anyChirimo“The rainy season; a time of renewal and growth”/chee-REE-moh/anyChirorodza“A comforter; one or that which soothes or consoles.”/chee-roh-ROHD-zah/femaleChisara“What remains; a precious remainder”/chee-SAH-rah/femaleChiseko“Laughter, amusement, or a joke; in some contexts, mockery.”/chee-SEH-koh/anyChisungo“Bond or covenant; a cherished connection that holds people together”/chee-SOON-goh/anyChitsidzo“Promise; pledge; vow.”/chit-SEE-dzoh/anyChivimbo“Faith, trust, and confidence in the future”/chee-VIM-boh/femaleChomunorwa“That which is fought for; something worth fighting for.”/choh-moo-NOR-wah/anyComfort“A source of comfort and consolation”/KUM-fert/anyConstance“Steadfast and constant”/KON-stans/femaleDaisai“Be happy”/dah-ee-SAI/femaleDaisy“A flower name, from the daisy.”/DAY-zee/femaleDanai“Love one another; love each other.”/dah-NAH-ee/femaleDananai“Love and togetherness”/dah-nah-NYE/anyDariro“Purpose, aim, or intention.”/dah-REE-roh/anyDarisai“Show or reveal what is present”/dah-ree-SAI/anyDebhora“Bee; traditionally associated with diligence and strength”/deh-BOH-rah/femaleDenga“Sky or heavens”/DEN-gah/anyDiligence“A child valued for perseverance and steady effort”/DIL-i-jens/anyDingirai“Seek, look for, or pursue.”/din-gih-RYE/anyDudzai“One who teaches and guides others wisely”/DOOD-zai/anyDudzanai“Teach or instruct one another.”/doo-dzah-NAI/anyDudzirai“Explain matters clearly and bring understanding”/doo-dzih-RYE/anyDudziro“Explanation or interpretation.”/doo-DZEE-roh/anyDzidzai“A lifelong learner, growing in wisdom and understanding”/DZEED-zai/anyElisabeti“God is my oath; a child held in faithful devotion”/eh-lee-sah-BEH-tee/femaleEsteri“A form of Esther, meaning “star””/eh-STEH-ree/femaleEvidence““Evidence,” “proof,” or “testimony.””/EV-uh-dens/anyFadzai“Be happy and bring happiness to others”/fah-DZYE/femaleFadzisai““Make happy” or “bring happiness.””/fah-DZEE-sigh/anyFadziso“A source of happiness and joy”/fah-DZEE-soh/anyFadziswa““One who has been made happy” / “made happy.””/fah-DZEE-swah/femaleFadzwa““Be happy” or “be made happy.””/fah-DZWAH/femaleFaith“A child who represents faith and trust”/FAYTH/femaleFara“Rejoice; a joyful child”/FAH-rah/anyFarai“Rejoice; be happy”/fah-RYE/anyFarisai““Make happy” or “cause rejoicing.””/fah-ree-SAI/femaleFavour“Favour, kindness, and gracious blessing”/FAY-ver/anyFelistas“A Zimbabwean form related to Felicitas/Felista, meaning “fortunate,” “lucky,” or “happy.””/feh-LEE-stas/femaleFirstborn““The first-born child.””/FERST-born/anyFungai“Thoughtfulness and good judgment”/foon-GAI/anyFungisai“A thoughtful person who considers things deeply”/foon-gee-SAI/anyGamu“Welcome; a short form associated with Gamuchirai.”/GAH-moo/femaleGamuchirai“Receive; welcome.”/gah-moo-chee-RAI/anyGarai“Stay; remain”/gah-RAI/anyGarikai“May you live well and prosper”/gah-ree-KYE/anyGift“A precious gift to the family”/GIFT/anyGladys“A traditional Shona name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/GLAD-iss/femaleGoodness“A child associated with goodness and kindness”/GOOD-nes/femaleGrace“A child received as a gracious blessing”/GRAYS/femaleGumisai“Finish; bring to completion.”