THE 2026 FIELD GUIDE IS HERERead the trend report

Swahili girl names.

447 names — open any of them for its meaning, sound and story.

AbeerFragrance, perfume, or sweet scent./a-BEER/femaleAblaWell-formed, full-bodied, or beautifully formed./AB-lah/femaleAdabuGood manners and gracious conduct/ah-DAH-boo/anyAdibaCultured, well-mannered, educated, or literary woman./ah-DEE-bah/femaleAdilaArabic-derived: just, fair, and upright/ah-DEE-lah/femaleAfifaArabic-derived: chaste, modest, and pure-hearted/ah-FEE-fah/femaleAfiyaArabic-derived: health, well-being, and protection/ah-FEE-yah/femaleAfnanBranches, boughs, or twigs./AF-nan/femaleAfraFair, bright, and radiant/AF-ra/femaleAhadiArabic-derived: a promise of enduring love and family continuity/ah-HAH-dee/anyAhlamDreams./ah-LAM/femaleAishaFull of life/ah-EE-shah/femaleAlaminArabic-derived: trustworthy and faithful/ah-lah-MEEN/anyAlhamisiA child born on Thursday/al-hah-MEE-see/anyAliaArabic-derived: exalted, noble, and elevated/AH-lee-ah/femaleAlimaArabic-derived: knowledgeable and learned/ah-LEE-mah/femaleAlmasiA diamond—strong, brilliant, and precious/al-MAH-see/anyAmalArabic-derived: hope and aspiration/ah-MAHL/anyAmaliHope, aspiration, and dreams for the future/ah-MAH-lee/femaleAmanaArabic-derived: a child entrusted to the loving care of the family/ah-MAH-nah/femaleAmaniArabic-derived through Swahili: peace, safety, and security/ah-MAH-nee/anyAminaArabic-derived: trustworthy, faithful, and safe-hearted/ah-MEE-nah/femaleAmiraArabic-derived: princess or female leader/ah-MEE-rah/femaleAnisaArabic-derived: friendly, warm-hearted companion/ah-NEE-sah/femaleAqsaThe farthest; it has a strong Islamic association through Al-Aqsa Mosque./AK-sah/femaleAreejA beautiful fragrance/ah-REEJ/femaleArifaArabic-derived: knowing, wise, and perceptive/ah-REE-fah/femaleArijA girl whose presence is as sweet and memorable as a lovely fragrance/AH-rij/femaleArwaA female ibex or mountain goat; it is also associated with being well-watered or satisfied./AR-wa/femaleAsanteThank you; thanks./ah-SAN-teh/anyAseelaNoble, of good lineage, authentic; also associated with softness or smoothness./ah-SEE-lah/femaleAshaArabic-derived: alive and flourishing; a Swahili form related to Aisha/AH-shah/femaleAsiyaArabic-derived Islamic name: one who heals or comforts/ah-SEE-yah/femaleAsmaArabic-derived: lofty, excellent, and distinguished/AS-mah/femaleAtiqahFree-spirited, noble, and honorable/ah-TEE-ka/femaleAtiyaArabic-derived: gift or gracious offering/ah-TEE-yah/femaleAyatA sign of blessing and a treasured verse/AH-yat/femaleAzimaA woman of determination who does not give up/ah-ZEE-mah/femaleAzizaArabic-derived: precious, powerful, and dearly loved/ah-ZEE-zah/femaleAzraVirgin, maiden, or pure./AZ-rah/femaleBadriyaArabic-derived; bright, beautiful, and full of joy/BAH-dree-yah/femaleBahariThe sea—vast, beautiful, and full of life/bah-HAH-ree/anyBahatiArabic-derived; good fortune or luck/bah-HAH-tee/anyBahiyaArabic-derived; radiant and beautiful, like moonlight/bah-HEE-yah/femaleBakhitaFortunate and blessed/bah-KHEE-tah/femaleBalqisArabic-derived; the name traditionally associated with the Queen of Sheba, a woman of wisdom and majesty/BAL-kees/femaleBarakaArabic-derived; blessing or divine favor/bah-RAH-kah/anyBasimaArabic-derived; smiling, cheerful, and full of warmth/bah-SEE-mah/femaleBasmaSmile./BAS-ma/femaleBatulArabic-derived; pure, chaste, and devoted/bah-TOOL/femaleBibiSwahili-used name meaning lady or grandmother, carrying affection and respect/BEE-bee/femaleBidiiDiligence, perseverance, and a willingness to work hard/bee-DEE-ee/anyBikiraVirgin; maiden./bee-KEE-rah/femaleBintiDaughter./BEEN-tee/femaleBoraSwahili