African Dog Names [The Ultimate 200+ List]
Africa is a country that has diverse languages and cultures. There is no doubt that one can find a lot of inspiration for giving nicknames to their puppies.
If you are bringing home any rescue dog or puppy with African roots like Rhodesian or the Chinese crested, you must look for some words from African culture.
If you are looking for African dog names for your favorite pup, then you are at the right place. The people from this continent speak a variety of languages.
Expressions and words are too different from any other country. From Zulu to Swahili, you can have a whole lot of options to choose from when it comes to calling your dog.
Whether you’re looking for an opportunity to pay tribute to the heritage of this continent or you are just looking for something with just a hint of Savana spring, it is entirely your choice.
We know that searching for something to call your puppy can be a daunting task. Let us start with the awesome journey of finding something that can be a good call for your dog.
Top African Dog Names
Choosing a name for your dog can be a fun and creative process. If you’re looking for African-inspired dog names, here are some options that might be fitting for your dog:
- Simba – Meaning “lion” in Swahili, it’s a popular name from “The Lion King.”
- Zuri – Swahili for “beautiful.”
- Kofi – A name from West Africa, often given to boys born on a Friday.
- Nala – Also from “The Lion King,” meaning “gift” in Swahili.
- Asha – Swahili for “hope.”
- Kijana – Swahili for “youth.”
- Jengo – Swahili for “building.”
- Akina – A name from Ghana, meaning “eagle.”
- Malaika – Swahili for “angel.”
- Ayo – Yoruba name meaning “joy.”
- Kwame – An Akan name from Ghana meaning “born on a Saturday.”
- Amara – A name of Igbo origin, meaning “grace” or “mercy.”
- Zanele – A Zulu name meaning “we are enough.”
- Mufasa – Another character from “The Lion King,” means “king” in Swahili.
- Anaya – A Swahili name that means “caring” or “compassionate.”
- Ife – Yoruba name meaning “love.”
- Tembo – Swahili for “elephant.”
- Binti – Swahili for “daughter.”
- Femi – Yoruba name meaning “love me.”
- Jelani – Swahili for “mighty” or “powerful.”
Male African Dog Names
It is quite exciting for any animal enthusiast or pet lover to go through various words and find the appropriate one to call their dog.
The male African dog surnames can dazzle you while meeting you excited. The choice of African handle for your puppy happens to be one of the most well-liked in this world.
- Kwame – Akan name meaning “born on a Saturday.”
- Simba – Meaning “lion” in Swahili, inspired by “The Lion King.”
- Jengo – Swahili for “building.”
- Kofi – A name from West Africa, often given to boys born on a Friday.
- Tariq – Arabic name meaning “morning star” or “he who knocks at the door.”
- Malik – Arabic for “king” or “leader.”
- Baraka – Swahili for “blessing.”
- Chike – Igbo name meaning “God’s power.”
- Enyi – Igbo for “friend” or “companion.”
- Kamau – Kikuyu name meaning “quiet warrior.”
- Lwazi – Zulu name for “knowledge” or “wisdom.”
- Bemba – A name from Zambia.
- Idris – Arabic name meaning “interpreter” or “studious.”
- Yared – Amharic name, often given to boys born in the evening.
- Tarik – Variant of Tariq, also meaning “morning star.”
- Abebe – Amharic for “blossom.”
- Daudi – Swahili name for “beloved” or “cherished.”
- Bamba – Swahili for “bamboo.”
- Jomo – Swahili for “Tuesday” and often used as a given name.
- Tendai – Shona name meaning “thank you” or “gratitude.”
Female African Dog Names
Choosing a name for your female African dog can be a fun and meaningful process. You might consider names inspired by African culture, geography, or the unique characteristics of your dog. Here are some female African dog names:
- Nala
- Zara
- Kaya
- Amina
- Nyala
- Sade
- Asha
- Tafari
- Kioni
- Zahra
- Imani
- Shani
- Ayo
- Jamila
- Zola
- Kezia
- Akilah
- Malaika
- Taraji
- Zuri
Strong African Dog Names
The Rhodesian ridgeback is undoubtedly one of the toughest breeds that one can find in the whole African continent. Previously it was termed as an African lion hound. It has the capabilities to tackle lions and that too without any help.
This breed originated due to cross-breeding between the European dog and local breeds. Such a breed should deserve a strong title. Besides, the languages of Africa can rightly provide one.
