Afrikaans names come from a mix of languages and have both African and European influences. Afrikaans is a West-Germanic language mainly spoken in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Even though it has Dutch roots, the language has changed over the years. It has been influenced by Malay, Bantu, and Portuguese, leading to Afrikaans baby names that may have Spanish, French, English, and American origins. Keep reading this post to discover the perfect Afrikaans name for your baby that reflects their character with a mix of African-European flair. Exploring this list will be an enjoyable way to uncover the background of each name.
Afrikaans Names For Baby Boys With Meanings
1. Ade
The name Ade, which means ‘royal’, is similar to common American names like Jade.
2. Adem
Adem is the Afrikaans equivalent of the name Adam from the Bible. This Afrikaans name means ‘red earth.’
3. Adiel
If you’re a parent searching for a special animal-inspired name, consider choosing the name Adiel, which means ‘goat’. This name is not commonly used in America.
4. Adonis
Adonis is a name that conveys strong masculine attractiveness. This Afrikaans name means ‘being associated with peace and love’.
5. Adriaan
Choosing the name Adriaan, which means ‘from Adria’, is a great decision.
6. Aitan
The Afrikaans name Aitan is a version of the name Ethan from the Bible. This name means ‘strong or fights for possession’.
7. Ajani
The Afrikaans name Ajani means ‘he who wins the struggle’ and it’s a very inspiring name we have come across recently.
8. Ajayi
The Afrikaans name Ajayi for baby boys means ‘born face down’ and is often given to boys who are born in that position.
9. Alake
Alake is a very cool Afrikaans name that means ‘one to be honored’.
10. Amiri
The Afrikaans name Amiri, which means ‘prince’, could be a great option instead of the popular name Amir.
11. Andre
This version of the name Andrew has been well-known in Africa for many years. This Afrikaans name means ‘man’.
12. Arno
Arno is a contemporary Afrikaans name that means ‘eagle’.
13. Barke
Barke is a stylish and sophisticated fragrance that also brings feelings of joy and blessings.
14. Bash
The Afrikaans name Bash comes from the Afrikaans language and means ‘forerunner’.
15. Bast
Bast is a name associated with jazz that means ‘from the city of Bubastis’.
16. Bayode
Bayode is a very positive and bright name that means ‘he arrives with happiness’.
17. Belay
The Afrikaans name Belay is a trendy and refreshing name that means ‘above or superior’.
18. Ben
Ben is commonly used as a nickname for the names Benedict and Benjamin, but it is also a strong name by itself.
19. Ben
The Afrikaans name Ben means ‘son of’.
20. Bern
In addition to being a name for a location in Switzerland and a nickname for the name Bernard, Bern also translates to ‘peace’ in Afrikaans.
21. Bokamoso
This Afrikaans name Bokamoso, is becoming increasingly important in South Africa and the surrounding areas.
22. Christiaan
This Dutch version of the name Christian shows a strong expression of belief.
23. Christo
Christo is a shortened version of the names Christian or Christopher in Afrikaans. This Afrikaans name means ‘a person who follows Christ’.
24. Daniel
Daniël is a highly popular name in South Africa. This Afrikaans name means ‘God is my judge’.
25. Dante
Dante is a name that is connected to the well-known poet Dante Alighieri and it means ‘enduring’.
26. Dawie
The Afrikaans baby name Dawie is connected to the Hebrew name David. This name means ‘beloved.’
27. Dian
Dian is typically a girl’s name that means ‘divine’, but Afrikaners use it for boys.
28. Fabunni
Fabunni is a fancy name from Africa that means ‘God has blessed me with this’.
29. Francois
Francois is a version of the name Francis in Afrikaans and it means ‘a man who is free’.
30. Frederich
The name Frederich comes from the Afrikaans version of Friedrich and translates to ‘peaceful ruler’.
31. Gazali
Gazali is a unique and attractive name that comes from the Arabic name Gazal, and it means ‘mystic’.
