THE 2026 FIELD GUIDE IS HERERead the trend report

Amharic names.

628 verified names from Ethiopia — each with its meaning, its sound, and its traditional spelling.

A

AbatboyA direct, affectionate tribute to one’s father and family roots./ah-BAHT/AbayboyA strong, enduring name inspired by Ethiopia’s great river/ah-BY/AbdullahboyServant (or worshipper) of God./ab-DOOL-lah/AbebagirlBlossom—a cheerful name suggesting a child who brings beauty and new happiness into the family./ah-BEH-bah/AbebeboyHe blossomed/ah-BEH-beh/AbebechgirlShe blossomed/ah-BEH-bech/AbenetboyExample; model; exemplar./ah-beh-NET/AbiyboyGreat or distinguished/ah-BEEY/AdaneboyHe saved or rescued/ah-DAH-neh/AdanechgirlShe saved or rescued/ah-DAH-nech/Addisboy or girlNew; fresh beginnings/AH-dis/AddisuboyThe new one; a child who brings a fresh beginning/ah-DI-soo/AdilboyA fair-minded and upright man/ah-DEEL/AdilagirlA fair-minded and upright woman/ah-DEE-lah/AdmasuboyStrong, precious, and resilient like a diamond/ad-MAH-soo/AdugnaboyA traditional Amharic name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story/ah-DOOG-nah/AdunyagirlThe world; worldly life./ah-DOON-ya/AfeworkboyA golden voice or a person whose words are precious/ah-feh-WORK/AfeworkiboyA person whose words are golden and precious/ah-feh-WOR-kee/AhmedboyMost praised; highly commendable./AH-med/AishagirlAlive, vibrant, and full of life/EYE-shah/AkaluboyHis very being or embodied presence/ah-KAH-loo/AklilegirlMy crown./ahk-LEE-leh/AkliluboyHis crown; a child held in honor/ahk-LEE-loo/AklogboyA name associated with wisdom and learning/ah-KLOG/AlazarboyEleazar; God has helped/ah-lah-ZAR/Alemboy or girlThe world; a name expressing wide hopes and possibility/AH-lem/AlemayehuboyOne who has seen the world/ah-lem-ah-YEH-hoo/AlemneshgirlYou are my world/ah-lem-NESH/AlemtsahaygirlSun of the world/ah-lem-tsah-HIGH/AlemuboyOf the world; belonging to the world/ah-LEH-moo/Aleneboy or girlWe have./ah-LEH-neh/AlganeshgirlYour bed./al-gah-NESH/AlmazgirlA precious and wonderfully strong spirit/ahl-MAHZ/AltayegirlA traditional Amharic name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story/al-TAH-yeh/AlulaboyWing./ah-LOO-lah/Amanboy or girlPeace and security/AH-mahn/AmanuelboyGod is with us/ah-mahn-oo-EL/AmareboyHe became beautiful/ah-MAH-reh/AmarechgirlShe is beautiful/ah-MAH-rech/AmeleworkgirlGolden character; character/nature of gold./ah-meh-leh-WORK/AmhaboyStrength and power/AHM-hah/AminboyA trustworthy and dependable man/ah-MEEN/AminagirlA trustworthy and faithful woman/ah-MEE-nah/AmiragirlPrincess; female commander or leader./ah-MEE-rah/AmlesetgirlGod has restored/returned her./am-leh-SET/AmsalegirlMy likeness; my image; example./am-SAH-leh/AmsaluboyHis image or likeness/ahm-SAH-loo/AnbesawboyThe lion; brave and strong-hearted/ahm-beh-SAW/AnbessaboyLion; a bold and courageous child/ahm-BESS-ah/AndualemboyOne world; a name expressing unity and wholeness/ahn-doo-AH-lem/AnisagirlFriendly and companionable/ah-NEE-sah/AregashgirlYou have made things firm and secure/ah-reh-GASH/AregawiboySteadfast and firm/ah-reh-GAH-wee/AronboyA traditional Amharic name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story/ah-RON/ArsemagirlA revered Christian saint’s name/ar-SEH-mah/AsefaboyOne who grows in strength and achievement/ah-SEH-fah/AsegedboyOne who inspires reverence/ah-SEH-ged/AsfawboyHe expanded or increased/ahs-FAW/AshenafiboyVictorious; a winner/ah-sheh-NAH-fee/AsnakeboyA name associated with making beautiful or bringing beauty into the world/ahs-NAH-keh/AsnakechgirlShe made [it/someone] beautiful./ah-snah-KECH/AsratboyA sacred offering or tenth portion/ahs-RAT/AssefaboyHe made greater or more abundant/ah-SSEH-fah/AstergirlStar/AH-stehr/AtsedegirlFlower or blossom/ah-TSEH-deh/AwekeboyHe knows or he understands—a thoughtful and perceptive name/ah-WEH-keh/AyalewboyOne who sees clearly and attentively/ah-yah-LEW/AyeleboyHe saw or has seen/ah-YEH-leh/AyelechgirlShe saw or has seen/ah-YEH-lech/AyenewboyWe saw him / we have seen him./ah-yeh-NEW/AynadisgirlNew eye; new vision./eye-NAH-dis/AynalemboyThe eye of the world; one who sees widely and wisely/eye-nah-LEM/AyneshgirlYou are my eye; a precious one to cherish/eye-NESH/AzebgirlThe south; traditionally associated with the Queen of Sheba/AH-zeb/AzmeragirlHarvest and seasonal abundance/az-MEH-rah/

