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280 African Cat Names Rooted in the Wild and Wonderful

By: Author Paris Permenter

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From its sprawling savannahs and majestic landscapes to its intricate cultures, deep-rooted traditions, and enchanting languages, every corner of Africa provides unique and meaningful naming opportunities for your new cat. Whether drawn from African geography, folklore, foods, or terms of endearment, these African cat names evoke the region’s spirit, vibrancy and heritage.

white cat with sunset photo of African sunset in background with words African cat names at top of image

African Boys’ Names

More and more pet parents are opting for baby names for their new fur babies. Would one of these African boys’ names be a good fit for your new feline?

  • Ade (Yoruba) – Royal or Crown
  • Adisa (Yoruba) – One who is clear
  • Afolabi (Yoruba) – Born into wealth
  • Akachi (Igbo) – The hand of God
  • Akello (Luo) – Born after twins
  • Akin (Yoruba) – Brave or Heroic
  • Amare (Amharic) – Handsome
  • Azibo (Egyptian) – Earth
  • Bakari (Swahili) – Promise or Hope
  • Chibuzo (Igbo) – God leads
  • Chijioke (Igbo) – God bestows talents
  • Chike (Igbo) – Strength of God
  • Dakarai (Shona) – Happiness or Joy
  • Daudi (Swahili) – Beloved, it’s a Swahili form of David
  • Ebere (Igbo) – Mercy
  • Emeka (Igbo) – Great deeds or God has done well
  • Farai (Shona) – Rejoice
  • Femi (Yoruba) – Love me
  • Gamba (Shona) – Warrior
  • Habib (Swahili) – Beloved
  • Idris (Arabic, widely used in North Africa) – Interpreter
  • Ifeanyi (Igbo) – Nothing is impossible with God
  • Jabari (Swahili) – Brave one or Fearless
  • Jengo (Swahili) – Building or Construction
  • Kamau (Kikuyu) – Quiet warrior
  • Kato (Baganda) – Second-born twin
  • Kwame (Akan) – Born on Saturday
  • Lekan (Yoruba) – My wealth is increasing
  • Madu (Igbo) – People
  • Mosi (Swahili) – Firstborn
  • Nkosana (Ndebele) – Prince or Young lord
  • Obi (Igbo) – Heart or Soul
  • Odongo (Luo) – Second-born twin
  • Omar (Arabic, widely used in North Africa) – Flourishing or Long-lived
  • Onyeka (Igbo) – Who is greater than God?
  • Paki (Swahili) – Witness
  • Rudo (Shona) – Love
  • Sefu (Swahili) – Sword
  • Tafari (Amharic) – Respected or Feared
  • Tajiri (Swahili) – Rich
  • Themba (Zulu) – Trust or Hope
  • Uche (Igbo) – Thought or Intention
meaning of name Udo with twilight photo of Africa with image of black cat over the image
  • Udo (Igbo) – Peace
  • Umair (Arabic, widely used in North Africa) – Life or Alive
  • Uzoma (Igbo) – Good journey or Good way
  • Wekesa (Luhya) – Born during harvest
  • Yaw (Akan) – Born on Thursday
  • Zain (Arabic, widely used in North Africa) – Beauty or Grace
  • Zuberi (Swahili) – Strong
  • Zuri (Swahili) – Beautiful

African Girls’ Names

As with the boys’ names, girls’ names are being used more often as cat names. This list offers a glimpse of the rich tapestry of names from various cultures across the African continent, each carrying a unique significance and heritage.

