100+ Best Somali Names With Meanings
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Somalia is quite a country located in north eastern Africa.
In the Somali language, some names can be powerful and dominating in their meanings. On the other hand, there are many sublime and aesthetic Somali baby names too.
People living in Somali are identified as Somalis and the country's population is 99% Muslim, meaning that many Somali baby names are derived from Islam or the Arabic language. Some are also derived from other African languages and Persian too.
In this list of names, we will list over 100 Somali female names as well as male names, including popular, traditional and commonly used names in the country. The list will even include a few Somali nicknames that could make a great choice for your baby.
For more baby name ideas, take a look at our articles on Egyptian girl names and South African names.
Somali Boys' Names
Most Somali baby names for boys come from the Abrahamic tradition. Here is a list of some beautiful Somali male first names, perfect for your baby.
1. Absame, this first name means “the great one”. It can also be a last name.
2. Abshir, the name means “congratulations” in Somali.
3. Ahmed, the Somali name means “the most praised”. This is one of the more popular and common Somali names.
4. Asad, the name means “lion” in the Arabic language. It is a very common and popular Muslim name found in almost all Islamic countries around the world.
5. Axmed, this name is a modern variant of the age old traditional Muslim name, Ahmed. It means “the most praised one” just like Ahmed does. The ‘x’ in the middle makes it a modern choice for the new generation.
6. Barre, this name is derived from the word ‘bare’ which means “professor”. Among the best Somali boy names.
7. Bashir, this name comes from Arabic and means “bringer of good news”. Among the cute Somali baby names.
8. Burhaan, the meaning of this beautiful sounding name is “charisma”. However, it also means “proof” in Arabic. It is a great choice for those looking for Somali male names.
9. Caweys, this modern Somali name means “night”. It’s an aesthetic choice, loved by Somalis.
10. Cawil, the meaning of this moniker is “replacement”. It’s a short Somali name that will be super cute for your baby boy.
11. Cilmi, this is a traditional Somali name which means “learning of knowledge”. This name is loved all over the African continent.
12. Cumar, this name is a good alternative for the more common name, Omar. The meaning of both the names is “speaker” or “eloquent”.
13. Dalmar, this male Somali name means several things including “versatile”, “adaptable”, and “many-sided”. It’s a beautiful pick for a boy name.
14. Diric, this strong name means “fearless”.
15. Erasto, this Somali name means “peace” or “man of peace”. It’s a name given to those with a gentle personality.
16. Faarax, this name has close relations with the Arabic name, Faraz.
17. Filsan, this name means “the best of his or her age”.
18. Geesi, the meaning of this name is “courageous man”, “hero”, and “brave”. This is a powerful name which is given to strong little boys in Somalia.
19. Geedi, the meaning of this Somali name is “traveler”. This name is still quite unique, but it is getting popular with time.
20. Gurey, the meaning of this Somali name is “left handed”. This Somali name has a nice ring to it.
21. Guuleed, this powerful Somali name means “victor”. This is a name which can be found in royal families. If you’re looking to add a touch of royalty, then this is the name to choose.
22. Iiman, this name is the Somali variant of the name Imaan. The meaning of this name is “faith”.
23. Liban, this name comes from an ancient dialect of Arabic. It means “preserve”.
24. Magan, the meaning of this aesthetic Somali name is “protection” or “refuge”. It’s a good choice for a sublime name.
25. Nadifa, the meaning of this beautiful Somali name is “born between seasons”. So, if your child was born between seasons, this may be an apt name for him.
26. Rooble, this funky modern name means “rain” and this one comes from the word ‘roob’ which means "the same". Another meaning of this name is “the one who brings rain”.
27. Sharmaarke, this name has a great value in the Somali culture. This one means “protection from evil” and Somalis believe that by adopting this name they can ward off evil.
28. Suleymaan, this name is a variant of the commonly found Muslim name, Suleman. Suleman itself comes from the Hebrew name, Solomon. The meaning of this name is “peace”.