B

BahirboySea; vast and enduring/BAH-heer/BalchaboyA historic Ethiopian name associated with strength and distinction/BAHL-chah/BamlakboyBy God’s grace/BAHM-lahk/BanchiamlakgirlGod is with you/ban-chee-AM-lak/BantayehuboyLikely “let it be yours,” if representing the Amharic expression ባንተ ይሁን (Banteyhun)./ban-tah-YEH-hoo/BarnabasboyA source of encouragement and comfort to others/BAR-na-bas/BayushgirlA joyful name expressing that life has been seen and experienced/bah-YOOSH/BefekaduboyBy his will or according to his purpose/beh-feh-KAH-doo/BekeleboyHe has blossomed and flourished/beh-KEH-leh/BekelechgirlShe has blossomed and flourished/beh-KEH-lech/BelachewboyHe ate them./be-LA-chew/BelayboyAbove; outstanding and elevated/beh-LIE/BelaynehboyYou are elevated and exceptional/beh-LIE-neh/BelayneshgirlYou are elevated and exceptional/beh-LIE-nesh/BeleteboyHe has excelled and gone beyond/beh-LEH-teh/BeletechgirlShe has excelled and gone beyond/beh-LEH-tech/Bereketboy or girlA blessing and gift from God/beh-reh-KET/Berhanboy or girlA bright light bringing hope and warmth/behr-HAHN/BerhaneboyMy light, with the warm sense of divine guidance/ber-HAH-neh/BerhanuboyMay God’s light shine through him/ber-HAH-noo/BetelhemgirlBethlehem; a name rich with Christian heritage/beh-tehl-HEHM/BetelihemgirlBethlehem, traditionally understood as the house of bread—a warm symbol of home and belonging./beh-teh-lee-HEM/BethelgirlHouse of God./BEH-thel/BetigirlBetty, an English diminutive of Elizabeth./BEH-tee/Betselotboy or girlSurrounded by prayer and loving hope/beh-tseh-LOHT/BeyeneboyA name associated with strength and dignity/beh-YEH-neh/BezagirlRedemption; a precious source of saving grace/BEH-zah/BinyamboyBenjamin; a cherished son/bin-YAHM/BirhaneboyMy light; a bright blessing in the family/beer-HAH-neh/BirhanuboyHis light; radiant and full of hope/beer-HAH-noo/BirtukangirlOrange; bright, joyful, and sweet/beer-too-KAHN/BiruboyBright; shining./BI-roo/BirukboyBlessed and fortunate/bee-ROOK/BiruktgirlA blessed and fortunate woman/bee-ROOKT/BiruktawitgirlBlessed and beautiful, a loving name for a daughter whose birth is treasured./bee-rook-TAH-wit/BisratboyGood news; glad tidings./BIS-raht/BitewboyA traditional name apparently based on ቢተው, “if he leaves it/him” or “let it be left”; the supplied relief gloss is not a reliable literal meaning./bee-TEW/BizuneshgirlAbundant, cherished, and richly blessed/bee-zoo-NESH/BlengirlA radiant, glowing presence/BLEHN/BogaleboyA strong and victorious person/boh-GAH-leh/

C

D

DagimboyAgain; a joyful new beginning/DAH-gim/DagmawiboyThe second-born; a treasured second child/dag-MAH-wee/DagmawitgirlThe second-born; a treasured second child/dag-MAH-wit/DagnewboyA name associated with seeing and understanding/DAHG-nyew/Damtewboy“Listen to him.”/DAHM-tew/DawitboyBeloved/DAH-wit/DebebeboyHe has blossomed and flourished/deh-BEH-beh/DebritugirlMeaning uncertain; do not assign “a strong and resilient woman” as a literal meaning./deh-BREE-too/Degefuboy“They supported him” or “they upheld him.”/deh-GEH-foo/DeguboyThe good and kind one/DEH-goo/DejeneboyMy support; a dependable and cherished child/deh-JEH-neh/DelneshgirlA cherished traditional name associated with happiness and well-being/del-NESH/DemekeboyHe has brightened; a radiant and uplifting presence/deh-MEH-keh/Demelashboy“His replacement/substitute,” or “one who replaces him.”/deh-meh-LAHSH/DerartugirlA traditional Ethiopian woman’s name, warmly associated with strength and achievement/deh-RAHR-too/DerejeboyHe has grown in wisdom and maturity/deh-REH-jeh/DesalechgirlYou have brought joy, a tender celebration of a much-loved daughter./deh-sah-LECH/DesalegnboyI am happy; a child who brings joy/deh-SAH-legn/DesetgirlHappiness and delight—a warm name for a much-loved daughter./DEH-set/Destaboy or girlJoy; happiness/DES-tah/DinkineshgirlYou are wonderful; a truly remarkable girl/din-ki-NESH/DinkuboyA remarkable and wonderful child/DIN-koo/