  • Aba (Akan) – Born on Thursday; an easy to learn three-letter name.
  • Abena (Akan) – Born on Tuesday
  • Adanna (Igbo) – Father’s daughter
  • Aisha (Arabic, widely used in North Africa) – Alive or Living
  • Akua (Akan) – Born on Wednesday. These day of the week names can be a beautiful way to honor the day your cat was born or adopted.
  • Amahle (Zulu) – The beautiful ones
  • Amara (Igbo) – Grace
  • Amina (Swahili) – Safe or Secure
  • Ashanti (Akan) – Name of a major ethnic group in Ghana
  • Ayana (Amharic) – Beautiful flower
  • Bahati (Swahili) – Luck or Fortune
  • Chiamaka (Igbo) – God is beautiful
  • Chidinma (Igbo) – God is good
  • Chipo (Shona) – Gift
  • Dalila (Swahili) – Gentle or Delicate
  • Deka (Somali) – One who pleases
  • Efia (Akan) – Born on Friday
  • Eshe (Swahili) – Life
  • Fatima (Arabic, widely used in North Africa) – Daughter of the Prophet
  • Halima (Swahili) – Gentle
  • Hasina (Swahili) – Good
  • Imani (Swahili) – Faith
  • Isioma (Igbo) – Good luck
  • Jalia (Swahili) – To honor
  • Kamaria (Swahili) – Moonlight
  • Kesia (Swahili) – Favorite
  • Lerato (Sotho) – Love
  • Makena (Kikuyu) – The happy one
  • Malaika (Swahili) – Angel
  • Mandisa (Xhosa) – Sweet
  • Mbali (Zulu) – Flower
  • Nala (Zulu) – Prosperity. A four-letter name easy for your cat to learn.
meaning of name Nia with photo of kitten over background of zebras in Africa
  • Nia (Swahili) – Purpose
  • Nina (Swahili) – Mother
  • Nkiru (Igbo) – The best is yet to come
  • Nozipho (Zulu) – Gift of life
  • Nthanda (Tumbuka) – Star
  • Oluchi (Igbo) – Work of God
  • Oni (Yoruba) – Wanted
  • Palesa (Sotho) – Flower
  • Rufaro (Shona) – Joy
  • Sade (Yoruba) – Honor confers a crown
  • Siti (Swahili) – Lady
  • Tadala (Chewa) – We have been blessed
  • Temi (Yoruba) – Mine is worthy
  • Thandiwe (Zulu) – Beloved
  • Uzuri (Swahili) – Beauty
  • Yara (Hausa) – Small butterfly
  • Zahra (Arabic, widely used in North Africa) – Blossoming flower
  • Zola (Zulu) – Tranquil

Words Associated with Africa

These names tap into the essence, vibrancy, and diverse elements of the African continent. Whether they evoke images of wildlife, landscapes, or cultural motifs, each word has a distinct connection to Africa.

  • Acacia – A type of tree prevalent in Africa.
  • Afrique – French word for Africa.
  • Baobab – A unique African tree.
  • Bantu – Refers to a group of African languages and the related ethnic groups.
  • Cheetah – The world’s fastest land animal, native to Africa.
  • Djembe – A popular West African drum.
  • Duma – Cheetah in Swahili.
  • Ebony – Referring to the dark-colored wood native to Africa.
  • Embe – Swahili word for mango.
  • Fennec – A small desert fox found in the Sahara.
  • Harambee – Swahili word meaning “all pull together”.
  • Impala – A graceful antelope found in Africa; an apt name for the new kitty who loves to jump.
  • Jambo – A Swahili greeting.
  • Kente – A brightly colored woven fabric from Ghana.
  • Kilwa – An ancient Swahili city-state.
  • Kudu – A type of African antelope.
  • Lion – Symbolic African animal.
  • Mamba – A venomous snake native to Africa.
  • Mango – Popular fruit grown in many African countries.
  • Naira – Currency of Nigeria.
  • Nile – The world’s longest river, flowing in northeastern Africa.
  • Oasis – A fertile spot in the desert.
  • Okapi – A unique animal native to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  • Paka – Cat in Swahili; an apt name if you’re looking for a cat name that literally means cat.
  • Pyramid – Referring to the pyramids in Egypt.
  • Quelea – A type of bird native to Africa.
meaning of name Rafiki with photo of two kittens
  • Rafiki – Swahili word meaning “friend”.
  • Safari – An expedition to observe animals in their natural habitat.
  • Sahel – A zone in Africa between the Sahara desert and the savannah. A fun name for a Savannah cat.
  • Sankofa – An Adinkra symbol meaning “return and get it”.
  • Simba – Lion in Swahili
  • Tanzan – Short for Tanzania.
  • Thorn – Referring to the thorny acacia trees.
  • Ubuntu – A southern African philosophy emphasizing community.
  • Veld – Open grassland in South Africa.
  • Vitani – A character in The Lion King II.
  • Zambezi – A river in southern Africa.
  • Zebra – Black and white striped animal native to Africa–a fun name for a black and white cat.
  • Zephyr – A gentle, mild breeze, symbolic of the African plains.

African Names for Cats Inspired by Geography

Each of these names offers a unique geographical significance tied to the vast and diverse African continent. Whether you’re naming a cat or just curious, these names provide a glimpse into the richness of Africa’s landscapes, cities, and natural wonders.

