Choose to baby name your baby after a deity from African mythology in hopes that they will have a life filled with success and intelligence.
Africa is home to over 3000 diverse communities with different languages and cultures. Just like any other culture, African gods and goddesses have names that reflect their deities and history. Each tribe has its own myths and stories that are passed down through generations. These stories often feature powerful characters who are worshipped as gods by believers. If you are interested in naming your baby after an African deity, check out this post ‘Top Baby Names Inspired By African Gods And Goddesses’ for a list of top unique baby names inspired by African gods and goddesses. Anyone with these baby names will feel a connection to the divine and the rich heritage of the continent.
African Baby Boy Names Inspired by God
- Abassi
Abassi is highly respected by the Efik, Ibibio, and Annang tribes in Nigeria and is seen as the powerful god of the Efik people. It is believed by many that Atai, Abassi’s wife, brought death and evil upon humanity after the first man and woman were placed on Earth. The first couple disobeyed Abassi’s rules by growing crops and having children. This baby name is pronounced as ab-bahsi.
- Abora
The Guanche people of the Canary Islands worship a god named Abora, who is believed to be the deity of the sun and light. The baby name Abora is pronounced as ab-o-ra.
- Adroa
Adroa, the god worshiped by the Lugbara people in Central Africa, is believed to have created the first man (Gborogboro) and woman (Meme). He is considered a supreme deity and is invisible, but is said to appear to those near death. The pronunciation of this baby name is ‘aadh-roa.’
- Aiwel
People from the Bor and Dinka tribes thought Aiwel Longer was their ancestor. He was believed to be born from a water spirit and a human mother, giving him special divine abilities. This baby name is pronounced as aaih-well.
- Amadioha
The Igbo people in southeastern Nigeria worship Amadioha as the god of justice, who sends messages through lightning and thunder. His name means ‘free will of the people.’ He rules over the Sun, is associated with the color red, and his symbol is a white ram.
- Anansi
Anansi, a character from the tales of the Asante people in Ghana, is a clever spider known for his trickery. He is a popular figure in the folklores of West Africa and the Caribbean. Anansi’s name means ‘spider’ and he is considered the deity of storytelling. The pronunciation of the baby name Anansi is ah-nan-shi.
- Anubis
Anubis, the god of the afterlife, is worshipped by the Egyptians and is pronounced as a-new-bis. He examines the hearts of the deceased and determines if they will go to eternal happiness or eternal suffering.
- Anyanwu
In eastern Nigeria, the Igbo people consider Anyanwu as the Sun god, which is pronounced as aan-yan-wu. Anyanwu translates to ‘eye of the Sun’ in the Igbo language, and embodies qualities that the people should strive to achieve.
- Arebati
The Efe people in the Congo think Arebati made humans and the world. Arebati is the sky God. Legend says he made the first person from clay with the moon’s help. This baby name is pronounced aa-ray-ba-ti.
- Babalu Aye
Babalu Aye is a highly respected deity among the Yorubas in Nigeria and Benin. He is known as a diligent God who works tirelessly to prevent illnesses and infections. In gratitude for his efforts, people commonly make offerings of wine and fruits in his honor. The correct pronunciation of the baby name is ba-ba-lu aye.
- Chuku
The Igbo people in Nigeria highly respect Chuku, a strong deity who is believed to have created the Earth using his thoughts and decided that humans should be the rulers. It is also said that Chuku sometimes appears as a sheep to alert people about future disasters.
- Dedun
Dedun, also known as deh-done, is a god in Nubian culture who represents prosperity and wealth. People belonging to tribes in Egypt and Sudan are the ones who worship him.
- Denka
The god Denka, pronounced as din-kah, is worshipped by the Dinka people in Sudan as the god of fertility. He is believed to be connected to both the sky and rain.
- Duamutef
In ancient Egypt, the god Duamutef is believed to guard the special jars that held organs of the deceased. Duamutef is the offspring of Osiris, another deity, and this baby name is pronounced as ‘dow-mee-teff.’