E

Edenboy or girlEden; a place of delight and paradise/EE-den/Edjigayehugirl“I saw much/a great deal.”/eh-jee-gah-YEH-hoo/EgziabherboyGod; a name expressing reverence for the Lord/eg-zee-AH-bher/ElenigirlA form of Helen, traditionally associated with light and radiance/eh-LEH-nee/ElizabetgirlElizabeth; “God is my oath”/eh-lee-za-BET/ElshadaiboyEl Shaddai; God Almighty, expressing divine protection and strength/el-sha-DYE/EmanuelboyGod is with us; a name expressing divine closeness/eh-man-oo-EL/EmbetgirlLady or noblewoman, warmly honoring her dignity/EM-bet/EmebetgirlLady or noblewoman; a dignified and cherished daughter/eh-meh-BET/EmiruboyA traditional Ethiopian name associated with princely dignity and honor/eh-MEE-roo/EmnetgirlFaith; a name expressing trust, hope, and spiritual strength/EM-net/EnatgirlMother; a warm name honoring nurture, love, and family/EH-nat/EndaleboyA traditional Ethiopian name expressing continuity with a family or community/en-DAH-leh/EndalewboyA traditional Ethiopian name expressing steadfast presence and belonging/en-da-LEW/Endeshawboy“As he wishes” or “according to his desire.”/en-deh-SHAW/EnkugirlA precious jewel; someone treasured dearly/EN-koo/EphremboyA form of Ephraim, traditionally associated with fruitfulness and flourishing/EH-frem/ErmiasboyJeremiah; traditionally understood as “the Lord exalts”/er-mee-AS/EsayasboyIsaiah; “the Lord is salvation”/eh-SAH-yas/EshetuboyA traditional Ethiopian name associated with newness, freshness, and renewal/eh-sheh-TOO/EskedargirlA feminine Ethiopian form of Alexander, associated with protecting and defending/es-keh-DAR/EskinderboyA form of Alexander, associated with strength and protection/es-KIN-der/EstifanosboyStephen; a name associated with honor and a crown/es-tee-FAH-nos/EsubalewboyHe is there for me; a name conveying dependable support/eh-soo-ba-LEW/EteneshgirlYou are my lady; a tender expression of honor and affection/eh-teh-NESH/EtsegenetgirlTree of paradise; a name suggesting beauty, blessing, and flourishing/et-seh-geh-NET/EtsehiwotgirlTree of life; a beautiful wish for vitality and a long, flourishing life/et-seh-hee-WOT/EwketuboyKnowledge; a child valued for wisdom and understanding/ew-keh-TOO/EwnetuboyTruth; an honest and sincere person/ew-neh-TOO/EyasuboyJoshua; the Lord is salvation/eh-YAH-soo/EyerusalemgirlJerusalem, a name recalling the holy city and its spiritual heritage/eh-yeh-roo-sa-LEM/EyoelboyJoel; “the Lord is God”/eh-YOH-el/

F

FanagirlLight that brightens the way/FAH-nah/FanayegirlMy light and source of brightness/fah-nah-YEH/FantaboyA replacement or substitute; often a child regarded as coming “in place of” someone or something lost./FAN-ta/Fasikaboy or girlEaster, the season of renewal and joyful hope/fah-SEE-kah/FasilboyA historic Ethiopian Christian name, associated with strength and joyful celebration/FAH-seel/FekaduboyHis will, purpose, or good intention/feh-KAH-doo/FelekeboyOne who flourishes and grows beautifully/feh-LEH-keh/FelekechgirlA girl who flourishes and blossoms/feh-LEH-kech/FetleworkgirlGolden thread; a precious and beautiful child/FET-leh-work/FevengirlFebruary./FEH-ven/FikaduboyMay his wishes and purpose be fulfilled/fi-KAH-doo/Fikirboy or girlLove and affection/fi-KEER/FikirtegirlA beloved child, cherished with love/fi-KEER-teh/FikreboyMy love; a heartfelt expression of affection/FIK-reh/FikreabboyLove of the Father; a name expressing devotion and faith/FIK-reh-ahb/FikremariamboyLove of Mary/FIK-reh-mah-ree-AHM/FikreselassieboyLove of the Holy Trinity/FIK-reh-seh-LAHS-see/FikretgirlLove, tenderness and affection/FIK-ret/FikreyesusboyLove of Jesus/FIK-reh-YEH-soos/FilimonboyAffectionate and loving/fi-lee-MON/FirdawsigirlParadise; a life filled with beauty and peace/feer-DAW-see/FissehaboyJoy and gladness/fi-SEH-hah/FitsumboyWholeness, excellence and perfection/FIT-soom/FitwiboyJust, fair, or upright/FIT-wee/FiyorigirlFlower./fee-YOR-ee/FoziagirlSuccessful and victorious/FOH-zee-ah/Frehiwotboy or girlFruit of life; a child who brings life and blessing/freh-hee-WOT/FrewboyHis fruit; the cherished result of blessing and growth/FREH-oo/FreweinigirlFruit of the vine; a symbol of abundance and blessing/freh-WAY-nee/FrezergirlFruit and seed; by extension, offspring or fruitfulness./FREH-zer/