- Asante
- Chaka (after Shaka Zulu)
- Kweku
- Kwame
- Baruti
- Simba (means lion in Swahili)
- Azibo
- Jabari
- Nia (means purpose in Swahili)
- Kazi (means work in Swahili)
- Zola
- Imara (means strong in Swahili)
- Tsitsi
- Adebayo
- Itumeleng (means happiness in Sotho)
- Nkrumah
- Uzuri (means beauty in Swahili)
- Ayobami
- Seraphina
- Tumelo (means faith in Sotho)
Unique African Dog Names
If you’re looking for unique African dog names, you can draw inspiration from the rich and diverse cultures of the African continent. Here are some distinctive and uncommon African names for your dog:
- Kaziya
- Kente
- Zalika
- Isabis
- Nuru
- Thabisa
- Enzi
- Jelani
- Nubia
- Kudzai
- Ifeoma
- Zimba
- Nyarai
- Dakari
- Nsia
- Zuriel
- Sokhna
- Simunye
- Ashantewaa
- Lethabo
Unisex African Dog Names
Unisex African dog names can be a great choice for any pup, regardless of gender. Here are some unisex African names that can work for both male and female dogs:
- Tafari
- Mazi
- Zola
- Simba
- Kito
- Malaika
- Chuma
- Azibo
- Nia
- Nuru
- Tendai
- Zuri
- Amara
- Kweku
- Asha
- Lulu
- Kazi
- Rafiki
- Jamila
- Tumelo
South African Dog Names
South Africa is a diverse and culturally rich country with a variety of languages and traditions. When choosing a South African dog name, you can draw inspiration from the country’s history, languages, and culture. Here are some South African dog names:
- Thandiwe
- Jabulani
- Lethabo (means joy)
- Nkosi
- Sipho (means gift)
- Zulu
- Kea (means to rejoice)
- Kgosi (means king)
- Palesa (means flower)
- Lebo (short for Lesedi, which means light)
- Vuyo (means joy)
- Langa (means sun)
- Naledi (means star)
- Biko (after Steve Biko)
- Nandi (Queen Mother of Shaka Zulu)
- Phindiwe
- Tshidi
- Mpho (means gift)
- Ndumiso
- Kwame (means born on a Saturday)
African Dog Names Based on City
Naming your dog after an African city can be a unique and meaningful choice. Here are some dog names based on African cities:
- Nairobi
- Cairo
- Casablanca
- Dakar
- Accra
- Addis (short for Addis Ababa)
- Tunis
- Algiers
- Marrakech
- Durban
- Bamako
- Tripoli
- Harare
- Lagos
- Asmara
- Kampala
- Nairobi
- Luanda
- Cairo
- Rabat
African Dog Names Based on Nature
The African continent is the home of some of the world’s beautiful living beings. It can provide you with a variety of memorable nicknames. Think of calling your dog munchkin bongo or mamba. Isn’t it interesting?
- Sahara
- Zambezi
- Serengeti
- Kilimanjaro
- Kalahari
- Baobab
- Sahara
- Kavango
- Karoo
- Simba (means lion in Swahili)
- Nyala (a type of antelope)
- Savanna
- Delta
- Marula (a type of tree)
- Coral (inspired by African coral reefs)
- Sahara
- Nile
- Zephyr (refers to a gentle breeze)
- Umzimkulu (means big river in Zulu)
- Acacia (a type of tree commonly found in Africa)
African Dog Names Inspired by Location
African dog names inspired by specific locations or regions on the continent can be a unique and meaningful choice. Here are some location-inspired African dog names:
- Timbuktu
- Victoria (after Lake Victoria)
- Kalahari
- Kilimanjaro
- Casablanca
- Giza (after the Giza Pyramids)
- Tangier
- Sahara
- Zanzibar
- Drakensberg (a mountain range in South Africa)
- Namib (after the Namib Desert)
- Serengeti
- Table (after Table Mountain in Cape Town)
- Okavango
- Essaouira (a coastal city in Morocco)
- Atlas (after the Atlas Mountains)
- Alexandria
- Timbuktu
- Namur
- Marrakech
African Dog Names Based on Geography
The geography of a place also contributes while selecting a nickname for your African puppy. Here are some geography-based African dog names:
- Atlas
- Sahara
- Nile
- Serengeti
- Kalahari
- Congo
- Zambezi
- Kilimanjaro
- Drakensberg
- Namib
- Rift (inspired by the Great Rift Valley)
- Karoo
- Giza (after the Giza Pyramids)
- Victoria (after Lake Victoria)
- Sahara
- Acacia (a type of tree commonly found in Africa)
- Table (after Table Mountain in Cape Town)
- Timbuktu
- Okavango
- Essaouira
African Dog Names Inspired by Famous Figures
The big screen gave us some of the awesome African dog handles that can inspire you a lot. With such plenty of tags like Nakia from Black Panther or Nala from the Lion King, you can have the whole list of the famous public figures’ dog names.
- Akeem: The crown princess in Coming to Native America
- Jaffe: The king in Coming to America
- Khumba: The half-striped zebra in Khumba
- Nakia: T’Challa’s love interest in Black Panther
- Nakku: The loving mother in Queen of Katwe
- Nala: Simba’s girlfriend in The Lion King
- Okoye: The female leader of the armed forces in Black Panther
- Pumba: The portly warthog in The Lion King
- Rafiki: The whacky but wise baboon in The Lion King
- Sarabi: Simba’s mother in The Lion King
- Seko: A zebra leader in Khumba
- Shuri: T’Challa’s sister in Black Panther
- Simba: The curious cub and future king in The Lion King
- T’Challa: The lead character in Black Panther
- W’Kabi: T’Challa’s best friend in Black Panther
- Zazu: The nosy but well-meaning bird in The Lion King
Conclusion
Previously you must have struggled to find the best and right call for your dog. But with so many options now, you might be thinking about which one could be the right choice.
You can take the best advice of not thinking too hard but just write down a few titles that catch your eye. That makes a perfect fit for your puppy according to its personality.
Finally, you can get hold of a moniker that your dog would love the most. Make sure you choose something that the puppy responds to.
You can get a lot of great tags that can inspire but make sure that when you call your puppy, you tend to turn all the heads towards them.+