- Eshu
Eshu is like a middleman between heaven and Earth, acting as a messenger between the gods and people. He is a important deity for the Yoruba people in Nigeria, responsible for delivering sacrifices from people to the gods. Eshu is considered a cunning trickster and this baby name is pronounced as ee-shoe.
- Geb
Gebis, which is pronounced as ‘jebb,’ is a god from Egyptian mythology who is associated with germination. He is a part of the pantheon of Egyptian deities and it is said that his laughter is powerful enough to create earthquakes.
- Ggulu
In Uganda, the people believe that Ggulu is the god of the sky and the creator of all things in heaven, according to the Gandan creation story. According to ancient stories, Ggulu gave his daughter to Kintu, the first human on Earth, and provided her with the essential materials to start life in Uganda. The pronunciation of the baby name Ggulu is gu-gu-luh.
- Imana
The Banyarwandas are a small tribe in Rwanda known for their colorful personalities depicted in their folklore. According to their stories, there is a deity named Imana who extended his hands away from humans after his quest for everlasting life was foiled by a mortal. The pronunciation of Imana is like ‘ee-maan.’
- Kaang
Kaang is a god worshiped by the San people of South Africa. According to their beliefs, Kaang faced resistance in the world, leading to him causing destruction and death out of anger. This baby name is pronounced as kah-ng.
- Katonda
The name ‘Katonda’ might hold religious or spiritual significance in certain belief systems. Katonda is considered the supreme God in heaven and is said to have created the first human, Kintu. The Buganda people, who now reside in Uganda, worship Katonda as their ruler and judge of the universe.
- Kibuka
Kibuka is a war deity worshipped by the Baganda people in Uganda. He was sent by his sibling to aid King Nakibinge during times of battle. Kibuka is said to transform into clouds and send down spears as rain upon his foes. The correct pronunciation of the baby name is keh-boo-kah.
- Kwoth
Kwoth, the spirit of the sky, is the main god worshipped by the Neur people in South Sudan. In African folklore, Kwoth is believed to have created humans and has power over nature.
- Lesa
Lesa is the god worshipped by the Bemba tribe in northeastern Zambia. He is believed to have control over the rain and the ability to bring fertility to plants and animals. During difficult times, the Bemba people come together to perform rituals in order to seek assistance from Lesa. The god’s name is pronounced as ‘lee-sah.’
- Libanza
According to Boloki mythologies in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Libanza is believed to be the first man. He was born from a mother figure who gave birth to all the animals on Earth. Libanza was thought to have the ability to change his shape and was also seen as the creator of the universe in Upoto mythologies.
- Mebege
In the Central African Republic, the Fang people believed Mebege was the all-powerful creator God. According to their myth, Mebege was alone in the universe before creating the Earth, with only a spider named Dibobia as his companion. This baby name is pronounced as may-bay-gay.
- Mukasa
Mukasa is considered the leader of the gods in the traditional religion of the Baganda people. He is associated with prosperity, farming, fertility, and well-being, and is believed to reside in lakes. The correct pronunciation of this baby name is moo-ka-sah.
- Mulungu
Mulungu is revered as the supreme creator by the Nyamwezi people of Tanzania, East Africa. He is believed to oversee the Earth but does not have a personal relationship with individuals. The pronunciation of the baby name Mulungu is muh-loong-uh.’
- Mwari
Mwari is known as Inkhosi in the northern and southern Ndebele cultures. In the Shona traditional religion, Mwari is believed to be God’s all-powerful creation. This belief is mainly held in Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The baby name Mwari is pronounced as mu-wa-rhee.
- Neiterkob
Neiterkob, a highly intelligent supreme being, was thought to be the intermediary between humans and Enkai, the God worshipped by the Maa community in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania.
- Nhialic
According to the Dinka people of South Sudan, Nhialic is believed to be the highest creation made by God. He lived in the sky and was considered the leader of the Dinka gods. When there was thunder and lightning, it was seen as a sign that Nhialic was present on Earth. The correct pronunciation of the baby name Nhialic is nhi-yamay.