G

GashawboyHis shield—a name expressing protection and strength/GAH-shaw/GebreboyA devoted servant; often used as a shortened traditional name/GEH-breh/GebregziabherboyA devoted servant of God/geh-breh-gzee-AHB-her/GebrehiwotboyA servant of life/geh-breh-HEE-wot/GebrekidanboyServant of the covenant/geh-breh-ki-DAHN/GebrekristosboyServant of Christ/geh-breh-KRIS-tos/GebremariamboyA devoted servant of Mary/geh-breh-mah-ree-AHM/GebremedhinboyA devoted servant of the Saviour/geh-breh-MED-hin/GebremichaelboyA devoted servant of Michael/geh-breh-mee-kah-EL/GebreselassieboyA devoted servant of the Holy Trinity/geh-breh-seh-LAHS-see/GebretensaeboyA servant of the Resurrection/geh-breh-ten-SAH-eh/GebreyesusboyA devoted servant of Jesus/geh-breh-YEH-soos/GebrielboyGod is my strength/geh-bree-EL/GebruboyA devoted servant of God; often used as a shortened traditional name/GEH-broo/GenetgirlParadise—a joyful name for a beloved child/geh-NET/GenzebegirlMy wealth; my money or treasure./gen-zeh-BEH/GetachewboyTheir lord or master/geh-TAH-chew/GetahunboyMay he become a lord—a name of dignity and aspiration/geh-TAH-hoon/GetuboyHis lord or master/GEH-too/GezahegnboyHe subdued me; he conquered me (also interpretable as “he bought me,” depending on context)./geh-zah-HEGN/GirmaboyMajesty, dignity, and greatness/GEER-mah/GirmayboyMy majesty—a name carrying hopes of greatness/geer-MY/GiyorgisboyGeorge, traditionally associated with courage and steadfastness/gee-YOR-gees/GizachewboyOne who rules or leads them/gee-ZAH-chew/GizawboyOne who rules or leads/gee-ZOW/

H

HabibagirlBeloved and dearly cherished/ha-BEE-bah/HabtamuboyHis wealth or the wealthy one/hab-TAH-moo/HabteboyWealth or prosperity/HAB-teh/HabtemariamboyThe wealth or blessing of Mary/hab-teh-mah-REE-am/HabtemichaelboyThe wealth or blessing of Michael/hab-teh-mee-KAH-el/HabtewoldboyA child who is a blessing or treasure/hab-teh-WOLD/HadasgirlNew or fresh/HAH-dahs/Hagerboy or girlCountry, homeland, or nation/HAH-ger/HagosboyJoy or happiness/HAH-gos/HaileboyMy strength or his strength/HAH-lee/HailemariamboyThe strength of Mary/high-leh-mah-REE-am/HailemichaelboyThe strength of Michael/high-leh-mee-KAH-el/HaileselassieboyThe strength of the Holy Trinity/high-leh-seh-LAHS-see/HaileyesusboyThe strength of Jesus/high-leh-YEH-soos/HailuboyHis strength/HAH-loo/Haimanotboy or girlFaith or religious devotion/high-mah-NOHT/HakimboyA wise and thoughtful man/hah-KEEM/HakimagirlA wise and thoughtful woman/hah-KEE-mah/HalimagirlGentle, patient, and kind-hearted/ha-LEE-mah/Hamleboy or girlA warm-season name evoking summer skies and flourishing nature/HAM-leh/HamzaboyStrong, steadfast, or lion-like; an Arabic name used among Ethiopian Muslims/HAM-zah/HanagirlGrace or favor/HAH-nah/HanangirlMercy, compassion, or kindness/HAH-nahn/HannagirlGrace, kindness, and a gentle spirit/HAN-nah/HaregewoyingirlGrapevine; vine of wine./ha-reh-geh-WOY-in/HassanboyGood, handsome, or admirable; an Arabic name used among Ethiopian Muslims/HAS-san/HawagirlEve; the first woman/HAH-wah/HaymanotgirlFaith and a life devoted to God/high-mah-NOT/HewangirlEve; the mother of humanity/HEH-wahn/Hidarboy or girlHidar, marking the month in which the child was born./HEE-dahr/Hikmatboy or girlA child blessed with wisdom and good judgment/HIK-maht/HirutgirlLiberated or free-spirited/hee-ROOT/Hiwotboy or girlLife/hee-WOHT/HusseinboyGood or beautiful; an Arabic name used among Ethiopian Muslims/hoo-SAYN/