lexical name; the best, excellent, or outstanding one/BOH-rah/anyBusaraGood sense, wisdom, and sound judgment/boo-SAH-rah/anyBushraArabic-derived; good news and glad tidings/BOOSH-rah/femaleButhainaArabic-derived; delicate, beautiful, and tender-hearted/boo-THAI-nah/femaleChausikuBantu-origin: born at night/chah-oo-SEE-koo/femaleChikuTalkative; one who talks a lot./chee-KOO/femaleDaliaArabic-derived: a grapevine or flowering vine, a graceful image of growth/DAH-lee-ah/femaleDalilaArabic-derived: a guide or one who shows the way/dah-LEE-lah/femaleDaniaArabic-derived: near, close, or one who is close to the heart/DAH-nee-ah/femaleDekaArabic-derived: contentment and satisfaction/DEH-kah/femaleDhahabuGold—precious, shining, and deeply treasured/dha-HAH-boo/femaleDhamiraConscience; inner thought, intention, or purpose./dha-MEE-rah/femaleDhuhaArabic-derived: the bright morning hours/DHOO-hah/femaleDhuriaOffspring; descendants; progeny./doo-REE-ah/femaleDiniArabic-derived: faith or religion/DEE-nee/anyDottoThe second twin/DOH-toh/anyDuaArabic-derived: prayer, with hopes entrusted to God/DOO-ah/femaleDuniaArabic-derived through Swahili: the world and the fullness of life/DOO-nee-ah/femaleDurraA precious pearl/DOOR-rah/femaleEhsanArabic-derived name meaning kindness, goodness, or excellence/eh-SAHN/anyEidArabic-derived name associated with the festival or feast day/EED/anyElhamArabic-derived name meaning inspiration/EL-ham/femaleElimuSwahili Bantu name meaning education and learning/eh-LEE-moo/anyElizaA familiar form of Elizabeth, meaning God is my oath/ee-LY-zah/femaleEmanArabic-derived name meaning faith/ee-MAHN/anyFadhilaA woman of virtue and excellence/fa-DEE-la/femaleFadwaSacrifice; ransom; self-sacrifice./FAD-wa/femaleFahariPride, honor, and glory/fa-HAH-ree/anyFahimaAn intelligent and perceptive woman/fa-HEE-ma/femaleFaidaA blessing that brings benefit and goodness/FAH-ee-da/anyFaizaA successful woman who achieves her hopes/FAI-za/femaleFarahJoy, gladness, and happiness/FAH-rah/femaleFarajaComfort and relief after difficult times/fa-RAH-ja/anyFaridaA one-of-a-kind and dearly treasured woman/fa-REE-da/femaleFarihaA joyful woman who brings happiness to others/fa-REE-ha/femaleFathiyaA woman blessed with success and happy openings in life/fa-THEE-ya/femaleFatumaA cherished and respected daughter/fa-TOO-ma/femaleFauziaA woman blessed with success and victory/fow-ZEE-a/femaleFawziaA victorious woman who rises above difficulties/FOW-zee-ah/femaleFazilaVirtue, goodness, and noble character/fa-ZEE-la/femaleFelistaA fortunate and happy woman/feh-LEE-sta/femaleFikraA thoughtful child with bright ideas/FEEK-ra/femaleFlaviaA bright, golden-hearted woman/FLAH-vee-a/femaleFloraA blossoming, beautiful child/FLOH-ra/femaleFortunataA fortunate and blessed woman/for-too-NAH-ta/femaleFurahaJoy and happiness in the family/foo-RAH-ha/anyGhadijaThe honored name of Khadija, remembered for wisdom, faith, and strength/gha-DEE-jah/femaleGhaliaA precious and treasured daughter/GHAH-lee-ah/femaleGhaniaA woman blessed with abundance and inner richness/GHAH-nee-ah/femaleGhazalaGraceful and beautiful like a gazelle/gha-ZAH-lah/femaleGhufranA gracious life marked by forgiveness and mercy/goof-RAHN/anyGraceGrace; favor, especially divine favor or blessing./GRAYS/femaleHabibaA dearly loved and cherished daughter/ha-BEE-bah/femaleHadiaA guiding presence who helps others find their way/HAH-dee-ah/femaleHadijaA dignified and respected woman, recalling the beloved name of Khadijah/ha-DEE-jah/femaleHafizaA careful guardian and keeper of treasured knowledge/ha-FEE-zah/femaleHafsaStrong-hearted and protective, like a young