- Nyame
Nyame is the name of a supreme god in the traditional religion of the Akan people of Ghana. In the Akan language, the word Nyame refers to a powerful sky God who knows and sees everything. The Akan people of Ghana see Nyame as their deity. The baby name is pronounced as nee-ya-meh.
- Nzambi a Mpungu
Nzambi a Mpungu is a phrase in Kikongo language which refers to the supreme god or deity in the traditional spirituality of the Kongo people. Nzambi a Mpungu created the Universe and is believed to have power over natural events. This baby name is pronounced as jam-bee aa poong-gooh.
- Nzame
Nzame is the creator of the universe and everything in it, according to the Fang people of Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Cameroon. Nzame is seen as a trinity of deities, along with Mebere and Nkwa. Mebere and Nkwa were responsible for creating the male and female aspects of creation, while Nzame oversaw the heavenly bodies. In the Fang culture, the baby name Nzame is pronounced as jah-meh.
- Ogbunabali
Ogbunabali, also referred to as the god of death, is known for killing people at night, especially criminals and anti-social individuals. The baby name Ogbunabali is pronounced as a-beu-naa-li.
- Ogun
Ogun is a important deity for the Yoruba people in Nigeria, known as the God of iron and war. He is seen as a leader for all the other gods and is especially worshipped by those who work with iron tools. The baby name is pronounced as oh-goon.
- Osanyin
Osanyin is a deity of herbs and medicine revered by the Yoruba tribe in Western Africa. He is known for having only one eye, one leg, and one arm.
- Roog
Roog or Rog is considered the highest deity in the Serer religion of the Senegambia region in West Africa. It is forbidden to create images of Roog, so there are no shrines or temples dedicated to worshiping him. Instead, followers of the Serer religion worship Roog by praying to Pangools, who are ancient saints and spirits.
- Sagbata
The Fon people are a tribal group living in Togo and Benin. They believe that Sagbata is the Earth god who provides for all living things and is connected to weather events like rain, snow, hurricanes, and plant growth.
- Shango
Shango is a Yoruba deity, also worshiped in African diaspora religions like Santeria. Shango was both a warrior and a King in the Yoruba community in Nigeria. As time passed, he was revered as a powerful deity known as an Orisha, and was specifically recognized as the deity of war and thunder.
- Soko
The Nupe people in Nigeria believe that Soko is a supreme deity who can only communicate through spirits. It is thought that spirits of the dead are reluctant to assist humans in delivering messages to Soko.
- Tano
In African mythologies, Tano is known as the God of war and conflict in both Agni and Ashanti beliefs. The Tano river in Ghana is named after this deity, with the correct pronunciation being taa-now.
- Thixo
Thixo is a god worshipped by several South African tribes, particularly the Xhosa and Ponda communities. He is considered the Sun god and is believed to have created the world. The baby name Thixo is pronounced as thee-sho.
- Ungungi
Ungungi is a deity worshipped by blacksmiths. People who practice the Zulu religion believe in him. The correct pronunciation of the baby name is goo-joon-gi.
- Waka
Waaq is the word for ‘God’ in many East Cushite languages. The people who speak Cushitic languages, such as Somalis and Oromos, consider Waaq, also known as Waka and Waqa, to be their main deity in their traditional religion. This baby name is pronunciate as wah-ka.’
- Were
The Luo people in Kenya see Were as their godfather and depict him as a kind and caring God who is interested in poetry, literature, and prayers. He is viewed as a patient father figure in their stories.
- Wulbari
The Krachi people, who live in the modern-day Togolese Republic, worshipped Wulbari as their main God in their traditional religion. This baby name is pronounced as wool-bahri.
- Wuni
The Dagomba tribes in Ghana worship an animal God named Wuni. According to their folklore, Wuni is believed to be responsible for creating life.
- Xevioso
Xevioso is a deity in the West African religion of Vodun. Xevioso is a God of thunder in the So Region according to Dahomey Mythology. He is believed to be the offspring of Mawu and Lisa. The Dahomey people honored him for bringing rain to help their crops grow. Xevioso is known for meting out divine justice, and the baby name is pronounced as jay-vi-oh-so.