I

IbrahimboyFather of multitudes, a hopeful name for a child surrounded by love/ib-rah-HEEM/IbtisamgirlSmile, celebrating the happiness and warmth a child brings/ib-ti-SAHM/IdrisboyThe prophet Idris, remembered in Islamic tradition for wisdom and devotion/ID-ris/Ihsanboy or girlGoodness and excellence, wishing a child a generous and noble character/ih-SAHN/Ikramboy or girlHonor, generosity, and graciousness toward others/ik-RAHM/IlhamgirlInspiration, a beautiful wish for a child who brings fresh ideas and hope/il-HAHM/IliasboyMy God is the Lord, expressing deep faith and devotion/il-YAHS/Imanboy or girlFaith, trust, and a heart grounded in belief/ee-MAHN/ImmanuelboyGod is with us, a reassuring and deeply cherished blessing/im-MAN-yoo-el/IntisargirlVictory and triumph, celebrating a child who brings strength and joy/in-ti-SAHR/IqragirlRead or recite, associated with learning, wisdom, and a love of knowledge/IK-rah/IsaboyJesus, the beloved name of the central figure of Christianity/EE-sah/IsaiasboyThe Lord is salvation, a name filled with hope and protection/eye-ZAY-as/IslamboyDevotion and submission to God, with associations of peace and wholeness/iss-LAHM/IsmailboyGod hears, offering comfort and confidence that prayers are received/iss-mah-EEL/IsragirlNight journey, a name associated with a wondrous spiritual journey/ISS-rah/IsraelboyOne who strives with God, suggesting courage, perseverance, and spiritual strength/IZ-rah-el/IyasuboyThe Lord is salvation, a traditional Ethiopian Christian name rich in faith/ee-YAH-soo/IyesusboyJesus, or salvation, a profoundly cherished Christian name/ee-YEH-soos/

J

K

KalkidangirlA child of promise and faithful love/kahl-kee-DAHN/KassaboyA treasured blessing and recompense/KAH-sah/KassahunboyA precious blessing and source of comfort/kah-sah-HOON/KassayeboyMy treasured reward and blessing/kah-sah-YEH/KassuboyA cherished blessing and reward/KAH-soo/KebebushgirlYou are held in love and protection/keh-beh-BOOSH/KebedeboyHe has grown in greatness and strength/keh-BEH-deh/KebedechgirlShe has grown in greatness and strength/keh-BEH-dech/KebourboyHonored, respected, or held in high esteem/keh-BOOR/KefyalewboyHe is lifted up and honored/keh-fyah-LEW/KetemaboyA child whose presence brings life and community/keh-TEH-mah/KidanboyA child of promise and faithful bonds/kee-DAHN/KidaneboyA sign of a cherished covenant/kee-DAH-neh/KidanemariamboyA child entrusted to the covenant of Mary/kee-dah-neh-mah-ree-AHM/KidanemihretboyA child embraced by a covenant of mercy/kee-dah-neh-mih-HRET/KidistgirlHoly, pure, and deeply cherished/kee-DIST/KidusboyHoly and blessed/kee-DOOS/Kidusanboy or girlOne among the holy and blessed/kee-doo-SAHN/KifleboyMy cherished portion and blessing/KIF-leh/Kiremtboy or girlA life-giving name evoking rain, renewal, and green growing things/kee-REHMT/KirosboyCyrus, a historic royal name carried with dignity/kee-ROHS/Kokebboy or girlA shining star in the family/koh-KEB/KonjitgirlBeautiful and lovely/kohn-JEET/Konjoboy or girlBeautiful, lovely, and pleasing/KON-jo/KristosboyA name honoring Christ and Christian faith/kris-TOHS/Kumelachewboy or girlOne who brings people together in harmony/koo-meh-LAH-chew/