  • Abuja – Capital of Nigeria.
  • Atlas – Inspired by the Atlas Mountains.
  • Boma – A term for a fortress or enclosure, also a town in the DRC.
  • Cairo – Capital of Egypt.
  • Cape – For Cape Town or the Cape of Good Hope.
  • Casbah – The historic city section of Algiers.
  • Chad – Named after Lake Chad.
  • Dakar – Capital of Senegal.
  • Delta – Inspired by the Nile Delta.
  • Djibouti – A country and its capital in East Africa.
  • Giza – Famous for the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
  • Harare – Capital of Zimbabwe.
  • Ivory – Inspired by the Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire).
  • Jinja – A town in Uganda near the source of the Nile.
  • Kalahari – Kalahari Desert.
  • Kampala – Capital of Uganda.
  • Karoo – A semi-desert region in South Africa.
  • Kilimanjaro – The highest mountain in Africa.
  • Kinshasa – Capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  • Kisumu – A port city in Kenya.
  • Lagos – The largest city in Nigeria.
  • Limpopo – A river in southern Africa.
  • Luxor – An ancient city in Egypt.
  • Maghreb – A region in North Africa.
  • Malabo – Capital of Equatorial Guinea.
  • Mali – A country in West Africa.
  • Marrakech – A famous city in Morocco.
  • Masai – Named after the Maasai Mara region in Kenya.
  • Matadi – A port city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  • Mombasa – A coastal city in Kenya.
  • Mosi – Meaning “firstborn”, also inspired by Mosi-oa-Tunya, the local name for Victoria Falls.
  • Nairobi – Capital of Kenya.
  • Nubia – An ancient region in Egypt and Sudan.
  • Pretoria – One of South Africa’s capitals.
  • Rift – Inspired by the East African Rift.
  • Sahara – Named after the Sahara Desert.
  • Savannah – Representing the vast African grasslands.
  • Serengeti – A famous national park in Tanzania.
  • Seychelles – An archipelago off the eastern coast of Africa.
  • Tangier – A major city in northern Morocco.
  • Timbuktu – An ancient city in Mali.
  • Tripoli – Capital of Libya.
  • Tunis – Capital of Tunisia.
  • Victoria – Named after Lake Victoria.
  • Zambezi – A major river in southern Africa.
  • Zanzibar – An archipelago off the coast of Tanzania.
  • Zulu – Inspired by the Zulu Kingdom in South Africa.

Cat names inspired by African folklore and mythology

These names reflect a rich tapestry of stories and beliefs from across the African continent. They can provide a unique and meaningful moniker for a feline companion.

  • Abatwa – In Zulu mythology, they are tiny people who ride ants.
  • Anansi – A popular spider character in West African and Caribbean folklore, known for his wit and wisdom.
  • Aziza – Beneficial spirits from Dahomey mythology known to assist magicians.
  • Bakulu – Spirits from Bantu mythology.
  • Cagn – A creator god in the myths of the San people of southern Africa, often associated with the praying mantis.
  • Dan – A powerful serpent deity in Dahomey mythology.
  • Esu – A Yoruba trickster deity.
  • Gleti – A moon goddess from Dahomey mythology.
  • Kaang – A deity from the mythology of the Bushmen of southern Africa, associated with creation.
  • Kishi – Demons with a human face and a hyena’s back in Angolan mythology.
  • Mawu-Lisa – Dual deity from the Fon people of West Africa. Mawu is the moon goddess, and Lisa is the sun god.
  • Mbaba Mwana Waresa – A Zulu goddess of rain and agriculture.
  • Nyambe – A creator god from the Lozi people of Zambia.
  • Nyami Nyami – A river god of the Zambezi Valley.
  • Orunmila – A Yoruba deity of wisdom and divination.
  • Osun – A Yoruba goddess of love, fertility, and rivers.
  • Oya – A Yoruba goddess of winds, lightning, and transformation.
  • Sango – Yoruba god of thunder and lightning.
  • Sankofa – An Adinkra symbol from the Akan people of Ghana, meaning “go back and get it”, representing the importance of learning from the past.
  • Tano – A river god in Kikuyu mythology.

African Pet Names

These terms of endearment or pet names come from a variety of African languages, and their meanings evoke feelings of affection, love, and warmth–purrfect for your new fur baby!

