45+ Popular Shona Baby Names For Girls And Boys

Shona baby names that are unique represent the community’s affection for nature and gods.

The Shonas are a group of people who live in Zimbabwe and Kenya. They have a culture with interesting customs and beliefs. When choosing names for their babies, the Shonas often pick ones that honor nature, gods, or natural elements like wind and water.

The Shona people have a strong connection to nature and make sure to protect the forests. Here, we have gathered a selection of beautiful Shona baby names for you to consider.

Popular Shona Baby Names For Girls With Meanings

1. Aizivaishe

Despite its long history of use, Aizivaishe does not have a traditional or old-fashioned vibe. In fact, it feels unique and exotic. This shona baby name means ‘God knows’.

2. Akatendeka

The shona baby name Akatendeka is cheerful and positive, as it means ‘faithful’.

3. Anaishe

The name comes from the Shona word Anashe, which means ‘who is with God’. It is suitable for both males and females, but may sound more feminine.

4. Anatswanashe

Anatswanashe is a complex name that was popular in the past. This shona baby name means ‘perfected by God’ and can be shortened to Anatsa.

5. Aneni

The name Aneni has a powerful vibe but it’s not too flashy. The name means ‘God is with me’.

6. Anenyasha

The Shona people really like the name Anenyasha because it’s feminine and sweet. It would also sound nice with an Anglo surname. This shona baby name means ‘God has mercy’.

7. Anerudo

Anerudo is a traditional Japanese name. Anerudo works well as either a first or last name. This shona baby name means ‘he is love’ and is typically used for girls.

8. Anesu

Anesu is a name from the Shona language that can be used for both girls and boys. For girls, it can be a nickname for Anesuishe, and for boys, it can be a shorter version of Isheanesu.

9. Anochengeta

This shona baby name is primarily used in its place of origin. If you prefer a foreign name, you can still choose it. This name means ‘The Lord keeps’.

10. Anodiwa

If you’re looking for a special Shona baby name for your baby girl, consider choosing Anodiwa, which translates to ‘the loved one’. Anodiwa is a bold Shona name that is not yet widely known in English-speaking countries.

11. Anokosha

For many years, Shona people have considered Anokosha to be a good name, likely because it begins and ends with a vowel. This shona baby name means ‘important’.

12. Anoona

Anoona is a pretty and unique shona baby name that means ‘God sees’. Anu could be a nice short name for Anoona.

13. Danai

This short yet powerful shona baby name is one of the best options for a Shona girl name. It symbolizes mutual love and affection.

14. Fadziso

Fadziso is a popular African name in Zimbabwe. In Shona, this name means ‘someone who brings joy’.

15. Maita

This Shona baby name means feeling thankful for something good that happened. It can be written as Mazvita or Mayita, depending on where the person is from.

16. Miriro

During the early 1900s, this name was typically used for the second daughter in a family. Nowadays, the tradition is not strictly followed and the name can be given to both girls and boys. This shona baby name means ‘the awaited one’.

17. Mudiwa

Mudiwa is a lovely shona baby name that means ‘my love’. You can use Diva as a short and stylish nickname for your daughter.

18. Mufaro

Mufaro is a pleasant name that sounds stylish and means ‘happiness’.

19. Ropafadzo

Ropafadzo has been inactive for a while but is now being used again. The name means ‘blessing from God’ and every child is considered a blessing to their parents.

20. Rufaro

Rufaro is a shona baby name that has a country charm to it. It seems fitting for someone from the South. This name means ‘happiness’.

21. Ruwadzano

We recommend this shona baby name mainly because it means ‘togetherness’ and is quite lovely.

22. Shona

One option for naming your baby girl is choosing a simple name. Shona, which is an English version of the name Seonaid from the Bible, means ‘god is gracious’. An actress named Bernadette McGarty also shares the name Shona.

23. Tonderayi

This Shona baby name means ‘remembrance’ and would be a fitting way to honor a loved one who has passed away. You can include the name of the person who has died in the middle.

24. Vimbo

Vimbo is a lovely shona baby name that ends with ‘o’ and has a beautiful sound and appearance. Its meaning is ‘faith’, ‘trust’, or ‘hope’.