L

M

MagdalenagirlWoman from Magdala./mag-dah-LEH-nah/MahletgirlA joyful hymn of praise/MAH-let/MamoboyA traditional Ethiopian given name whose exact original sense is not certain, but which is warmly established in use/MAH-moh/MaryamgirlMary, the revered mother of Jesus/mah-ree-AHM/MastewalgirlWisdom, understanding, and good judgment/mas-teh-WAL/MatewosboyMatthew, traditionally understood as “gift of God”/mah-TEH-woss/MatheosboyA gift from God/mah-teh-OS/MathewosboyGift from God/mat-TEH-wos/MatiasboyMatthias, traditionally understood as “gift of God”/mah-TEE-ass/MeazagirlA sweet fragrance or pleasing aroma/meh-AH-zah/MebratgirlLight and brightness/MEH-brat/MebrategirlMy light, a tender name for a beloved daughter/meh-BRAH-teh/MebratuboyHis light; a child who brings brightness to the family/meh-BRAH-too/MedhaneboySavior; redeemer./med-HAH-neh/MedhanialemboyThe Savior of the world/med-hah-nee-AH-lem/MedhanitgirlHealing, rescue, and salvation/med-hah-NEET/MedhinboyA saving and healing presence/MEHD-hin/MehariboyMerciful and compassionate/meh-HAH-ree/MeheretgirlA compassionate woman with a merciful heart/meh-HEH-ret/MekdelawitgirlA woman of Magdala; a name evoking dignity and strength/mek-deh-LAH-wit/MekdesgirlA sacred place; a name with a feeling of holiness and dignity/MEK-dess/MeklitgirlA precious gift or special talent/MEK-lit/MekonnenboyA respected leader or noble official/meh-KON-nen/MekuriaboyHonor, glory, or dignity/meh-KOO-ree-ah/MelakuboyMy angel, a cherished child and blessing/meh-LAH-koo/MelesboyOne who has returned, or a long-awaited child/MEH-less/MenassieboyA name associated with leaving past troubles behind and beginning anew/me-NAS-see/MenelikboyMenelik, the historic Ethiopian royal name associated with strength and heritage/meh-neh-LEEK/MenengirlA traditional Amharic name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story/meh-NEN/MentewabgirlHow beautiful!; what beauty!/men-teh-WAB/Meronboy or girlJoy—a bright name celebrating the happiness of a new child./MEH-ron/MesayboyOne who resembles or takes after someone beloved/meh-SIGH/MeselugirlLikeness; resemblance./meh-SEH-loo/MeseretgirlA strong foundation for life/meh-SEH-ret/MesfinboyA noble and dignified son/MES-feen/MeskelboyThe cross, a strong Christian symbol of faith/MES-kel/MeskeremgirlNamed for Meskerem, the first month of the Ethiopian calendar and a season of new beginnings/mes-keh-REM/MestawetgirlA shining mirror, reflecting beauty and character/mes-tah-WET/MezmurboyA sacred song of praise—a celebratory name for a child welcomed with gratitude./MEZ-moor/Mihretboy or girlMercy, compassion, and loving-kindness/MIH-ret/MihretuboyA child surrounded by mercy and compassion/mih-REH-too/MikaelboyMichael, traditionally understood as “Who is like God?”/mee-kah-EL/MilkigirlSuccess, achievement, or good fortune (an Oromo/Afaan Oromo term, rather than Amharic)./MIL-kee/MillionboyA child of immense worth and abundance/MIL-yohn/MinasboyMinas, the name of a revered Christian saint/MEE-nass/MintesnotboyA child understood as coming from God/min-tes-NOOT/MirtgirlProduce, yield, or harvest./MEERT/Misganaboy or girlThanksgiving and grateful praise to God/mis-GAH-nah/MisganawboyA thankful and appreciative heart/mis-gah-NAW/MitikuboyA beloved child who fills a precious place in the family/mih-TEE-koo/MogesboyGrace, favor, and goodwill/MOH-gess/MollaboyFilled, complete, or fulfilled/MOL-lah/MulatuboyHis fullness; his abundance./moo-LA-too/Muluboy or girlWhole, complete, and fulfilled/MOO-loo/MulualemboyA child precious to the whole world/moo-loo-ah-LEM/MuluemebetgirlA complete or whole lady/woman./moo-loo-eh-meh-BET/MulugetaboyComplete victory and success/moo-loo-GEH-tah/MuluneshgirlYou are complete and whole/moo-loo-NESH/MuluworkgirlPure gold; a precious and deeply treasured child/moo-loo-WORK/

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SabirboyA patient and resilient man/sah-BEER/SabiragirlA patient and resilient woman/sah-BEE-rah/SafiyagirlPure-hearted and sincere/sah-FEE-yah/SahleboyMercy or compassion/SAH-leh/SahleworkgirlGold of mercy, suggesting preciousness and blessing/SAH-leh-work/SalimboyA man who brings peace and security/sah-LEEM/SalimagirlA peaceful and protected woman/sah-LEE-mah/SamrawitgirlShe has prospered and flourished/sam-rah-WEET/SaragirlPrincess; noblewoman/SAH-rah/SebhatboyPraise or praise to God/SEB-hat/SeblegirlEar of grain; a name associated with abundance and growth/SEB-leh/SebleworkgirlGolden grain; a warm name for abundance and preciousness/SEB-leh-work/SegenetgirlVeranda, balcony, or porch./seh-geh-NET/SeifuboyHis sword; a strong and protective name/SAY-foo/Selamboy or girlPeace/seh-LAHM/SelamawiboyA peaceful and calm person/seh-lah-MAH-wee/SelamawitgirlPeaceful; full of peace/seh-lah-MAH-wit/SelamneshgirlYou are peace/seh-lahm-NESH/SemiragirlAn evening companion or one who engages in evening conversation./seh-MEE-rah/SenaitgirlGoodness; a lovely and good person/seh-NIGHT/SenberegirlSabbath; Sunday./sen-beh-REH/SenegirlA bright early-summer name, associated with warmth and growth/SEH-neh/SewitgirlWoman; female person./seh-WEET/Sewnetboy or girlHumanity or human nature/SEW-net/SeyoumboyAn appointed or chosen person/say-OOM/ShambelboyA traditional Amharic name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story/SHAM-bel/ShewitgirlBeautiful and graceful/SHEH-weet/ShiferawboyOne who spreads or expands; traditionally associated with growth and reach/shih-feh-RAW/ShimelisboyA traditional Amharic name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story/shih-MEH-lis/Shukriboy or girlThanks or gratitude/SHOOK-ree/ShumetboyAppointment, rank, or honor/SHOO-met/SileshiboyA traditional Amharic name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story/sih-LEH-shee/Simegngirl“Hear/listen to me” (Amharic ስማኝ), not “remember me.”/see-MEGN/SintayehuboyA name expressing wonder: “what have I seen?”/sin-tah-YEH-hoo/SisayboyBlessing or good fortune/sih-SIGH/SitotawboyThe gift/sih-toh-TAW/SofiagirlWisdom/soh-FEE-ah/SoliyanagirlCommonly glossed as “sunshine” or “sunlight”; it is not an established Amharic expression for peace and grace./soh-lee-YAH-nah/StefanosboyCrown or wreath of honor/steh-FAH-nos/SuadgirlHappiness, good fortune, and joy/soo-AHD/SurafelboyA seraph or heavenly angel/soo-rah-FEL/