/goo-mee-SYE/femaleHana“Grace; favour (Hebrew), as a form of Hannah.”/HAH-nah/femaleHappiness“A joyful child who brings happiness”/HAP-ee-nes/femaleIsheanesu“God is with us”/ee-sheh-ah-NEH-soo/femaleJekesai“Be happy; rejoice.”/jeh-keh-SAI/femaleJoyce“Joyful”/JOYS/femaleJuliet“Youthful”/JOO-lee-et/femaleKudzai“Praise; give praise to God”/kood-ZAI/anyKudzaishe“Praise the Lord”/kood-zah-EE-sheh/anyKudzanai“A beautiful wish for a life surrounded by mutual respect and dignity.”/koo-dzah-NYE/anyKukunda“Victory and overcoming—a name that celebrates triumph after difficulty.”/koo-KOON-dah/anyKunaka“Goodness and beauty”/koo-NAH-kah/anyKunashe“With God; in God's hands/presence.”/koo-NAH-sheh/anyKundai“Conquer and overcome—a hopeful name for a child destined to triumph.”/koon-DYE/anyKushinga“Courage, bravery, strength, or fortitude.”/koo-SHING-ah/anyKushivirira“Patience, perseverance, and a steady heart”/koo-shi-vi-REE-ra/anyKutenda“To thank; giving thanks; thanksgiving.”/koo-TEN-dah/anyKuzivai“Know; understand (a plural or respectful imperative).”/koo-zee-VAI/anyLoveness“Love or affection; an English-style Zimbabwean female given name.”/luv-NES/femaleMafaro“Joy, happiness, or gladness.”/mah-FAH-roh/anyMaidei“What did you want?”/my-EH-dee/femaleMaita“A warm expression of thanks and appreciation”/MY-tah/anyMakaita“You have done well; an expression of thanks or praise addressed respectfully or to more than one person.”/mah-KAI-tah/anyMakanaka“You are beautiful”/mah-nah-KAH-nah/femaleMakomborero“Many blessings and abundant good fortune”/mah-kohm-boh-REH-roh/anyMakorokoto“A joyful congratulations on a long-awaited blessing”/mah-koh-roh-KOH-toh/anyMamirai““Wait” — a respectful/plural imperative; “remain steadfast” is not the literal gloss.”/mah-mee-RAI/anyMariya“Shona form of Mary. Mary’s ultimate Hebrew etymology is disputed, rather than securely meaning devotion or strength.”/mah-REE-yah/femaleMaruva“Flowers; a life full of beauty and blossoming”/mah-ROO-vah/femaleMarvelous“A wonderfully remarkable child”/MAR-vuh-lus/anyMatifadza““You have made us happy” / “you have pleased us.””/mah-tee-FAH-dzah/femaleMazvita““Life” or “one who has life.””/maz-VEE-tah/anyMbiri“A name wishing you a life of distinction, good reputation, and lasting honor.”/M-BEE-ree/anyMemory“A cherished child who will always be remembered”/MEM-uh-ree/femaleMercy“A child associated with mercy and compassion”/MUR-see/femaleMhepo“Wind or breeze”/MHEH-poh/anyMirirai““Wait!” or “keep waiting,” from the Shona verb kumirira.”/mee-ree-RAI/femaleMoto“Fire; warmth, energy and brightness”/MOH-toh/anyMuchaneta““You will become tired/weary.””/moo-chah-NEH-tah/femaleMuchengeti“A child seen as a guardian of the family and its heritage.”/moo-cheh-NGEH-tee/anyMudiwa“Beloved and dearly cherished”/moo-DEE-wah/anyMudiwanashe““Beloved of God” / “God’s beloved.””/moo-dee-wah-NAH-sheh/anyMufakazi““Witness” or “one who testifies.””