lioness/HAF-sah/femaleHakiJustice, integrity, and standing up for what is right/HAH-kee/anyHakimaA wise and discerning woman/hah-KEE-mah/femaleHalimaA gentle, patient, and compassionate woman/ha-LEE-mah/femaleHamidaA praiseworthy woman admired for her goodness/ha-MEE-dah/femaleHananTender-hearted and compassionate/ha-NAN/femaleHaneenLonging, yearning, or nostalgic affection./ha-NEEN/femaleHanifaA sincere woman devoted to what is right/ha-NEE-fah/femaleHaniyaA joyful and contented woman/ha-NEE-yah/femaleHasanaBeautiful and good-hearted/hah-SAH-nah/femaleHasinaBeautiful in character and goodness/ha-SEE-nah/femaleHawaA life-giving woman, recalling Eve, the mother of humanity/HAH-wah/femaleHayatiMy life; a precious and life-giving presence/ha-YAH-tee/femaleHazinaA treasured daughter, precious to her family/hah-ZEE-nah/femaleHekimaWisdom and good judgment/heh-KEE-mah/anyHeriGood fortune and a blessed life./HEH-ree/anyHeshimaArabic-derived: a child who brings honor and respect to the family/heh-SHEE-mah/anyHibaA precious gift and blessing/HEE-ba/femaleHidayaGuidance and a life led in the right direction/hee-DAH-yah/femaleHimmaDetermined, spirited, and full of courageous purpose/HIM-mah/femaleHindIndia/Indian woman in Arabic usage; also a very old traditional Arabic female name./HIND/femaleHubaLove and deep affection/HOO-bah/anyHudaA source of guidance and wisdom/HOO-da/femaleHuriaA radiant, graceful, and free-spirited woman/HOO-ree-ah/femaleHuruFreedom and an independent spirit/HOO-roo/anyHusnaThe finest and most beautiful of qualities/HOOS-nah/femaleIbtihajJoyful delight and happiness/ib-tee-HAHJ/femaleIbtihalSupplication, earnest prayer, or invocation./ib-tee-HAL/femaleIbtisamArabic-derived; a smile and the happiness it brings/ib-ti-SAM/femaleIhsanArabic-derived; goodness, kindness, and excellence/ih-SAN/anyIjumaaSwahili-origin; born on Friday, a day of blessing and community/ee-joo-MAH-ah/anyIkhlasSincere devotion and a pure heart/ikh-LAHS/anyIkramArabic-derived; generosity, honor, and kindness/ik-RAM/anyIlhamArabic-derived; inspiration and a gift of understanding/il-HAM/anyImaniArabic-derived; faith, trust, and confidence in God/ee-MAH-nee/anyImaraSwahili/Bantu-origin; strong, firm, and resilient/ee-MAH-rah/anyImranArabic-derived; strong in faith and devoted to God/im-RAN/anyInasWarm, sociable, and loving/ee-NAS/femaleInayaArabic-derived; care, kindness, and protection from God/ee-NAH-yah/femaleInsafArabic-derived; justice, fairness, and integrity/in-SAF/anyIntisarArabic-derived; triumph, success, and good news/in-ti-SAR/femaleIqraArabic-derived; a blessed reading or recitation/IQ-rah/femaleIsraArabic-derived; a hopeful night journey and spiritual light/IS-rah/femaleJabiraA comforting and supportive woman/jah-BEE-rah/femaleJalilaExalted, noble, and greatly valued/jah-LEE-lah/femaleJamilaBeautiful in appearance and character/jah-MEE-lah/femaleJannahA precious gift of paradise/JAN-nah/femaleJasintaA graceful and blooming young woman/jah-SEEN-tah/femaleJasiriBrave, courageous, and confident/jah-SEE-ree/anyJawahirA treasured jewel/jah-WAH-heer/femaleJaziraA peaceful island of beauty and refuge/jah-ZEE-rah/femaleJohariA jewel of a daughter, precious and admired/joh-HAH-ree/femaleJoyceJoyful and full of gladness/JOYS/anyJuhudiOne who approaches life with determination/joo-HOO-dee/anyJumamosiA child born on Saturday/joo-mah-MOH-see/anyJumanaA precious pearl/joo-MA-na/femaleJumapiliA child born on Sunday/joo-mah-PEE-lee/anyJumatanoA child born on Wednesday/joo-mah-TAH-noh/anyJumatatuA child born on Monday/joo-mah-TAH-too/anyJuwairiyaA cherished and respected daughter/joo-WAIR-ee-yah/femaleKamariaRadiant and beautiful like