- Xu
Xu is the sky god of the Bushmen in South Africa, pronounced as zoo. According to their beliefs, he is the one who brought them into existence and is known for his ability to heal and provide help during difficult times.
- Zanahary
Zanahary refers to the creator or god in the belief system of the Malagasy people of Madagascar. The people of Madagascar worship Zanahary, who is believed to have two opposing sides representing the earth and the sky. These two sides are said to clash and cause disasters like earthquakes and floods. The baby name is pronounced as zha-na-haari.
African Baby Girl Names Inspired by God
- Abena
Abena, also known as Abena Budu, is a river goddess who is worshipped by the Effutu people in central Ghana. They believe she is loving and looks after them like a mother looks after her children. The Effutu people associate her with symbols of wealth like gold and brass. The baby name Abena is pronounced as ah-beh-nah.
- Abuk
Abuk is a female deity in Dinka mythology from South Sudan, known as the mother of the God of rain and fertility. She is also known as the Goddess of Gardens, and is represented by symbols such as a snake, the moon, and a sheep. The baby name is pronounced as ah-book.
- Aha Njoku
The Igbo people in Nigeria pray to Aha Njoku for a good harvest. They also call her Ahia Njoku and Ifejioku, pronounced as aha-joh-kooh. The Igbos believe she protects and blesses the yam plant, a key food source.
- Ala
Ala, which is pronounced as ah-lah, is seen as a god of ethics and inventiveness by the Odinani tribe in the south of Nigeria. She is believed to be the mother and originator of all living beings.
- Anyanwu
In the Nigerian Igbo language, the baby name Anyanwu means ‘the eye of the sun’ and is associated with the sun god and bringing life. The pronunciation of the baby name is anya-an-wooh.
- Asase Ya
Asase Ya in Akan culture refers to the Earth goddess and symbolizes the importance of environmental protection and sustainable development. The Bono people in Ghana believe that Asase Ya is the goddess of fertility and Earth. She was married to the sky god Nyame and is thought to be the mother of Anansi, the trickster god. The baby name Asase Ya is pronounced as ah-sa-shay-yah.
- Ayum
In Dinka mythology from South Sudan, Ayum was considered to be one of Nhialic’s children, the god who created everything. She was known as the wind goddess who stopped rain from reaching the ground.
- Bunzi
In Kongo mythology, Bunzi is a rain goddess who looks like a colorful serpent and is responsible for bringing rain. After her mother died, Bunzi took over her duties.
- Funza
Funza is a deity of water who is revered by the Kongo people of West Central Africa. She was married to Mbumba. According to some beliefs, Funza was the one who presented the first Nkisi (an object with spiritual significance) to the inhabitants of Earth. This baby name is pronounced as fuhn-jah.
- Gbadu
Gbadu is the goddess of fate for the Fon people in Benin, Nigeria, and Togo. According to Dahomey mythology, she is said to have 16 eyes, sits on a palm tree, and oversees the Earth, sky, and sea. This baby name is pronounced as baa-doo.
- Gleti
In the mythology of Dahomey, Gleti is the moon Goddess who is said to be the mother of the stars. According to the myth, an eclipse happens when the shadow of Gleti’s husband falls on her face. The baby name Gleti is pronounced as gley-tee.
- Inkosazana
The Zulus in South Africa think that Inkosazana is the one who helps maize crops grow, which are important for food. They also see her as a goddess who brings fertility.
- Hathor
Hathor, an ancient Egyptian goddess known as the goddess of love, is also considered a mother figure for women and believed to maintain clear skies. She is commonly represented as a cow in artwork and symbolism.
- iNyanga
The Zulu people of the Nguni group in South Africa believe in iNyanga, the moon goddess. In their culture, Nyanga means moon and iNyanga is connected to the healer god IziNyanga. The pronunciation of this baby name is ee-nyang-aa.