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TabithagirlA graceful gazelle, suggesting beauty and liveliness/TAB-ih-tha/TadeleboyFortunate and blessed with good fortune/tah-DEH-leh/TadesseboyHe has been renewed and blessed with fresh hope./tah-DESS-eh/TafariboyOne who inspires awe; a dignified and remarkable child/tah-FAH-ree/Tafesseboy“He overflowed” or “he became abundant,” from Amharic ተፈሰ./tah-FESS-eh/TaitugirlTraditionally associated with the sun; often glossed simply as “sun.”/TAI-too/TameneboyA dependable child who inspires trust./tah-MEH-neh/TamiratboyMiracle—a joyful name for a child whose arrival feels wonderfully blessed./tah-mee-RAHT/TamiruboyA child who brings wonder and triumph/tah-MEE-roo/TayeboyA child whose presence is precious and dearly cherished./TAH-yeh/TedrosboyA gift from God./TED-ross/TeferaboyA respected and honorable person./teh-FEH-rah/TeferiboyRevered and held in awe/teh-FEH-ree/TegegneboyA precious child who has been found and welcomed with joy./teh-GEH-nyeh/Tekalignboy“Replace me” or “substitute for me” (Amharic ተካልኝ)./teh-kah-LYIN/TekesteboyA long-awaited child whose arrival brings joy./teh-KESS-teh/TekleboyA child who grows strong and rooted, like a flourishing plant./TEK-leh/TeklehaymanotboyA child rooted in faith and spiritual strength./TEK-leh-high-mah-NOT/TemesgenboyMay his life be filled with praise and gratitude./teh-MESS-gen/Tenagneworkgirl“He found gold” (ተናኘ ወርቅ)./teh-nag-neh-WORK/TesemaboyA child whose arrival feels like an answered prayer./teh-SEH-mah/Tesfaboy or girlHope, optimism, and trust in God/TES-fah/TesfahunboyA child who brings hope and encouragement./tes-FAH-hoon/TesfayeboyMy hope and the promise of a bright future./tes-FAH-yeh/TeshaleboyA child associated with growth, healing, and improvement./teh-SHAH-leh/TeshomeboyA child destined for purpose and responsibility./teh-SHOH-meh/TewabeboyA beautiful and graceful child./teh-WAH-beh/TewabechgirlShe is beautiful and lovely/teh-wah-BECH/TewabewboyHe is handsome and lovely/teh-wah-BEH-woo/TewodajboyBeloved, cherished, or widely loved/teh-woh-DAJ/TewodrosboyA gift from God/teh-woh-DROS/TibebuboyA wise and thoughtful child./tih-BEH-boo/Tigabuboy or girlA diligent person who keeps going with patience/tee-GAH-boo/TigistgirlA patient, steady, and resilient woman./tee-GIST/TilahunboyA child who offers shelter, protection, and support./tee-LAH-hoon/TilayeboyA beloved child who is a source of comfort and protection./tee-LAH-yeh/Tiruboy or girlA good-hearted and kind person./TEE-roo/TirunehboyA son praised for his goodness and kind character./tee-roo-NEH/TiruneshgirlA daughter celebrated for her goodness and kind character./tee-roo-NESH/TiruworkgirlA precious person with a good heart/ti-roo-WORK/TiruyegirlMy good one; a tender name expressing affection and appreciation/tee-ROO-yeh/TizitagirlA cherished memory and treasured remembrance./tee-ZEE-tah/TomasboyThe Amharic form of Thomas, traditionally associated with a twin/toh-MAHS/TsedalgirlA bright, radiant presence/tseh-DAHL/Tsedeyboy or girlThe freshness, renewal, and promise of spring/tseh-DAY/Tsegaboy or girlGrace, blessing, and goodness./TSEH-gah/TsegahunboyA child surrounded by grace and blessing./tseh-GAH-hoon/TsegayeboyA child seen as a personal blessing and gift of grace./tseh-GAH-yeh/TsegeredagirlA graceful Ethiopian name associated with the rose and its beauty/tseh-geh-REH-dah/Tsehayboy or girlA radiant child who brings warmth and light./tseh-HIGH/TsehayneshgirlA daughter who is the light and warmth of her family./tseh-high-NESH/TsigegirlFlower or blossom/TSEE-geh/