the moon/ka-MA-ree-a/femaleKamilaComplete, whole, and wonderfully formed/ka-MEE-la/femaleKarimaGenerous, gracious, and noble-hearted/ka-REE-ma/femaleKautharAbundance and overflowing goodness/KOW-thar/femaleKeziaA fragrant and beautiful cassia tree/keh-ZEE-a/femaleKhadijaA cherished child, traditionally associated with an early-born child/kha-DEE-ja/femaleKhadraFresh, flourishing, and full of life/KHAD-rah/femaleKhalidaEverlasting and enduring/kha-LEE-da/femaleKhansaA graceful and poetic woman/KHAN-sa/femaleKhawlaGraceful as a gazelle/KHAW-la/femaleKheriGoodness, blessing, and all that is beneficial/KHEH-ree/anyKibibiKiswahili: little lady or young woman./kee-BEE-bee/femaleKisuraA lovely and beautiful one/kee-SOO-rah/femaleKitoA precious treasure and source of joy/KEE-toh/anyKubraGreat, distinguished, and highly honored/KOOB-ra/femaleKulwaThe first twin/KOOL-wah/anyLailaArabic-derived: the night; a poetic name associated with beauty and calm/LAY-la/femaleLamiaArabic-derived: a woman of captivating beauty/LAH-mee-a/femaleLatifaArabic-derived: gentle, kind, and gracious/la-TEE-fa/femaleLauraLatin-derived: laurel, a traditional symbol of honor and victory/LAW-ra/femaleLeticiaLatin-derived: joy and gladness/leh-TEE-see-a/femaleLilianEuropean Christian usage: lily, suggesting purity and beauty/LIL-ee-an/femaleLinaTender; also associated in Arabic with a young palm tree./LEE-na/femaleLindaEuropean name warmly associated with beauty/LIN-da/femaleLisaEuropean short form of Elizabeth: faithful to God/LEE-sa/femaleLorenaEuropean name used in East Africa; traditionally associated with the laurel tree and victory/lo-RE-na/femaleLornaA traditional Swahili name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story/LOR-na/femaleLouiseEuropean Christian name: renowned warrior, suggesting courage and strength/loo-EEZ/femaleLovenessEnglish-derived East African name expressing love and affection/LOV-ness/femaleLubabaArabic-derived: the essence or heart of something precious/loo-BA-ba/femaleLubnaArabic-derived: the fragrant storax tree, suggesting beauty and sweetness/LOOB-na/femaleLujainSilver./loo-JAYN/femaleLukiaEast African form of Lucia: light; a bright and hopeful child/LOO-kee-a/femaleLuluArabic-derived through Swahili lulu: pearl; a precious and treasured child/LOO-loo/femaleLutfiaArabic-derived: kindness, gentleness, and grace/LOOT-fee-a/femaleMabrukaBlessed; fortunate./mah-BROO-kah/femaleMadihaPraiseworthy and deserving of admiration/ma-DEE-ha/femaleMadinaA graceful name meaning “city,” traditionally associated with Medina/mah-DEE-nah/femaleMafanikioSuccess, progress, and flourishing achievements/mah-fah-nee-KEE-oh/anyMagdalenaA strong and faithful woman/mag-dah-LAY-nah/femaleMahaOryx or wild cow; figuratively, a woman with beautiful eyes./MA-ha/femaleMahbubaBeloved; dearly loved./mah-BOO-bah/femaleMahiraSkilled, capable, proficient./mah-HEE-rah/femaleMaimunaBlessed and fortunate/my-MOO-nah/femaleMajidaA glorious girl whose achievements bring pride/mah-JEE-dah/femaleMalaikaAngel-like and heavenly/mah-LY-kah/femaleMalikaQueenly, regal, and cherished/mah-LEE-kah/femaleMalkiaQueen./mal-KEE-ah/femaleManalAttainment, accomplishment, or achievement./ma-NAL/femaleMansuraA victorious woman who overcomes every challenge/man-SOO-rah/femaleMapendoLove and deep affection/mah-PEN-doh/anyMariaA traditional Swahili name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story/mah-REE-ah/femaleMariamA beloved name associated with Mary, purity, and devotion/MAH-ree-am/femaleMaridadiElegant, stylish, beautiful, or well-presented./mah-ree-dah-DEE/anyMartaForm of Martha, traditionally interpreted as “lady” or “mistress.”