- Isis
Isis, a key goddess in ancient Egyptian mythology, was married to the god of fertility, Osiris. The Pharaohs saw her as a divine mother and thought she aided humans in reaching the afterlife.
- Kahindo
Kahindo is believed to bring good luck and success. According to the stories of the Nyanga tribe in Congo, she was the daughter of Muisa, who was considered the God of the underworld.
- Kiruka
In Nyanga mythology, Kiruka was an elderly woman who was believed to be the rain goddess. She had the power to control the rain and would bring clouds with her wherever she went. It was believed that her son was the god of lightning, Nkuba. The baby name Kiruka is pronounced as ‘kih-ru-kah’ in Nyanga mythology.
- Kitaka
The Baganda people in Uganda saw Kitaka as the Earth Goddess. They thought that Kitaka triggered earthquakes as she moved, so they also viewed her as the goddess of earthquakes. The baby name Kitaka is pronounced as ki-tah-ka.
- Maat
Maat is an Egyptian goddess known for representing truth and justice. She is commonly shown with wings on her arms or with an ostrich feather on her head.
- Mami Wata
Mami Wata is a water spirit that looks like a mermaid. She is known as the African goddess of wealth and good luck. The baby name Mami Wata is pronounced as mah-meh-waa-ta.
- Mamlambo
In South Africa, the Zulus worship Mamlambo as the goddess of rivers. They see her as a huge snake shaped like a flowing river. This baby name is pronounced as maam-lahm-boh.
- Marwe
Marwe is a character in Kenyan folk stories. She was originally a human, but because of her courage and kindness, she gained the favor of the gods who granted her wealth and respect in the afterlife.
- Mawu
Mawu is a goddess in Western Africa’s Dahomey region who is worshipped as a creator and is believed to be married to the male god Lisa.
- Mbaba Mwana Waresa
Mbaba Mwana Waresa was the daughter of the sky god, Umvelinqangi. The Zulu people in Southern Africa honored her as the goddess of fertility because she had power over the rain, crops, farming, and rainbows. This baby name is pronounced as mu-baba mu-wah-na wah-reysa.
- Mboze
Mboze is considered to be the mother of Bunzi, the rain goddess according to the Woyo people from Zaire. The Woyos refer to Mboze as the ‘great Mother’ and describe her as looking like a rainbow. The pronunciation of the baby name Mboze is ehm-bohj.
- Mebeli
In Congo, Mebeli is thought to be the wife of Phebeli. According to legend, they had children who were the first humans after receiving a blessing from the supreme creator Massim Biambe.
- Menhit
Menhit was a lioness-goddess in ancient Egyptian religion who was associated with war and protection. Menhit was a fierce and unforgiving war deity in the religion of ancient Egypt. Her name means ‘the one who annihilates’ and she was also known as Menkit or Menhet. Pronounced as men-hit.
- MitandiMee-tahn-di
Mee-tahn-di is the name of a goddess worshipped by the Nyanga tribe, who live near Rwanda in Congo. They believe she appears as a spider.
- Modjaji
Modjaji is a mythical figure in South Africa who is thought to have the ability to control the rain and is highly respected by the Balobedu community.
- Moneiba
Moneiba is a female deity worshipped by the people of Hierro island for protecting women. In African mythology, she is known as a strong warrior and her name is pronounced as moh-nei-bah.
- Moombi
The Kikuyu people in Kenya worship Moombi, who is the partner of Gikuyu. Moombi had nine daughters who intermarried with the local people to continue the family lineage.
- Musoka
Musoka is believed to be the sister of Mukity, the river god according to Nyanga legends. While Mukity controls fast and powerful water, Musoka is in charge of gentle and shallow waters. She helps villagers cross rivers with the help of her serpents. The baby name is pronounced as muh-soh-ka.
- Musso Koroni
Musso Koroni is a mischievous goddess of chaos among the Bambara people in Mali and Senegal. She is believed to be the first woman created and is credited with the creation of men. The baby name Musso Koroni is pronounced as moo-soh-koh-roh-ni.
