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100+ African Dog Names: Unique & Exotic Ideas (with Meanings)
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Bringing home a new dog is exciting! You've bought food and water bowls, dog food and treats, a bed, crate, toys, and grooming supplies, but one thing you do not have yet is a name for your dog. Choosing a name can be complex, but there are a few ways you can go about it.
Choosing a place or location can be an excellent choice to come up with a name, and Africa is a beautiful place to draw inspiration from. Africa is the second-largest continent in the world and is home to 54 beautiful countries with unique wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Many languages accompany this immense continent, which can give you several ideas for African dog names.
In this post, we’ll list 100 African names with the meanings to help you find a suitable title for your dog. We’ve categorized them by male and female, so if you’re ready, let’s get to it!
How to Name Your Dog
Since naming a dog can be difficult, how should you go about the task? After all, your new best friend needs a name. Sometimes, it’s best to observe your dog’s behavior to determine a good name, or maybe your dog has a particular color variation or a unique personality.
Whatever the case, you can give it a little time to see if something inspires you, but don’t wait too long. Hopefully, our list below will help you with ideas.
African Male Dog Names
These are male African names that all have a significant meaning. Hopefully, one will stick out and fit your male doggie’s personality.
- Abari (Brave)
- Addae (Morning sun)
- Alassane (Handsome)
- Amar (Long life)
- Amari (Great strength)
- Aza (Strong and powerful)
- Baayo (Orphan)
- Bheka (To watch)
- Bongani (Grateful one)
- Chebe (Fortunate one)
- Chinyelu (Given by God)
- Davu (New beginning)–excellent for a rescue dog!
- Diallo (Bold)
- Duma (Lightening)
- Ekon (Strong)
- Enyi (Friend)
- Eze (King)
- Goni (Promise)
- Gowan (Rainmaker)
- Hakim (Ruler or leader)
- Hamidi (The admired one)
- Idir (Alive)
- Issa (Savior)
- Jabari (Brave one)
- Jambo (Greeting)
- Kamau (Quiet warrior)
- Kellan (Powerful)
- Kofi (Born on a Friday)
- Kwame (Born on a Saturday
- Lebo (Thankful)
- Leki (Little brother)–perfect for an additional dog
- Mandla (Strength)
- Minzi (Protector)
- Moja (One)
- Moriti (Shadow)–perfect for a dog who follows you around
- Moyo (Life
- Obi (Heart)
- Penha (Beloved)
- Raadi (Thunder)
- Safari (Journey)
- Sengo (Joy)
- Simba (Lion)
- Sipho (Gift)
- Tandi (Fire)
- Teke (Prayer)
- Tezi (The one who stays)
- Tindo (Active)
- Xola (Stay in peace)
- Zuri (Handsome or beautiful, originated in Nigeria)
- Zyair (River)
African Female Names
Now that we’ve listed African male names, it’s time to check out female African names for your new princess. We’ve included the meanings, too, so you can determine the perfect fit.
- Aamina (Feel safe)
- Abena (Born on a Tuesday)
- Abeni (Someone who is prayed for)
- Aberash (Giving of light, shining)
- Ada (First daughter)
- Addia (Being a gift)
- Afia (Peaceful ruler)
- Amina (Honest)
- Ane (Surprising)
- Aaliyah (Highly regarded)
- Asha (Lively)
- Ata (Keeps growing)
- Bika (Omen)
- Bisa (Greatly loved)
- Chaga (Hard worker)–perfect for a herding dog!
- Chipo (Gift)
- Davina (Beloved)
- Dinga (Wanderer)
- Emi (Ghost)
- Faa (Useful)
- Farai (Rejoice)
- Hasina (Beautiful)
- Hibo (Gift)
- Ibby (God is my oath)
- Ife (Life)
- Imani (Faith)
- Jamila (Beautiful)
- Kafi (Quiet one)
- Kali (Energetic)
- Kanzi (Treasure)
- Kenya (East African country)
- Kesia (Favorite)
- Khata (Home)–perfect for a rescue!
- Kianga (Sunshine)
- Kwini (Queen)
- Lerato (Love)
- Lomo (Sunshine)
- Lulu (Pearl)
- Makena (Extra happy one)
- Monna (Unique)
- Moriti (Shadow)
- Nala (Us, from The Lion King)
- Nata (Faithful)
- Ola (Wealth)
- Siti (Lady)
- Stara (Protected)
- Tamala (Dark tree)
- Titi (Flower)
- Uche (Reflection)
- Uje (Happiness)
Conclusion
We hope our list of 100 male and female African dog names helps you select the perfect name for your new dog. We also hope that including the meanings of the names helps you even once you’ve discovered your new dog’s character. Every dog has unique traits, and that alone can make naming your dog a fun task rather than a dreaded one.
We wish you luck finding a name and spending many enjoyable years with your new pup.
See Also:
Sources
Featured Image Credit: otsphoto, Shutterstock
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Rachel Giordano is a writer and musician out of Pensacola, Florida, living there with her partner and their two dogs, Aero, a Border Collie/Sheltie mix, and Sophie, a Boston Terrier. Rachel has a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication and enjoys writing about all types of animals. When Rachel’s not dedicating her time to writing about animals, she enjoys writing thriller/suspense novels. A writer by day and a musician by night, she's passionate about educating the public about the requirements and needs of all types of animals.
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