32. Gerhardus
Gerhardus, a variation of the name Gerard, may sound like a name for a grandpa, but many Afrikaners still like it.
33. Gidea
Gidea is a variation of the Hebrew name Gideon, which signifies being overlooked for a long time but has recently begun to gain recognition.
34. Hansie
Hansie is like a more awesome version of Johannes, and it means ‘God is gracious’.
35. Heinrich
This old German name is now being used in Afrikaans. This Afrikaans name means ‘king’s home’.
36. Helouise
Helouise is an old name whose origins are unknown. This Afrikaans name means ‘healthy or wide’.
37. Henrico
This attractive Afrikaans name has the potential to be understood by people in different areas. This bay name ‘state ruler’.
38. Imka
Imka, which is the Afrikaans version of Ime, sounds like a traditional name. This name means ‘water’.
39. Isabeau
Isabeau, which is a variation of the name Isabel, is famous for Isabeau of Bavaria who bore the name. The name Isabeau means ‘committed to God’.
40. Jaco
The surprising change in Jacob’s name means ‘someone who takes the place of another’.
41. Jacques
Jacques is a very humble name that means someone who takes the place of another.
42. Jaivyn
Jaivyn is a happy and kind Afrikaans name, which means ‘bright spirit’.
43. Janco
Janco is a version of the name John in Dutch and Hungarian, and it means ‘Jehovah has shown kindness’.
44. Jaquan
Jaquan is a name that means having a loving or good spirit. It is also a Hebrew name that means raised by Yahweh.
45. Jengo
Jengo is a name from the Afrikaans language that means someone with reddish skin.
46. Johan
The Afrikaans name Johan is spelled ‘yo-Han’ and it means ‘God is gracious.’
47. Junior
In most parts of the world, people use the name Junior as a nickname, but in South Africa, it is commonly used as a first name because it means ‘young’.
48. Kabili
The Afrikaans name Kabili, which means ‘possession’, will certainly attract a lot of interest when it becomes popular.
49. Kai
If your baby is born under a water sign, consider naming him Kai. This Afrikaans name means ‘sea’.
50. Kaikara
The Afrikaans name Kaikara comes from a language spoken in Uganda and is the ancient title of a deity.
51. Kaikura
Kaikura is an Afrikaans name that means ‘ground squirrel,’ but it is also used as a name for babies.
52. Kamogelo
Kamogelo, a common name in Africa, has a gentle and caring meaning of ‘acceptance’.
53. Kian
Kian is a variant of the name Cian and it means ‘ancient’, and the name has a friendly connotation.
54. Kores
This version of Cyrus has a friendly and relatable reputation that sets it apart from other names. The Afrikaans name Cyrus means ‘throne’.
55. Lateef
Parents who wish for their kids to become mature and well-mannered adults may want to think about naming them Lateef. This Afrikaans name means ‘civilized’.
56. Leeto
Parents who love to travel would find Afrikaans name Leeto, which means ‘journey’, to be ideal.
57. Lencho
If you are seeking a substitute for Leo, you may want to think about Lencho, which translates to ‘lion’.
58. Lethabo
The Afrikaans name Lethabo, which means ‘joy’, will bring a lot of happiness into your son’s life.
59. Lodewikus
The Afrikaans name Lodewikus comes from the Dutch spelling Lodewijk and means ‘war or battle’. It is the Afrikaans form of the name Ludovicus.
60. Lolonyo
The Afrikaans name Lolonyo means ‘love is beautiful’ and it truly is lovely.
61. Louw
The Afrikaners use the nickname Lodewikus, which means ‘war or battle’, as a first name.
62. Luan
In Afrikaans, the name Luan symbolizes a lion, while in Vietnamese it signifies justice, fairness, and transparency.
63. Luca
Luca is a lovely and respected Afrikaans name that means ‘man from Lucania’.
64. Maghiel
The Afrikaans name Maghiel comes from Machiel, the Dutch version of Michael, which means ‘Who is like God?’
65. Mattys
A name similar to Matthis, called Mattys, has continued to exist in current times thanks to the Afrikaners.