25. Zendaya

Zendaya is a shona baby name that comes from the Bantu language in Zimbabwe, and it means ‘to give thanks’. The person it is named after is Zendaya Coleman, who used to act in Disney shows but now makes pop music.

Popular Shona Baby Names For Boys With Meanings

26. Akashinga

This shona baby name is suitable for a boy who wants to make a positive impact in the world by standing up against evil. This name means ‘brave’. If you prefer, you can shorten it to Akash.

27. Akudzwe

Akudzwe is a welcoming and attractive shona baby name that means ‘praise’.

28. Anengoni

Many parents use the name Anengoni every year. This name means ‘he has mercy’.

29. Anopa

For many years, this name has been very popular and continues to be popular. This name means ‘God gives’.

30. Ariko

Ariko is a Shona baby name for a baby boy that means ‘there is a God’. This name is starting to become popular in other parts of Zimbabwe.

31. Banga

The people in northern Zaire and the Central African Republic worship a god named Banga, which means ‘sword’ in Shona. This god shares the same name as the Ivorian football player Charles Banga.

32. Chamai

Chamai, a shona baby name that means ‘belonging to mother’, is the perfect choice for a son who is very close to his mother.

33. Chatunga

If you want your child to become a strong warrior in the future, you can name him Chatunga, which means ‘fighter’.

34. Chenziri

Mothers who experienced a quick labor might like this Shona baby name that means ‘born on the road.’

35. Chuma

Chuma is a Shona baby name for boys in Zimbabwe, derived from the beads used for making jewelry. The name means ‘wealth’ in the Shona language.

36. Davidzo

This is for parents who prefer traditional shona baby names for their child. Davidzo seems like a modern version of David, but it actually has a different origin. This name means ‘answer to a prayer’.

37. Gamba

This Shona baby name gained popularity because of former basketball player Alessandro Gamba. This name means ‘warrior’.

38. Garai

Garai is a Shona baby name that means ‘settled’. It is commonly used in Africa, Egypt, and some Latin countries. If you are looking for a Shona baby name that will be popular in your country, Garai would be a good choice.

39. Hondo

This name Hondo gained popularity thanks to Zimbabwean cricketer Douglas Hondo. Some people may find it similar to the car brand Honda, but it’s not necessarily a bad thing. This name means ‘war’.

40. Itai

People should always trust their instincts and do what they believe is right, even in the face of criticism. The shona baby name Itai means ‘keep doing your thing’.

41. Kutenda

Kutenda is a unisex Shona baby name that is more commonly used for boys. It comes from the Shona word Tendayi and translates to ‘to thank’.

42. Masimba

Most people believe that the Shona name Masimba is a plural form of Simba, which means ‘power’. So, the meaning of Masimba is thought to be ‘much power’.

43. Mugabe

You should teach your daughter to be courageous and resilient from a young age. It’s important to be strong in a tough and unforgiving world. So, a good way to start is by naming her Mugabe, which signifies being the most powerful.

44. Munesu

This shona baby name means ‘God is within us’. We simply need to explore our inner selves to connect with him.

45. Rudo

Rudo is a straightforward and common Shona name for a baby boy, which translates to ‘love’ in the Shona language.

46. Runako

Runako is a shorter version of the name Runakorwashe and it means beauty and goodness. It is named after the cricketer Runako Morton from the West Indies.

47. Shohiwa

Shohiwa is a popular Shona boy name that we really like. We appreciate the mix of energy and contemporary style in this name. This name means ‘the one who is respected’.

48. Takudzwa

This name is typically chosen for a baby boy born into a family with only girls, or for a boy from a respected family. This name means ‘we have been honored’.

49. Tanaka

Tanaka is not a common name and can be used for both boys and girls. The name means ‘we are good.’

50. Wataida

Wataida is a traditional name with a touch of Shona elegance that can be a good and contemporary choice for your son. This name means ‘the person you truly adored.’

We hope that our list of Shona baby names for babies is useful to you.

If you are a part of the Shona community in Zimbabwe or admire their culture, traditions, and way of life, you might consider giving your child a name with ties to their culture. Choosing a name like this can help your child be unique and feel more self-assured. You can select a strong and intriguing name from a wide selection of Shona baby names for both girls and boys. The significance of each name is included to assist you in making a well-informed choice.