Shonas are a community that resides in the countries of Zimbabwe and Kenya. This African tribe has a rich history with fascinating traditions. Shona baby names are chosen according to the traditions, and they are usually chosen to praise Mother nature, Gods, elements such as wind and water. Shona people are closely connected with nature and take great care of the forests. We have listed some amazing Shona names for you to choose from in this post.
Shona Baby Names For Girls
1. Aizivaishe:
Despite being used for ages, Aizivaishe does not have that old feel to it. In fact, it feels exotic. Aizivaishe means ‘God knows’.
2. Akatendeka:
Akatendeka is a bright and happy name, meaning ‘faithful’.
3. Anaishe:
This name is derived from the Shona word Anashe and means ‘who is with God’. It is ideal for both the genders, but sounds feminine to the ears.
4. Anatswanashe:
Anatswanashe is a complicated name that was heard extensively a few generations ago. It means ‘perfected by God’. You can use Anatsa as the short form.
5. Aneni:
Aneni has a grand feeling to it, without sounding over the top. It means ‘God is with me’.
6. Anenyasha:
This feminine and sweet name is a favorite with the Shona people. We think it would sound beautiful with an Anglo surname as well. Anenyasha means ‘God has mercy’.
7. Anerudo:
Whether you use it as a first name or last name, Anerudo is sure to click. It may mean, ‘he is love’, but is used solely for girls.
8. Anesu:
Anesu is a Shona name that can be given to both baby girls and boys. For girls, it can be a pet form of Anesuishe and for boys, it can be a short form for Isheanesu.
9. Anochengeta:
This name is used almost exclusively in its native place. So if you want a foreign name, you can go ahead with it. Anochengeta means ‘The Lord keeps’.
10. Anodiwa:
If you want a unique shona baby name for your daughter, you can pick Anodiwa, which means ‘the loved one’. Anodiwa is a saucy Shona name that is yet to make a mark in the English speaking countries.
11. Anokosha:
For decades, Shona people have seen Anokosha as a competent and desirable name, probably because it starts and ends with a vowel. Anokosha means ‘important’.
12. Anoona:
Anoona is a beautiful and distinctive moniker meaning ‘God sees’. Anu would make a cute nickname for Anoona.
13. Danai:
This short but strong name is one of the most viable of the Shona girl names for you. It means ‘loving each other’.
14. Fadziso:
Fadziso is an African name used widely by the people of Zimbabwe. Its Shona meaning is ‘one who brings happiness’.
15. Maita:
This Shona name implies gratitude for something that has gone well. It can be spelled as Mazvita or Mayita, depending on the origin of the speaker.
16. Miriro:
In the early 20th century, this name was generally given to the second born female child of the family. The tradition isn’t religiously followed now and the moniker can be bestowed on both girls and guys. Miriro means ‘the one who was waited for’.
17. Mudiwa:
Mudiwa is a beautiful sounding name, meaning ‘my love’. You can shorten it to Diva for a glamorous nickname for your daughter.
18. Mufaro:
Mufaro is a cute name with a mix of stylish sounds. It means ‘happiness’.
19. Ropafadzo:
Ropafadzo has been in limbo for a long time, but has started to being used again. It means ‘blessing from God’, which every child is to their parents.
20. Rufaro:
Rufaro is a name with a rustic quality. It sounds appropriate on a Southerner. And it has a delightful meaning as well (happiness).
21. Ruwadzano:
We suggest this name primarily for its lovely meaning ‘togetherness’.
22. Shona:
You can also pick a straightforward name for your baby girl. If you go by the Bible, Shona is the anglicized variation of Seonaid and means ‘god is gracious’. Your daughter will share her name with Shona English actress Bernadette McGarty.
23. Tonderayi:
This Shona name, meaning ‘remembrance’, would give a fitting tribute to someone dear who has passed away. You can use the name of the deceased in the middle.
24. Vimbo:
Vimbo is one of the rare ‘o’ ending names that sounds and looks beautiful. It means ‘faith’, ‘trust’ or ‘hope’.