66. Mpho
Modern parents are likely to appreciate this Afrikaans name, which means ‘present’.
67. Nelius
Nelius is the Afrikaans version of the name Cornelius, which means ‘horn’.
68. Philippus
If you have ever wanted a unique version of the name Philip, you can choose Philippus, which means ‘lover of horse’.
69. Ricus
Ricus is an English name that means ‘sovereign ruler’.
70. Ruan
Ruan is thought to be a mix of Rudolf and Johan or a variation of Ruadhan.
71. Ruben
This version of Rueben is much more well-liked than the original. This Afrikaans name means ‘look, a son.’
72. Rylond
Rylond is how you spell Reynold in Afrikaans, and it means ‘counselor or ruler’.
73. Sebastian
Sebastian is a popular Afrikaans name in South Africa and it means ‘someone from the old city of Sebasta.’
74. Shakir
Shakir is a Afrikaans name of Arabic descent that means ‘thankful’.
75. Thys
Thys is another version of the name Thijs, which means ‘gift from God’.
76. Tinus
Tinus is a unique and charming Afrikaans name for a boy. Tinus is a nickname for names like Martinus and Constantinus.
77. Tjaart
Tjaart is a version of Tjaard and it means someone who observes people. A well-known person with this name is the professional golfer from South Africa, Tjaart van der Walt.
78. Tyrese
Tyrese is a well-known Afrikaans name that means a talented leader who cares for others.
79. Unys
This nickname is derived from the term Denuys.
80. Upendo
This Afrikaans name represents the strongest feeling on Earth – ‘love’.
81. Wasaki
If you like Afrikaans names with deep significance, you can choose Wasaki, which means ‘the enemy’.
82. Wikus
This Afrikaans name is commonly used as a shorter form of Lodewikus.
83. Yaro
The Afrikaans name Yaro, which means ‘son’, is a popular name for baby boys among Afrikaners.
84. Yerodin
Parents who desire for their children to excel in academics can give them the name Yerodin, which signifies being diligent in studying.
85. Zander
Zander, a shorter version of the name Alexander, has become more popular on its own. The Afrikaans name means to protect or defend men.
86. Zayden
Zayden, a newly created Afrikaans name, is quickly gaining popularity.
87. Zea
Zea is an old male name with Hebrew origins that means ‘light’.
Afrikaans Names For Baby Girls With Meanings
88. Aba
Aba is a name for baby girls in Afrikaans which means ‘girls born on Thursday’.
89. Abebi
The Afrikaans name Abebi is of Afrikaans origin and it means ‘we asked and got her’.
90. Abina
The name Abina means that a person was born on a Tuesday.
91. Adelheid
Adelheid is the Dutch version of the name Adelaide and it means ‘nobility’.
92. Adowa
Adowa, a name in Afrikaans, has the same meaning as the English name Adelaide, which signifies ‘noble’.
93. Agetha
Agetha is the Dutch version of the name Agatha and it means ‘good woman’.
94. Aia
Aia may come from different names, but it is a genuine name in Afrikaans that means ‘eternal mother.’
95. Akpena
Parents choose the Afrikaans name Akpena, which means ‘thanks to God’, to express their gratitude to the Almighty for their daughter.
96. Alett
Aletta, an Afrikaans name, comes from the Greek name Alethea and it means ‘truth’.
97. Alizea
This unique Afrikaans name comes from the Hebrew name Aliza, which means ‘joyful’.
98. Amahle
The Afrikaans name Amahle is a lovely name. Pay tribute to your forebears by choosing the name Amahle for your daughter, as it signifies the presence of ancestors.
99. Amogelang
If you want your daughter to be someone who is friendly and open to others, then you can name her Amogelang. This Afrikaans name means ‘welcoming’ in English.
100. Amore
Amore, a romantic name, actually means ‘love’.
101. Andrietta
If you’re looking for a sophisticated and elegant Afrikaans name for your daughter, consider Andrietta, a version of Andrea that symbolizes strength and masculinity.