/MAR-tah/femaleMarwaA beautiful name connected with fragrance and sacred tradition/MAR-wah/femaleMasikaA child born during the rainy season/mah-SEE-kah/anyMasumaPure-hearted and innocent/mah-SOO-mah/femaleMatumainiThe hopes and joyful expectations placed in a beloved child./ma-too-ma-EE-nee/anyMauaFlowers—beauty, color, and blossoming joy/MAH-oo-ah/femaleMawaddaAffection, love, loving kindness./mah-WAD-dah/femaleMawaddahLove, affection, and tender friendship/mah-WAD-dah/femaleMosiThe firstborn child/MOH-see/anyMremboA beautiful and radiant girl/m-REM-boh/femaleMubarakaA blessed child and a joyful gift to the family./moo-ba-RA-ka/femaleMuhsinaA compassionate girl whose goodness blesses those around her/mookh-SEE-nah/femaleMujahidaA courageous woman who perseveres for what is right/moo-JAH-hee-dah/femaleMumtaz“Distinguished,” “excellent,” or “outstanding.”/MOOM-taz/anyMuna“Wishes,” “desires,” hopes, or aspirations./MOO-na/femaleMunawaraRadiant and full of light/moo-nah-WAH-rah/femaleMuniraRadiant and bright, bringing light to others/moo-NEE-rah/femaleMuslimaDevoted and faithful/moos-LEE-mah/femaleMvuaA child born in the rain/MVOO-ah/anyMvumilivuPatient strength and the ability to endure/m-voo-mee-LEE-voo/anyMwajumaA cherished child connected with Friday/mwah-JOO-mah/femaleMwaminiTrusting, faithful, and dependable/mwah-MEE-nee/anyMwanahamisiA cherished child born on Thursday/mwan-ah-hah-MEE-see/femaleMwanahawaMixed Bantu-Arabic: a daughter connected with Hawa and the family line she represents/mwah-nah-HAH-wah/femaleMwanaidiA cherished child associated with a joyful celebration/mwan-ah-EE-dee/femaleMwanaishaA cherished daughter blessed with life and prosperity/mwan-ah-EE-shah/femaleMwanajumaA cherished child born on Friday/mwan-ah-JOO-mah/femaleMwanamvuaA girl born in the rain/mwah-nah-MVOO-ah/femaleMwanasitiMixed Bantu-Arabic: a daughter named in connection with Siti and the family she honors/mwah-nah-SEE-tee/femaleMwangazaA bright light and source of hope/mwan-GAH-zah/anyMwemaA good and kind-hearted person/MWEH-mah/anyMweziThe moon—gentle light in the night sky/MWEH-zee/anyNadiaTender-hearted and gentle/NAH-dee-ah/femaleNadifaPure-hearted and wholesome/nah-DEE-fah/femaleNadiraRare and precious/nah-DEE-rah/femaleNadwa“Assembly,” “gathering,” council, or forum./NAD-wah/femaleNafisaPrecious and cherished/nah-FEE-sah/femaleNailaA girl who achieves her hopes/NAH-ee-lah/femaleNaimaPeaceful, contented, and blessed/NAH-ee-mah/femaleNajahA successful life marked by perseverance and achievement/NAH-jah/femaleNajatSafe, protected, and delivered from hardship/NAH-jaht/femaleNajla“Wide-eyed” or “having beautiful large eyes.”/NAJ-la/femaleNajmaA shining star/NAHJ-mah/femaleNajwa“Secret,” confidential conversation, or intimate whisper./NAJ-wah/femaleNashwa“Exhilaration,” “rapture,” euphoria, or joyful intoxication./NASH-wah/femaleNasibaA fortunate destiny and a life full of promise/nah-SEE-bah/femaleNasihaArabic-derived feminine name meaning “sincere adviser” or “one who gives good counsel.”/nah-SEE-hah/femaleNasiraA strong woman who stands up for and supports others/nah-SEE-rah/femaleNasmaArabic-derived feminine name meaning “breeze” or “gentle breath of wind.”