/moo-fah-KAH-zee/anyMufakose““All happiness” or “complete happiness,” associated with mufaro wose.”/moo-fah-KOH-seh/anyMufaro“Happiness and joy”/moo-FAH-roh/anyMukurumbira““Fame,” “reputation,” or “renown.””/moo-koo-room-BEE-rah/anyMunashe“With the Lord; living under God’s care”/moo-NAH-sheh/anyMunesu“God is with us, or a child held within the family”/moo-NEH-soo/anyMupenyu““A living person,” “one who is alive,” or “the living one.””/moo-PEN-yoo/anyMupfumi““A rich person,” “wealthy person,” or “prosperous person.””/moo-PFOO-mee/anyMupiro““Offering,” “sacrifice,” or “contribution.””/moo-PEE-roh/femaleMusha“A cherished reminder of belonging, family, and the place one calls home.”/MOO-shah/anyMutsa“Grace and kindness”/MOOT-sah/anyMutsawashe“A cherished last-born child, seen as the final blessing in the family.”/moot-sa-WA-sheh/anyMvura“Rain, a life-giving name for a child born during rain or a rainy season.”/MVOO-ra/anyMwanasikana“Daughter; girl child”/mwah-nah-see-KAH-nah/femaleMwedzi“Moon”/MWED-zee/anyNakaishe“God is good”/nah-kai-SHEH/femaleNamatirai““Pray” or “pray, you all”; it does not literally mean “pray for me.””/nah-mah-tee-RAI/femaleNatsa“Become good, beautiful, or improved”/NAHT-sah/anyNatsai“Derived from kunatsa: “make good,” “improve,” or “beautify.””/nah-TSY/femaleNdarama“Like gold: precious, valuable, and treasured.”/ndah-RAH-mah/anyNehanda“A powerful heritage name associated with spiritual authority, courage, and leadership.”/neh-HAHN-dah/femaleNetsai“Associated with -netsa, “to trouble, bother, or make difficult”; it is not a patience-and-strength gloss.”/neh-TSAI/femaleNever“An English word name: “never.””/NEV-er/anyNhamo“A name remembering hardship overcome”/NYAH-moh/anyNyamudzai“Comfort; console; bring reassurance.”/nyah-moo-DZAI/femaleNyamutswa“A hopeful name for new life and the return of joy to the family.”/nyah-MOOT-swah/anyNyaradzai“Comfort; consolation; one who brings reassurance.”/nyah-rah-DZAH-ee/femaleNyaradzo“Comfort, peace, and reassurance”/nyah-rah-DZOH/femaleNyarai“Be humbled; show humility”/nyah-RAI/anyNyasha“Grace and mercy”/NYAH-shah/anyNyemudzai“Make us smile; bring smiles to the family”/nyeh-moo-DZYE/femaleNyemwerera“Smile; smile at someone.”/nyem-weh-REH-rah/femaleNzou“Elephant; a symbol of strength and dignity”/N-ZOH-oo/anyPaidamoyo“Love of the heart; heartfelt love.”/pie-dah-MOY-oh/femalePamhidzai“Increase; add to; make grow.”/pahm-hee-DZYE/anyPanashe“There is God; God is present”/pah-nah-SHEH/anyPatience“Patience, endurance, and quiet strength”/PAY-shens/anyPeace“A peaceful and calming presence in the family”/PEES/anyPembedzai“Praise; give praise.”/pem-bed-ZAI/anyPfuma“Wealth and abundance; a heartfelt wish that life brings prosperity.”/PFOO-mah/anyPfumai“May you grow in wealth and prosperity.”