102. Aneke
This elegant Afrikaans name comes from the Dutch and Afrikaans version of Anna and signifies ‘grace’.
103. Anika
Anika is a sweet Afrikaans name that means ‘sweet-faced’.
104. Anja
Anja is the Afrikaans version of the name Anne which means ‘grace.’
105. Annalie
Annalie is a unique and musical Afrikaans name that signifies ‘grace’.
106. Anneline
The Afrikaans name Anneline is a shorter version of the name Anne. It used to be popular in French-speaking regions, but now it is commonly used as an Afrikaans name.
107. Arabella
This fun and carefree name will bring a positive energy to any girl’s day. This Afrikaans name means ‘giving in to prayer’.
108. Ava
The name Ava means ‘life’.
109. Azelle
The name Azelle is often used to refer to something specific or someone with that name. Azelle is the female version of the Hebrew name Azel and it means ‘reserved’.
110. Aziza
Aziza is the Afrikaans name for girls that comes from the Arabic name Aziz, and it means ‘valuable’ or ‘treasured.’
111. Behati
Behati Prinsloo, the supermodel from Namibia, brought this different version of the name Beatrice to light. This Afrikaans name means ‘a person who brings joy or is a source of happiness.’
112. Berhane
Berhane is a sweet-sounding Afrikaans name that has a rhythmic quality. This name means ‘my light’.
113. Betje
Betje is a Afrikaans name from the Bible, which means ‘devoted to God’.
114. Bibi
The Afrikaans name Bibi is usually given to the king’s daughter. This name means ‘lady or grandmother’.
115. Brunelda
Brunelda is a common Afrikaans name in South Africa and it means ‘armor or protection’.
116. Cazimira
The Afrikaans name Cazimira is the female version of the name Casimir and it means ‘destroyer of peace’.
117. Cezanne
A lot of Afrikaners use the name Cezanne for girls because it sounds like Suzanne. The name means ‘large flower’.
118. Christien
Christien is a Dutch version of the name Christine and it is spelled how it sounds. This Afrikaans name means someone who follows Christ.
119. Collien
Collein, a cute and lovable Afrikaans name, likely comes from the English name Colleen and it means ‘girl’.
120. Corli
The Afrikaans name Corli is a short form of the name Cornelia in Afrikaans which means ‘horn’.
121. Dane
Dane is a variation of the name Danae, which Homer used to refer to the Greeks.
122. Dolinde
The Afrikaans name Dolinde is an old-fashioned version of the name Adelinde, and is sometimes used in the Netherlands and South America.
123. Elize
Elize is a well-known Afrikaans name that comes from the Afrikaans form of Elise. It means being dedicated to God.
124. Elna
Elna can be a variation of the name Elin or a shortened version of Eleonora. The Afrikaans name Elna means ‘beloved.’
125. Elsabe
Elsabe, which is the medieval Dutch version of the name Elizabeth, is highly regarded in Afrikaans culture. This Afrikaans name means ‘dedicated to God’.
126. Elspeth
The Afrikaans name Elspeth is another form of the name Elizabeth and it means ‘dedicated to God’.
127. Elzebe
Elzebe is a rare form of the Afrikaans name Elizabeth, which means ‘dedicated to God’.
128. Emmarentia
The Afrikaans baby name Emmarentia is inspired by the very popular name Emma, which has the meaning of ‘universal’.
129. Erco
The Afrikaans name Erco is another way to spell Erko, which is a short form of Erk. This name means ‘forever ruler’.
130. Esca
Esca is probably a variation of the Inuit name Eska, which means ‘a creek.’
131. Estia
This Afrikaans name comes from the Greek name Hestia, who is the goddess of home, hearth, and purity.
132. Estie
The Afrikaans name Estie is a shorter version of the name Ester, which is a simpler way of spelling Esther. This name means ‘star’.
133. Fleur
The Afrikaans name Fleur is dainty and common, and it simply means ‘flower’.