29. Tahiil, this is a spiritual name that means “balance”.
30. Tadalesh, the meaning of this Somali name is “lucky”.
31. Tafia, this Somali name means “stately” or “tribe”.
32. Tawfiiq, this beautiful Somali name means “success”.
33. Warsame, this is a traditional Somali name. This one's meaning is “good news” or “bringer of good news”.
34. Xabib, this name has close relations with the name, Habib. It means “beloved” in Somali. This one is also a common Somali last name.
35. Xidig, this Somali name means “star”.
36. Xirsi, this name is also spelt Hirsi. It means “safeguard” in the Somali language.
37. Xuseen, this Somali name comes from the word, Husayn, the word means “relating to the body”.
38. Yasir, the meaning of this name is “prosperous”. Your baby boy may grow up to be prosperous if given this name.
39. Zahi, this Somali name means “splendid”. It’s a very good name for a Somali baby boy. This is perhaps the most beautiful Somali name in the list.
Somali Girls' Names
These Somali girl names are strong, yet also sweet and aesthetic. Here is a list of some Somali baby girl names to help you name your daughter.
40. Amburo, one of the Somali girl names used as a first name as well as a last name. The meaning of this name is “amber”.
41. Astur, the meaning of this feminine Somali name is “to conceal” and “to cover”.
42. Axado, this is a very good option for a beautiful female Somali name. Its meaning is “Sunday”. If your little girl was born on Sunday, this may be an apt first name for her.
43. Axlam, this name is used mostly for baby girls. However, it can be considered a gender-neutral name. The meaning of this name is “witty” or “imaginative”.
44. Ayaan, the meaning of this name is “bright” or “fortunate”.
45. Barwaaqo, the meaning of this Somali name is “prosperous”.
46. Beydaan, this name means “almond” and is an aesthetic name for a girl. The name comes from the Persian word, ‘badaam’ which also means “almond”.
47. Bilan, the meaning of this Somali name is “first born”. As you can guess, this name is given to first born girls.
48. Bilqiiis, also spelled Bilquis, the name means “desert”.
49. Bishaaro, the meaning of this Somali name is “delight” or “joy”. It is a very positive name.
50. Caaisho, this name means “long-living”. It is the Somali variant of the Arabic name, Ayesha.
51. Caaliyah, this name is the Somali variant of Aliyah. The meaning of this name is “exalted”.
52. Calaso, the meaning of this girl name is “fair skinned”.
53. Canab, means “grape”. It is a traditional Somali name which has been used for centuries.
54. Casho, the meaning of this Somali name is “life”. It’s a short and beautiful name for girls.
55. Cawo, this stylish name for baby girls means “luck”.
56. Faduma, this name is the Somali variant of the name, Fatima. The meaning of this name is “to abstain”.
57. Fawzia, this Somali name has a very nice ring to it. It means “victorious”.
58. Fowsio, the meaning of this amazing Somali name is “success”.
59. Gargaaro, this is a very spiritual name given to those who tend to help other people and rightly so. The meaning of this name is “the one who helps”.
60. Hani, this attractive Somali name means “happy”. It’s a very cute name for girls.
61. Haweeyo, the meaning of this name is “the elevated one”. This is such a cute name for a beautiful baby girl.
62. Hodan, this traditional Somali name means “wealthy” or “rich”. It’s a good choice if you want a royal name for your daughter.
63. Hoodo, the meaning of this Somali name is “luck” or “fortunate”.
64. Idil, the meaning of this Somali name is “perfect” or “complete”.
65. Isiino, this Somali name means “born on Monday”. If your daughter was born on Monday, this may be an apt name for her.