/PFOO-my/anyPraise“A child who inspires gratitude and praise”/PRAYZ/anyPrayer“Prayer”/PRAIR/anyPrecious“Precious; treasured”/PRESH-us/femalePrincess“Princess; a female royal child”/prin-SESS/femaleProgress“Progress; advancement”/PRAH-gres/anyPromise“Promise; pledge”/PROM-is/anyProsperity“Prosperity, flourishing, and well-being”/pross-PAIR-uh-tee/anyPrudence“A wise, thoughtful, and sensible child”/PROO-dens/femaleQueen“Queen; a female monarch”/KWEEN/femaleRambai“Keep going and persevere—a name honoring determination and endurance.”/rahm-BYE/anyRangarirai“Remembering a loved one or an important family story through the birth of this child.”/ran-ga-ree-RYE/anyRaramai“Live on; continue living”/rah-rah-MYE/femaleRatidzo“Sign; indication”/rah-TEE-dzoh/anyRatidzwai“Be shown; be revealed”/rah-tid-ZWAI/femaleRopafadzo“Blessing”/roh-pah-FAHD-zoh/femaleRopafadzwa“We have been blessed”/roh-pah-FADZ-wah/anyRovedzai“Teach; train; educate.”/roh-veh-DZYE/femaleRudo“Love and affection”/ROO-doh/anyRufaro“Joy and gladness”/roo-FAH-roh/anyRugare“Peace and harmony”/roo-GAH-reh/anyRukudzo“Honor, respect, or esteem.”/roo-KOOD-zoh/femaleRumbidzai“Praise; celebrate God’s goodness”/room-bee-DZAI/anyRunako“Beauty and grace”/roo-NAH-koh/femaleRungano“Story, narrative, or account.”/roo-NGAH-noh/anyRunyararo“Peace and gentleness”/roo-nyah-RAH-roh/anyRutendo“Faith and a grateful heart”/roo-TEN-doh/femaleRuva“Flower; a blossoming child”/ROO-vah/femaleRuvimbo“Faith and trust”/roo-VIM-boh/femaleSara“Sarah, traditionally understood as princess or noblewoman”/SAH-rah/femaleSarudzai“Choose; select.”/sah-roo-DZAI/femaleSekai“May you laugh often and bring laughter to others”/seh-KYE/anyShamisai“Astonish; surprise.”/shah-mee-SIGH/anyShamiso“Wonder; marvel”/shah-MEE-soh/anyShingai“Be courageous—a warm wish for a child who faces life with bravery.”/shin-GUY/anyShingirai“Persevere and keep going—a name celebrating resilience through every challenge.”/shin-gee-RY/anyShiri“Bird; a child with freedom and a joyful spirit”/SHEE-ree/anyShorai“Criticize, condemn, or despise.”/sho-RAI/femaleShumba“Lion; a strong and courageous child”/SHOOM-bah/anyShuvai“Yearn for; desire; long for.”/SHOO-vye/femaleSilence“An English word name meaning silence; used for both sexes in Zimbabwe.”/SY-lens/anySimba“A strong name wishing you influence, courage, and inner power.”/SIM-bah/anySimbisai“Strengthen; encourage; make strong.”/sim-bi-SAH-ee/anySimukai“Arise; get up; wake up.”/see-moo-KAI/anySophia“A Greek female name meaning 'wisdom,' used in Zimbabwe.”/soh-FEE-ah/femaleStella“Star”/STEL-ah/femaleSuccess“Success and the fulfilment of hopes”/suk-SESS/anySukai“Be joyful and cheerful”/soo-KAI/femaleSungano“A lasting bond and family union”/soon-GAH-noh/anySusana““Lily” (ultimately from Hebrew shoshannah).”/soo-SAH-nah/femaleTadiwa“Loved and cherished by the family”/tah-DEE-wah/anyTadiwanashe“Loved by the Lord”/tah-dee-wah-nah-SHEH/anyTafadzwa“We have been made happy; a joyful blessing”/tah-FAHDZ-wah/anyTafadzwanashe““God has made us happy” or “we have been made happy by God.””/tah-FADZ-wah-nah-SHEH/anyTakudzwa“We have been praised or glorified”/tah-KOODZ-wah/anyTakunda““We have conquered,” “we have won,” or “we have overcome.””/tah-KOON-dah/anyTalent““Talent” or “natural ability.””