134. Genever
Geneva is the Afrikaans version of the name Juniper, and it means a tree called juniper.
135. Gizelda
Gizelda is a Afrikaans name that has a graceful and elegant connotation, and it means ‘hostage.’
136. Hanneleen
This Afrikaans name is a blend of the names Hanne and Leen.
137. Hanneli
The Afrikaans name Hanneli is a more detailed form of the name Hannah and it translates to ‘grace’.
138. Isebel
Isebel does not come from Isabel, it actually comes from Jezebel, which means ‘not exalted’.
139. Itha
Itha is a fashionable Afrikaans name for a vowel that means someone who works hard.
140. Izelle
This nickname, of unknown origin, would go well with popular names like Giselle and Isabelle.
141. Jacomie
The Afrikaans name Jacomie is a female version of the name James and it means ‘supplanter’. The pronunciation of Jacomie is ‘yah-ko-meeh’.
142. Jadine
Jadine could be a fancier version of the name Jade or a girl version of the name Jaden.
143. Jan
It is a name given with a lot of love and warmth.
144. Jeanique
This nickname combines Jeanne with the suffix ‘ique’.
145. Johanika
This form of the name Johanna, which means ‘God is gracious’, is primarily used in South Africa.
146. Jozette
During the last century, a version of the name Josette moved to South Africa and is now a common Afrikaans name.
147. Juane
The Afrikaans name Juane, which means ‘Lord is gracious’, is commonly found in the Afrikaans-speaking community around the world.
148. Kayla
Kayla is a Afrikaans name that is associated with popular culture and it means ‘crown or laurel’.
149. Kerina
The Afrikaans name Kerina is a fancy version of Keri, which is the female version of the name Kerry. The name means ‘dark haired’.
150. Kesiah
Kezia is a name commonly used in America, but in Afrikaans speaking countries, a similar name Kesiah is very popular.
151. Klara
Klara is the Afrikaans version of the name Clara and it represents the qualities of being intelligent and easily understandable.
152. Landi
This Afrikaans name is connected to a South African model named Landi Sanepoel and it is a nickname for Yolandi, which means ‘violet’.
153. Laurienne
This version of Lauriana is commonly used in countries where French is not the main language, such as South Africa.
154. Lesedi
If you like the name Lucia but think it’s too popular, you might want to consider the Afrikaans name Lesedi, which means ‘light’.
155. Liandri
The name Liandri, which means ‘precious gift’, perfectly symbolizes how parents view their babies.
156. Lieve
The Afrikaans name Lieve is a sweet, shortened version of the name Godelieve which means ‘loved by the gods’.
157. Lindia
The Afrikaans name Lindia is another version of the name Linda, and it conveys the meaning of being gentle and delicate.
158. Loraina
This lovely Afrikaans name, which means ‘from the province of Lorraine’, is ready to be thought about again.
159. Lorelei
Lorelei is a Afrikaans name from German mythology that is linked to mermaids known for attracting sailors, resulting in their demise.
160. Lou
Lou is a nickname for the name Louise which means ‘famous fighter’.
161. Lusea
This beautiful Afrikaans name is often chosen for babies born at sunrise and means ‘light’.
162. Maline
This diverse Afrikaans name means ‘high tower or woman of Magdela’ and has a straightforward yet intriguing quality.
163. Mardene
The Afrikaans name Mardene could be a different version of Mardena or a mix of Martine and Mardi. In any case, it’s a very cool name.
164. Marryelize
Marelize is a contemporary name that was made by adding the Afrikaans suffix ‘ize’ to it.
165. Maretha
Maretha is a traditional and classy Afrikaans name which means ‘lady’ in English.
166. Marieke
The Afrikaans name Marieke is a version of the name Marie and it signifies ‘bitter’.
167. Mariete
Marie is not commonly used and the name Mariete means ‘bitter’.
168. Marlize
The Afrikaans name Marlize is named after a mix of Maria and Lies.
169. Melisse
The Afrikaans name Melisse comes from Greek mythology and means ‘honeybee.’