25. Zendaya:
Zendaya is a name taken from the Bantu language spoken in Zimbabwe and means ‘to give thanks’. Its namesake has to be Disney actress turned pop singer Zendaya Coleman.
Shona Baby Names For Boys
26. Akashinga:
This name would work for a boy who hopes to serve the world and fight against the bad elements plaguing the world. Akashinga means ‘brave’. You can shorten it to Akash if you want.
27. Akudzwe:
Akudzwe is a friendly and appealing name, meaning ‘praise’.
28. Anengoni:
This name is being used by several parents every year. Anengoni means ‘he has mercy’.
29. Anopa:
This name has had a run of popularity for several decades and is still doing strong. Anopa means ‘God gives’.
30. Ariko:
Ariko is a Shona baby boy name, meaning ‘there is a God’. Slowly, but steadily, this name has begun to be appreciated in the rest of Zimbabwe as well.
31. Banga:
Banga is the name of the god worshiped by the people of northern Zaire and the Central African Republic. It is of Shona origin and means ‘sword’. Its namesake would be Ivorian footballer Charles Banga.
32. Chamai:
Chamai, meaning ‘belonging to mother’, is an ideal name for a mama’s boy.
33. Chatunga:
If you are hoping for your little one to grow up to be a strong and mighty warrior, name him Chatunga, which means ‘fighter’.
34. Chenziri:
Mothers, who went through fast labor, can consider this Shona name, which means ‘born on the road’.
35. Chuma:
Chuma, the beads used to make necklaces and bracelets, is used as a shona name for boys in Zimbabwe. It means ‘wealth’ in the Shona language.
36. Davidzo:
This one is for parents who do not like being too experimental with their child’s name. Davidzo sounds like an update of David, but has an entirely different etymology. Davidzo means ‘answer to a prayer’.
37. Gamba:
This Shona name got exposure via former basketball player Alessandro Gamba. The name means ‘warrior’.
38. Garai:
Garai is a Shona name, meaning ‘settled’. This name is used in Africa, Egypt, and some Latin countries as well. So, if you want a Shona name that will be well accepted in your country, Garai should be your pick.
39. Hondo:
This Zimbabwean Shona namecame into the spotlight through Zimbabwean cricketer Douglas Hondo. The only concern with this name is that it sounds a lot like the automobile company Honda, which isn’t exactly a drawback, but can lead to some teasing. The meaning of Hondo is ‘war’.
40. Itai:
No matter what one says, no matter what one does, people should always listen to their heart and continue following what they think is best for them. The name Itai, meaning ‘keep doing your thing’ signifies the same.
41. Kutenda:
Another unisex Shona names for babies, Kutenda sounds better for boys. Kutenda is derived from Tendayi word of Shona origin and means ‘to thank’.
42. Masimba:
The meaning of this Shona name is varied. But most of the people conclude that it’s probably a plural for Simba, which means ‘power’. Hence, Masimba means ‘much power’.
43. Mugabe:
You have to teach your daughter to be brave and strong right from the start. There’s no place for weaklings in this harsh and cruel world. So, begin the lesson by naming her Mugabe, which means ‘the strongest one’.
44. Munesu:
This traditional name means ‘God is within us’. Indeed, God is within each of us. We just need to delve deeper to find him.
45. Rudo:
Rudo is a simple and wearable shona baby boy name, meaning ‘love’ in the Shona language.
46. Runako:
Runako is the short form of Runakorwashe and means ‘beauty and goodness’. Its namesake is West Indian cricketer Runako Morton.
47. Shohiwa:
Shohiwa is one of our favorite Shona boy names. We like its combination of spunk and streamlined modernity. Shohiwa means ‘the one who is respected’.
48. Takudzwa:
This name is usually given to a baby boy born in a family that had only girls. Or it could be given to a boy of a previously honored family. Takudzwa means ‘we have been honored’.
49. Tanaka:
Tanaka is in no way an ordinary name, and is most certainly gender neutral. It means ‘we are good’.
50. Wataida:
A classic name with a hint of Shona splendor, Wataida can still be a strong and modern pick for your son. It means ‘the one you really loved’. We hope you find our list of Shona baby names helpful. Let us know your favorites in the comment section below!