/NAS-mah/femaleNasraA daughter associated with victory and triumph/NAHS-rah/femaleNawalA precious gift and blessing/nah-WAHL/femaleNaylaSuccessful and accomplished/NAY-lah/femaleNeemaA blessing and gift from God/NAY-mah/femaleNguvuStrength and inner power/NGOO-voo/anyNiaPurposeful and full of good intentions/NEE-ah/femaleNoorA bright and guiding light/NOOR/femaleNuriaA luminous and radiant girl/NOO-ree-ah/femaleNuruA radiant light in the lives of others/NOO-roo/anyNusaybaA traditional Swahili name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story/noo-SAY-bah/femaleNusraVictory and the strength that comes from being supported/NOOS-rah/femaleNyotaA shining star in the family/nyoh-TAH/anyPambazukoBantu-origin: dawn, symbolizing a new beginning and hope/pahm-bah-ZOO-koh/anyPendoBantu-origin: love and affection/PEN-doh/anyPerpetuaLatin Christian name meaning “everlasting” or “steadfast”/per-PEH-too-ah/femalePetronilaLatin-derived Christian name associated with the Petronius family; traditionally linked with strength/peh-troh-NEE-lah/femalePiliBantu-origin: the second-born child, or a cherished second blessing/PEE-lee/anyQamarMoonlight—soft, calm, and beautiful/KAH-mar/anyQudratStrength and the ability to meet life’s challenges/KOOD-rat/anyQudsiaArabic-derived feminine name meaning “holy,” “sacred,” or “connected with holiness.”/kood-SEE-ah/femaleRababArabic feminine name meaning “white cloud(s).”/rah-BAB/femaleRabiyaThe fourth-born daughter, or a girl treasured as one of four/rah-BEE-ya/femaleRadhiaContent, joyful, and at peace/RAH-dhee-ah/femaleRafiyaNoble, elevated, and held in high regard/rah-FEE-ya/femaleRahaJoy, comfort, and a peaceful presence/RAH-ha/femaleRahimaA merciful and compassionate woman/rah-HEE-ma/femaleRahmaMercy, compassion, and loving kindness/RAH-ma/femaleRaihanaFragrant, graceful, and refreshing like a sweet flower/ry-HAH-na/femaleRajaHope and confident expectation of good things/RAH-jah/femaleRamlaA cherished and graceful daughter/RAM-la/femaleRaniaArabic-derived feminine name meaning “one who gazes,” “looking attentively,” or “contemplative gaze.”/RAH-nee-a/femaleRashaA young gazelle, symbolizing grace and liveliness/RA-sha/femaleRashidaA wise woman who is guided toward what is right/rah-SHEE-da/femaleRawdaArabic feminine name meaning “garden,” “meadow,” or “lush garden.”/ROW-dah/femaleRaziaA woman who meets life with acceptance and grace/rah-ZEE-ah/femaleRehemaMerciful and compassionate/reh-HEH-mah/femaleRidhiaContentment, satisfaction, and peace of heart/RITH-ee-ah/femaleRihamArabic feminine name meaning “light rain” or “gentle rainfall.”/ree-HAM/femaleRimArabic feminine name meaning “white gazelle” or “white antelope.”/REEM/femaleRimaA graceful white antelope/REE-ma/femaleRizikiA blessing and precious provision from God/ree-ZEE-kee/femaleRosaRose; a name associated with the rose flower./ROH-sah/femaleRukiaOne who rises in honour, strength, and goodness/roo-KEE-ah/femaleSaadaHappiness and good fortune/sah-AH-dah/femaleSaadiaBlessed with good fortune/sah-AH-dee-ah/femaleSabaA gentle east wind or morning breeze./SA-ba/femaleSabahMorning; dawn./sa-BAH/femaleSabiraA patient and resilient woman who keeps going/sah-BEE-rah/femaleSabrinPatient, enduring, or steadfast./sah-BREEN/femaleSadiqaA truthful, sincere, and trustworthy woman/sah-DEE-kah/femaleSadiyaFortunate, happy, or blessed./sah-DEE-yah/femaleSafinaA steady vessel carrying loved ones safely through life/sah-FEE-nah/femaleSafiyaPure-hearted and cherished/sah-FEE-yah/femaleSafuraArabic form of Zipporah, traditionally the name of Prophet Musa's wife; ultimately associated with “bird.”