66. Jamilah, this sweet name means “beautiful”.
67. Jawaahir, this Somali name means “jewelry”. It’s a very suitable name for little girls.
68. Khadra, this Somali name means “lucky” or “fortunate”.
69. Ladan, this Somali name means “healthy” and is quite a wholesome name.
70. Leylo, this is the Somali variation of the name Layla. It means “dusk”.
71. Magool, the meaning of this Somali name is “early flowering”.
72. Meelaaney, this name resembles the name Melanie a lot. The meaning of this name is “on the road to success”.
73. Nala, this is a very popular name. Its meaning is “the first drink of water in the desert”, which is quite sublime. It was also famous for being the name of Simba’s wife in the movie, ‘The Lion King’.
74. Nasteexo, the meaning of this modern Somali name is “advise” or “counsel”.
75. Obax, the meaning of this Somali name is “flower”.
76. Sahra, this name means “desert”.
77. Uba, this stylish Somali name means “flower”.
78. Ugbad, the meaning of this name is “bouquet of roses”.
79. Waris, this Somali name means “desert flower”.
80. Xaawo, in the Somali culture, Xaawo is the name of Eve, the first woman on earth. It also means “lively”.
81. Xalwo, the meaning of this name is “sweet”. It is also the name of a Somali desert.
82. Xoriyo, the meaning of this beautiful Somali name is “freedom”.
83. Yasmiin, this name comes from the English word, ‘jasmine’. It means the same thing: “flower”.
Somali Names That Have Religious Meanings Or Roots
Here are some wonderful Somali names that have religious meanings and roots. The perfect name for your little baby boy or girl could be in this list.
84. Aaden, the meaning of this name is “to create”.
85. Aamina, the meaning of this beautiful girls' name is “feel safe”.
86. Abdirahim, this name comes from Arabic and means “servant of the most merciful”.
87. Abdiraxman, the meaning of this name is “servant of divine grace”.
88. Abdullahi, this name means “servant of God”.
89. Cabdulmajid, the meaning of the name is “servant of the glorious”.
90. Daahir, the name means “religiously pure”.
91. Hibaaq, the meaning of this religious name is “gift from Allah”.
92. Ibraahin, the meaning of this name is “the son of God”.
93. Ismaacil, this amazing Somali boy name means “God will hear”.
94. Khadiija, means “premature child”.
95. Maxamed, this is another modern variant of the traditional Muslim name, Muhammad.
96. Yuusuf, in other Islamic countries, this name is spelled with a single ‘u’: Yusuf. The meaning of this name is “God increases”.
Somali Names That Are Related To The Sun
The sun is one of the most common imageries in Somali names. Here are some names from Somalia that are linked to the sun, perfect for your baby who will be a bright, shining light in your life.
97. Aftaab, this name means "right, prosperous, the sun".
98. Barkhado, the meaning of this amazing Somali name is “sunbeam”. It is a very common girl name in Somalia.
99. Sagal, the meaning of this beautiful name is “morning rays of the sun during the rainy season”. It is a cute name for Somali girls.
100. Shamshi, this Somali name comes from Old Persian and its meaning is “my sun” or “my sunshine”.
101. Taban, the meaning of this beautiful Somali boy name is “sunshine”. It’s a very cheerful and positive name.
Kidadl has lots of great name articles to inspire you. If you liked our suggestions for Somali names then why not take some inspiration from something a little different like these wonderful Arabic girl names or these cool Arabic boy names.
Main image credit: ymphotos / Shutterstock.com
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Bachelor of Arts specializing in French with Film Studies, Bachelor of Arts (Year Abroad) specializing in Literature, History, Language, Media, and Art
Georgia StoneBachelor of Arts specializing in French with Film Studies, Bachelor of Arts (Year Abroad) specializing in Literature, History, Language, Media, and Art
Georgia is an experienced Content Manager with a degree in French and Film Studies from King's College London and Bachelors degree from Université Paris-Sorbonne. Her passion for exploring the world and experiencing different cultures was sparked during her childhood in Switzerland and her year abroad in Paris. In her spare time, Georgia enjoys using London's excellent travel connections to explore further afield.
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