/TAL-ent/anyTambudzai“Bring us happiness and rejoicing”/tahm-boo-DZYE/femaleTanaka““We are good” or “we are well.””/tah-NAH-kah/anyTanyaradzwa““We have been comforted” or “we have received comfort.””/tahn-yah-RAHDZ-wah/anyTapiwa“We have been given this precious child”/tah-PEE-wah/anyTapiwanashe“Given by God”/tah-pee-wah-nah-SHEH/anyTarirai““Look!” or “Pay attention!””/tah-ree-RAI/anyTariro“Hope and a bright future”/tah-REE-roh/anyTaruwona““We have seen” / “we have seen it.””/tah-roo-WOH-nah/anyTatenda“We have given thanks”/tah-TEN-dah/anyTaurai“May your voice be heard and respected”/tah-oo-RYE/anyTaurisai“Tell, explain, or make something known”/tow-ree-SAI/anyTawananyasha“We have received grace”/tah-wah-nah-NYAH-shah/anyTawanda“Growth, abundance, and a family flourishing”/tah-WAN-dah/anyTendai“Be thankful; give thanks to God”/ten-DAI/anyTendaishe““Thank God.””/ten-dah-EE-sheh/anyTeurai““Praise!””/teh-oo-RAI/femaleTinashe“God is with us”/tee-NAH-sheh/anyTinaye“We have God”/tee-NAH-yeh/anyTinorangarira“A name carrying the family’s promise to remember its loved ones and roots.”/tee-noh-rah-ngah-REE-rah/anyTinotenda“We give thanks to God”/tee-noh-TEN-dah/anyTonderai“A loving reminder to remember someone or something important, especially after a loss.”/ton-deh-RYE/anyTrust“Faith, confidence, and a dependable heart”/TRUST/anyTsitsi“A compassionate and gentle spirit”/TSEE-tsee/anyTsungai“Have mercy; show pity.”/tsoong-GAI/anyTsuro“Hare; a lively and clever child”/TSOO-roh/anyUchenjeri“Wisdom, insight, and sound judgment”/oo-chen-JEH-ree/anyVadisai“Love; loving (commonly understood as an appeal connected with love).”/vah-dee-SAI/femaleVaraidzo“Joy, delight, or happiness.”/vah-RAI-dzoh/femaleVhenekerai“Illuminate; light up.”/veh-neh-keh-RYE/anyVictory“A child associated with triumph and overcoming”/VIK-tuh-ree/anyVimbai“Believe; hold firmly to faith”/vim-BAI/anyVimbisai“One who gives strength, confidence, and reassurance”/veem-bee-SIGH/anyVimbiso“A promise of hope and a bright future”/vim-BEE-soh/anyVongai“Give thanks; be grateful”/von-GAI/anyWadzanai“May love and mutual care surround you”/wah-dzah-NAI/anyWantmore“A hopeful wish for greater blessings and opportunities ahead”/WONT-more/anyWitness“Witness; testimony or one who bears witness.”/WIT-nis/anyZhizha“Summer, a warm seasonal name for a child born during the summer season.”/ZHEE-zha/anyZivai“Understanding, knowledge, and wisdom”/zee-VAI/anyZivaishe“Know the Lord/God.”/zee-vah-EE-sheh/anyZivanai“May you be known, understood, and close to others”/zee-vah-NAI/anyZorora“A child who brings peace, calm, and restful happiness”/zoh-ROH-rah/anyZororo“Comfort and relief after sorrow or hardship.”/zo-RO-ro/anyZuva“Sun; sunshine”/ZOO-vah/anyZvakanaka“A child associated with goodness and the blessings of life”/zvah-nah-KAH-nah/anyZvikomborero“Blessings”/zvee-kom-beh-ROH-roh/anyZvinoda“What is wanted/needed; that which is desired.”/zvee-noh-DAH/femaleZvinodai“What is desired/wanted; that which is wanted in this way.”/zvee-noh-DYE/female