/sah-FOO-rah/femaleSaharThe time just before dawn; pre-dawn./SAH-har/femaleSaidaA happy and fortunate girl/sah-EE-dah/femaleSajidaA woman who prostrates in worship./SA-jee-da/femaleSakinaPeace, calm, and inner serenity/sah-KEE-nah/femaleSalamaPeaceful and safe/sah-LAH-mah/anySalihaA righteous and virtuous woman/sah-LEE-hah/femaleSalimaSafe, healthy, and at peace/sah-LEE-mah/femaleSalmaPeaceful, protected, and gentle/SAL-mah/femaleSalsabilSalsabil, a spring or fountain in Paradise mentioned in the Qur'an./sal-sa-BEEL/femaleSamahGenerous, gracious, and forgiving/sa-MAH/femaleSamarEvening conversation or pleasant night-time companionship./SA-mar/femaleSamiaA girl destined to rise high/sah-MEE-ah/femaleSamiraA warm and delightful companion/sah-MEE-rah/femaleSanaaRadiant, brilliant, and full of promise/sah-NAH-ah/femaleSaumuA child associated with devotion and spiritual strength/SAH-oo-moo/femaleSawsanLily or iris./SAW-san/femaleShadiaJoyful, lively, and pleasant to be around/SHAH-dee-ah/femaleShahidaWitness; one who testifies./shah-HEE-dah/femaleShakiraGrateful and appreciative/shah-KEE-rah/femaleShamsaBright and warm like the sun/SHAM-sah/femaleShamsiSunny and radiant/SHAM-see/anyShangweRejoicing and celebration at a child’s arrival./SHANG-weh/anySharifaA noble and honorable woman/shah-REE-fah/femaleShifaHealing; cure./SHEE-fah/femaleShireenPersian-derived name meaning “sweet” or “pleasant”; it is also used among Muslim communities in East Africa./shee-REEN/femaleShujaaA courageous hero with a brave heart/shoo-JAH-ah/anyShukraniA child welcomed with deep gratitude and thankfulness./shoo-KRA-nee/anyShukriA reminder to live with gratitude/SHOOK-ree/anyShukuruThankful and grateful/shoo-KOO-roo/anySidraArabic-derived: the lote tree (sidr), especially associated with the sacred lote tree in Islamic tradition./SID-rah/femaleSifaA child worthy of praise/SEE-fah/anySimbaBrave, powerful, and courageous like a lion/SEEM-bah/anySitaThe sixth-born child/SEE-tah/anySitiA dignified and respected girl/SEE-tee/femaleSofiaWise and thoughtful/soh-FEE-ah/femaleSophiaGreek-derived: “wisdom.” Sophia is widely used in Kenya and Tanzania, but is not a Swahili-origin name./soh-FEE-ah/femaleSubiraPatient, steadfast, and resilient/soo-BEE-rah/femaleSuhailaArabic feminine form related to Suhail; commonly “little Canopus/little star,” and also associated with ease, gentleness, or softness./soo-HAY-la/femaleSultanaA dignified woman with strength and leadership/sool-TAH-nah/femaleSumayaA strong and steadfast woman/soo-MY-ah/femaleSundusArabic-derived: fine silk, brocade, or luxurious silk cloth; a Qur’anic word./SOON-doos/femaleTabasamuA smile; a joyful, bright presence/tah-bah-SAH-moo/anyTabitaGraceful and gentle like a gazelle/tah-BEE-tah/femaleTahaniWarm congratulations and joyful good wishes/ta-HA-nee/femaleTahiraPure-hearted and sincere/tah-HEE-rah/femaleTajiA crown; someone precious and honored/TAH-jee/anyTalibaA seeker of knowledge and wisdom/tah-LEE-bah/femaleTanoThe fifth-born child/TAH-noh/anyTaqwaDevotion, goodness, and a faithful heart/TAK-wah/femaleTasnimArabic-derived: Tasnim, a spring or fountain in Paradise mentioned in the Qur’an./tas-NEEM/femaleTatuThree; a name associated with fullness and distinction/TAH-too/anyTausiBeauty, dignity, and colorful confidence/TOW-see/anyTawakalA life grounded in trust in God/tah-wah-KAHL/anyTawhidaFaith, spiritual unity, and devotion/taw-HEE-dah/femaleTayibaGood-hearted, kind, and wholesome/tah-YEE-bah/femaleTegemeoA source of hope and dependable support/teh-geh-MEH-oh/anyTendoA person whose actions make a difference/TEN-doh/anyThamaniPrecious, valued, and dearly loved/thah-MAH-nee/anyThurayaBright and beautiful like a cluster of stars/thoo-RAH-yah/femaleTukufuGlorious, honored, and worthy of praise/too-KOO-foo/anyTuliaCalm, peaceful, and gentle in spirit/too-LEE-ah/femaleTumainiHope for a bright and joyful future/too-my-nee/anyTunuA treasured and precious gift/TOO-noo/anyUhaiLife, vitality, and a lively spirit/oo-HIGH/anyUhuruFreedom, independence, and the courage to live openly/oo-HOO-roo/anyUlfaWarm affection, friendship, and loving companionship/OOL-fah/femaleUlyaExalted, noble, and held in high