When it comes to baby names, we’re big fans of the classics but that doesn’t mean parents can’t think a little outside the box when it comes to naming their little ones. For those who want to look across the Atlantic for inspiration, we’ve rounded up our favorite West African names for boys.
Olamide
A Yoruba name meaning “wealth is mine”, Olamide is a unisex choice for a boy (or girl) you hope to will be prosperous.
Abdallah
An Arabic name popular with Muslims in west Africa, Abdallah means “servant of God”.
Olufemi
This Yoruba name meaning “God loves me” can easily (and sweetly) be shortened to Femi.
Ibrahim
Abraham is an important prophet for Christians, Jews and Muslims alike. Many Muslims in western Africa name their sons using the Arabic translation.
Ikenna
Parents that want to honor dad without just naming baby Junior can opt for Ikenna, an Igbo name meaning “father’s power.”
Kwesi or Kwasi
Many parents of Akan heritage give their boys the name Kwesi if they were born on a Sunday.
Kojo
Kojo means “born on Monday” in Akan, a language spoken in Ghana, Togo and Cote d’Ivoire.
Kwabena
Kwabena is the Akan name given to boys born on Tuesday.
Yaw:
Yaw is the name given to boys born on a Thursday
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Kofi
Kofi means “born on Friday”. Your son will also share a name with the former secretary-general of the United Nations Kofi Annan.
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Kwame
Kwame is the Akan name given to boys born on Saturday.