- Mweri
Mweri, the moon goddess of the Nyanga people, looks after the Earth at night. She has the power to influence dreams and can communicate through divine messages or nightmares.
- Nambi
According to the Gandan creation myth, Nambi, the daughter of the sky god, Ggulu, and her sister were the first to find ‘Kintu’, the first man. Nambi later marries Kintu and becomes the mother of his children.
- Nana Buluku
Nana Buluku is highly respected as the main god in many religions in West Africa. She is considered the mother of two powerful spirits, Mawu and Lisa. After giving birth to them, she stepped back and let them finish creating the universe. Nana Buluku’s name is pronounced as nana bu-lu-kooh.
- Nomhoyi
Nomhoyi is a female deity worshiped in the Zulu traditional religion in Southern Africa. People believe she is the goddess in charge of rivers.
- Nut
Nut, a sky goddess in Egyptian mythology, is usually depicted as a naked woman stretching over the Earth like a rainbow or a cow. Legend has it that she swallowed the sun during the night and then returned it in the morning.
- Nyingwan Mebege
Nyingwan Mebege is a deity honored by the Fang people in the Central African Republic. She symbolizes feminine power, fertility, and the moon. The Fang people believe that she is one of the three mystical beings that came from the cosmic egg made by Mebege. The pronunciation of her name is naying-wahn may-bay-gay. It is important to note that the story of Oduduwa is a crucial part of Yoruba mythology.
- Oduduwa
Oduduwa is a deity worshiped by the Yoruba tribe as the goddess of the Earth. She is believed to have created the world and all living beings. The pronunciation of the baby name Oduduwa is oh-doo-doo-wah.
- Ogboinba
In Ijo mythology, there is a character named Ogboinba who represents the concept of second chances. According to the Ijo people, they believe she resides in the eyes of pregnant women and they pray to her for the well-being of children and expectant mothers.
- Olapa
The Maasai people in Kenya and Tanzania worshipped Olapa as the moon goddess, who was married to the sun god Enkai. The pronunciation of this baby name is oh-lapa.
- Oshun
Oshun is an African deity from the Yoruba religion. Oshun is adored by the Yoruba people and other tribes in West Africa. She is seen as a goddess of love and sensuality and is also connected to divination.
- Oya
In the western African Yoruba communities, Oya is highly respected as a strong goddess of war. She is seen as a ruler over rain, thunder, wind, lightning, and other natural events.
- Pamba
In Ovambo mythology, Pamba is seen as the creator and protector of life. Pamba encourages people to live by a matrilineal tradition, where women in the family have a strong influence on important decisions.
- Sekhmet
Sekhmet is an ancient Egyptian goddess often depicted as a lioness or woman with a lioness head. She is known as a powerful and fierce deity associated with war, healing, and protection. In the ancient Egyptian religion, Sekhmet is one of the war gods in the pantheon. She is linked to famine, disease, medicine, and healing, and is seen as a supporter of the Sun god Re.
- Velekete
Velekete is a sea goddess in the folklore of the residents of Badagry, Nigeria. There is a shrine dedicated to her called the Velekete Shrine where people from distant places come to honor her. The baby name Velekete is pronounced as veh-leh-keet.
- Woyengi
Woyengi, known as the goddess of fate or destiny, is credited with creating the Earth for the Ijo people of Nigeria. Legend has it that when she arrived, the Earth was already teeming with trees and animals. Using clay, she made the first humans and allowed them to choose their own gender.
- Yemaya
Yemaya is a mermaid goddess in the Afro-Caribbean religion called Santeria. She is seen as the mother of all living creatures because it is thought that life began in the sea.
- Yemoja
Yemoja is a water spirit worshipped by the Yoruba tribe. She is considered a protector of the rivers and streams in Nigeria and Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some individuals may choose to name their kids after African deities to show respect or to give blessings. Also, providing a child with a strong mythological baby name can help build confidence and discipline as they mature. People of various backgrounds might find these baby names appealing and wish to use them for their own children. If you fall into this category, the above list of baby names and their meanings can assist you in selecting the perfect one for you.