esteem/OOL-yah/femaleUmaimaTender, nurturing, and motherly/oo-MAY-mah/femaleUmm KulthumA deeply traditional name associated with dignity, beauty, and strength/oom KUL-thoom/femaleUmm SalamaA dignified traditional name associated with peace and well-being/oom sah-LAH-mah/femaleUmniaA cherished wish come true/OOM-nee-ah/femaleUmojaUnity, togetherness, and the strength of standing as one/oo-MOH-jah/anyUpendoLove, affection, and a heart full of kindness/oo-PEN-doh/anyUremboBeauty, adornment, and grace/oo-REM-boh/anyUshindiVictory and triumph after overcoming challenges/oo-SHEEN-dee/anyUzuriBeauty, goodness, and a lovely spirit/oo-ZOO-ree/femaleValentinaA strong, healthy child who brings love and happiness/val-en-TEE-nah/femaleValerieA strong, healthy child with a resilient spirit/VAL-uh-ree/femaleVanessaA graceful modern name chosen for its beauty and distinctive sound/vuh-NES-ah/femaleVenerandaA precious child who is deeply honored and cherished/veh-neh-RAHN-dah/femaleVeraA sincere and faithful child/VEH-rah/femaleViolaA beautiful and gentle child with a quietly joyful spirit/vee-OH-lah/femaleVioletA gentle and beautiful child, like the violet flower/VY-uh-let/femaleVirginiaA pure and dignified child/ver-JIN-ee-ah/femaleVivianA lively, full-of-life child/VIV-ee-an/femaleVuliA child born during the Vuli season/VOO-lee/anyVumiliaA patient and resilient child who faces life with courage/voo-MEE-lee-ah/femaleWafaFaithful, loyal, and true-hearted/WAH-fah/femaleWahibaA generous giver of blessings/wah-HEE-bah/femaleWajidaA woman who discovers and recognizes what is valuable/wah-JEE-dah/femaleWardaA beautiful rose, symbolizing love and tenderness/WAR-dah/femaleWaridiA beautiful and flourishing rose/wah-REE-dee/femaleWarithaArabic-derived: an heiress who receives and carries on the family heritage/wah-RI-thah/femaleWasimaBeautiful, graceful, and charming/wah-SEE-mah/femaleWemaGoodness, kindness, and a warm-hearted nature/WEH-mah/femaleWidadDeep affection and loving companionship/wee-DAD/femaleWijdanFeelings, sentiment, inner consciousness or conscience./WIJ-dan/femaleYakutaRuby or precious gem; a treasured child/yah-KOO-ta/femaleYaminaFortunate, blessed, and guided toward what is right/yah-MEE-na/femaleYasiraOne who brings ease, comfort, and prosperity/yah-SEE-ra/femaleYasminJasmine; graceful beauty and sweetness/YAS-min/femaleYatimaOrphan; specifically the feminine Arabic-derived form meaning a female orphan./yah-TEE-ma/femaleYumnaBlessed, prosperous, and fortunate/YOOM-na/femaleYusraEase, comfort, and a life made gentle/YOOS-ra/femaleZahabuGold: precious, radiant, and deeply treasured/za-HAH-boo/femaleZahidaDevout, ascetic, pious./ZAH-hee-dah/femaleZahiraRadiant, bright, and full of life/ZA-hee-ra/femaleZahraRadiant, flower-like, and full of beauty/ZAH-rah/femaleZainabuA fragrant flower and a cherished, graceful woman; the established Swahili form of Zaynab/zai-NAH-boo/femaleZaituniPeaceful and fruitful, like the olive tree/zai-TOO-nee/femaleZakiaPure-hearted, intelligent, and virtuous/za-KEE-ah/femaleZamzamA blessed child, associated with sacred water and divine provision/ZAM-zam/femaleZawadiA precious gift and a blessing to the family/za-WA-dee/anyZikraA treasured remembrance and reminder of God/ZIK-rah/femaleZubedaThe finest, most precious part of the family/zoo-BEH-dah/femaleZuhuraA bright morning star and a source of beauty/zoo-HOO-rah/femaleZuleikaA graceful and beautiful woman/zoo-LAY-kah/femaleZumaridiEmerald-like: precious, vibrant, and full of hope/zoo-ma-REE-dee/femaleZunairaA traditional Swahili name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story/zoo-NAY-rah/femaleZuriBeautiful and lovely/ZOO-ree/any