  • Aduke (Yoruba) – Beloved or cherished one.
  • Afia (Akan) – Born on Friday; often used affectionately for someone born on that day.
  • Ayo (Yoruba) – Joy or happiness; often used for loved ones who bring joy.
  • Babalwa (Xhosa) – Gifted or given a gift; an endearing term for a cherished person.
  • Cherie (French influence in parts of Africa) – “Dear” or “darling.”
  • Dada (Swahili) – Sister; often used affectionately.
  • Ebele (Igbo) – Mercy or kindness.
  • Ifunanya (Igbo) – Love or affection.
  • Jua (Swahili) – Sun; a term that can mean someone who lights up one’s world.
  • Kendi (Kikuyu) – The loved one.
  • Malaika (Swahili) – Angel.
  • Mapenzi (Swahili) – Love or beloved.
  • Mbali (Zulu) – Flower; often used affectionately.
  • Motema (Lingala) – Heart.
  • Mpule (Tswana) – Beautiful rain.
  • Naledi (Sotho/Tswana) – Star; someone who shines in one’s life.
  • Nkem (Igbo) – My own.
  • Obi (Igbo) – Heart.
  • Oringo (Igbo) – Dance or joy; someone who brings happiness.
  • Rafiki (Swahili) – Friend.
  • Sbahle (Zulu) – Beautiful.
  • Sisi (Zulu/Xhosa) – Sister; often used affectionately.
  • Thando (Zulu) – Love.
  • Themba (Zulu) – Hope; someone you have hope or trust in.
  • Zola (Zulu) – Quiet, tranquil; for a peaceful or calm loved one.

Names Inspired by African Foods

These names are flavorful in every sense, inspired by the diverse culinary traditions of the African continent. They could be a delicious fit for your new kitty!

  • Acarajé – A traditional dish made from black-eyed peas that’s popular in West Africa and Brazil.
  • Biltong – A form of dried, cured meat originating from South Africa.
  • Bobotie – A South African dish made of spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping.
  • Bunny – From “Bunny Chow,” a South African fast food dish consisting of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry.
  • Chakalaka – A South African vegetable relish.
  • Chapati – A type of bread commonly served in East Africa.
  • Couscous – A type of North African semolina in granules made from crushed durum wheat.
  • Doro – Referring to “Doro Wat,” an Ethiopian spicy chicken stew.
  • Efo – From “Efo Riro,” a rich vegetable soup popular in Western Nigeria.
  • Fufu – A popular West African dish made by boiling starchy vegetables and then pounding them into a dough-like consistency.
  • Gari – A type of food made from cassava tubers, popular in West Africa.
  • Harira – A rich soup from Morocco, traditionally eaten during Ramadan.
  • Injera – A sour fermented flatbread from Ethiopia.
  • Jollof – From “Jollof Rice,” a one-pot dish with rice, tomatoes, onions, and various spices, popular in West Africa.
  • Kelewele – Spicy fried plantains popular in Ghana.
  • Kofta – Spiced meatballs or meatloaf, common in North Africa.
  • Koshari – An Egyptian dish made of rice, lentils, chickpeas, and pasta.
  • Mafe – A peanut soup or stew found in West Africa.
  • Mandazi – A Swahili coconut doughnut.
  • Morogo – A type of wild spinach popular in southern Africa.
  • Moyo – Meaning “heart” in Swahili; chicken hearts are sometimes grilled as a delicacy.
  • Mukimo – A Kenyan dish made from potatoes, peas, and corn.
  • Ndolé – A Cameroonian dish made of nuts, ndoléh leaves, and fish or beef.
  • Pepe – Referring to “Pepe Soup,” a spicy West African soup.
  • Plantain – A starchy fruit that’s a staple in many African dishes.
  • Pounded – From “Pounded Yam,” a popular Nigerian dish.
  • Rooibos – A herbal tea native to South Africa.
  • Samosa – A fried or baked pastry with savory filling, popular in East Africa.
  • Suya – A spicy meat skewer from Nigeria.
  • Tagine – A Moroccan slow-cooked stew, as well as the clay pot it’s cooked in.
  • Tajine – Another spelling for Tagine.
  • Ugali – A type of maize porridge popular in East Africa.
  • Zigni – A spicy Eritrean/Ethiopian curry.

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Kitten photo with background image of African desert and words African Cat Names at top of image
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