170. Merinda
The Afrikaans name Merinda, which means ‘admirable’, could be a nickname for Rosmerinde.
171. Mia
This diverse name, which means ‘bitter’, is becoming increasingly popular in South Africa.
172. Miems
If you choose to name your daughter Willemina, you can use the short and catchy nickname Miems. The name Miems means ‘helmet or protection.’
173. Minenhle
The Afrikaans name Minenhle originates from the Zulu language and translates to ‘beautiful day’.
174. Minuit
Minuit is a unique French name that means ‘midnight’. The nickname Minnie would be really charming.
175. Mischa
Mischa used to be a popular name for boys, but it gained more popularity when Mischa Barton from ‘The OC’ became famous. The name means ‘who is like God’.
176. Naemi
If you’re looking for a gentle and musical Afrikaans name from the Bible, choose Naemi, which translates to ‘pleasantness’.
177. Nelleke
Nelleke is a cute way to include Nel in your daughter’s name, and it means ‘a horn’.
178. Norne
Norne is a version of the name Norna, which Sir Walter Scott used in his book ‘The Pirate.’
179. Ottoline
The Afrikaans name Ottoline is the female version of the name Otto and signifies ‘wealth or fortune’.
180. Peta
The Afrikaans name Peta is the female version of the name Peter in Dutch and it translates to ‘rock’.
181. Quintilla
The name, Mexican in origin, means ‘fifth born’ and is usually given to the fifth daughter in a family.
182. Qume
The Afrikaans name Qume is a blend of Quinton and Amy’s names put together.
183. Rachela
Rachela is a gentle and delicate Afrikaans name that means ‘female sheep’.
184. Rethabile
The Afrikaans name Rethabile, which means ‘we are glad’, comes from the Sotho, Setswana, and Sepedi languages.
185. Riana
Riana, a name derived from Rian, means ‘little king’ and is commonly used by girls.
186. Rosalie
Rosalie is a great Afrikaans name choice for those who love roses and want a name that reflects that.
187. Rwanda
The name of this African woman is probably a mix of the names Ruan and Yolandi.
188. Saartjie
The Afrikaans name Saartjie comes from the Hebrew name Sarah, which means ‘princess’.
189. Saskia
Saskia is an adorable and cute Afrikaans name which means ‘woman from Saxony’.
190. Simone
This sophisticated name is the female version of Simon and it signifies someone who listens attentively.
191. Skylar
Skylar is a Afrikaans name that has a hippie vibe and it means ‘fugitive’.
192. Sybella
Sybella is a special Afrikaans name that means ‘oracle or prophetess’.
193. Thandolwethu
Naming your daughter Thandolwethu, which means ‘our love’, is a great way to express your love for her.
194. Theolene
The Afrikaans name Theolinde comes from the words meaning ‘people’ or ‘soft’ and has a long history of respect.
195. Trudene
Trudene is a genuine and attentive Afrikaans name that means ‘spear of strength’.
196. Tshegofatso
Ensure your daughter always has the blessing of God by giving her the name Tshegofatso, which translates to ‘blessing’.
197. Violett
The Afrikaans name Violett is a version of the English name Violet, which means the color violet.
198. Vivette
Vivette is a Afrikaans name that can either be a variation of Vivienne or it can stand alone as its own name, with the meaning ‘alive’.
199. Wilhelmina
The Afrikaans name Wilhelmina, which means ‘helmet or protection’, would be a good fit in the group of long and unusual names.
200. Winnifred
This particular way of spelling Winifred is only used by the Afrikaners. This Afrikaans name means ‘white or fair’.
201. Zonja
Zonja is the Afrikaans version of the name Sophia. This Afrikaans name means ‘wisdom’.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many cultures and origins have influenced Afrikaans baby names, giving them a unique and special quality. These names are not common and will make your baby’s name noticeable among others. If you know someone looking for baby name ideas, you can share this list with them. It will be helpful when needed. Take a look at the list and select a distinctive name for your precious baby.