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Wegeneboy or girlMy kinsman or my beloved relative/weh-GEH-neh/WogayehuboyA traditional Ethiopian personal name associated with heritage and identity/woh-gah-YEH-hoo/WoineshetgirlGrape-like and graceful, evoking sweetness and abundance/woy-neh-SHET/WoldegebrielboySon of Gabriel, a name with a treasured Christian heritage/wol-deh-geh-bree-EL/WoldemariamboySon of Mary, expressing a cherished Christian heritage/wol-deh-mah-ree-AHM/WoldemichaelboySon of Michael, carrying the protection and strength associated with the archangel/wol-deh-mee-kah-EL/WoldeselassieboySon of the Trinity, a name rooted in Christian faith/wol-deh-seh-LAH-see/WoldetensaeboySon of the Resurrection, a name of hope and renewed life/wol-deh-ten-SAH-eh/WoldeyohannesboySon of John, expressing a cherished family and Christian connection/wol-deh-yoh-HAH-nes/WondafrashboyMan-breaker/destroyer; a forceful name built from “man” and “breaker/destroyer.”/won-dah-FRASH/WondimuboyHis brother—a name celebrating the blessing of family/wun-dee-MOO/WondmagegnboyOne who has found a brother—a joyful name of kinship/wund-mah-GEHN/WondwossenboyA man of firm character and resolve/wun-dwoh-SUN/WorkneshgirlYou are gold, precious and deeply valued/wor-KNESH/Worqboy or girlGold, expressing preciousness, prosperity, and lasting worth/work/WorqitugirlHer gold, a precious and treasured daughter/wor-KEE-too/WoseneboyHe has decided—a name expressing determination/woh-SEH-neh/WossenboyBoundary or limit—a name suggesting strength, steadiness, and purpose/woh-SUN/WubetgirlBeauty, grace, and charm/woo-BET/WubetuboyHis beauty—a lovely name celebrating grace/woo-beh-TOO/WubitgirlBeauty and loveliness/WOO-bit/WubnehboyYou are beautiful—a warm blessing of admiration/woob-NEH/WubneshgirlYou are beautiful and beloved/woob-NESH/WubshetboyBeautiful and radiant/woob-SHET/WudasegirlPraise—a name expressing gratitude and admiration/woo-DAH-seh/WuditugirlBeloved and cherished/woo-DEE-too/WudnehboyYou are dear and precious/wood-NEH/WudneshgirlYou are dear and precious/wood-NESH/

Y

YacobboyMay God protect and strengthen him, the Ethiopian form of Jacob/YAH-kob/YalemzerfgirlLiterally “branch/sector of the world” (or “the world’s branch”); its intended personal-name sense may vary./yah-lem-ZERF/YasinboyA name associated with the Qur’anic prophet Jonah and traditionally linked with devotion/YAH-seen/Yeabsiragirl“Her good news,” from Amharic bəsra/bisra, “good news.”/yeh-ab-SEE-rah/YekunoamlakboyMay God establish him; also remembered as the name of an Ethiopian emperor/yeh-koo-noh AM-lak/YemaneboyA name associated with the right hand, traditionally symbolizing strength and favor/yeh-MAH-neh/Yemanechgirl“Right-hand/right side,” a feminine form associated with Amharic yäman (“right side”)./yeh-MAH-nehch/YemisrachgirlOf the dawn—the first warm light of a new day/yeh-mis-RAHK/Yenealemboy or girlMy world—a loving name for a much-cherished child/yeh-neh-AH-lem/YeneneshgirlYou are mine—a tender expression of love and belonging/yeh-neh-NESH/YeshimebetgirlA beloved daughter associated with a home and family/yeh-shim-eh-BET/YetnayetgirlA traditional name expressing wonder and admiration/yet-nah-YET/YetnebershgirlA daughter cherished for her goodness and kind spirit/yet-neh-BERSH/YewubdargirlA beautiful and radiant woman/yeh-WOOB-dar/YewubneshgirlYou are beautiful/yeh-WOOB-nesh/YilmaboyMay he grow and flourish/YIL-mah/YimamboyA respected name meaning imam or religious guide/yee-MAHM/YimerboyMay he grow strong and bring continued flourishing to his family./YEE-mer/Yirgalemgirl“May the world be calm/at peace.”/yeer-gah-LEM/YisakboyHe will laugh, a joyful name connected with Isaac/yee-SAHK/YitagesuboyMay he be patient, strong, and steadfast/yit-ah-GEH-soo/YitayihboyA name expressing the hope that he will be seen and recognized/yit-EYE-ih/YitbarekboyMay he be blessed by God/yit-bah-REK/YoditgirlJudith, traditionally associated with praise and a strong, courageous woman/YO-dit/YohannesboyGod is gracious/yo-HAH-nes/YonasboyDove—a gentle symbol of peace/YO-nas/YosefboyGod will add or increase blessings/yo-SEF/YusufboyGod increases or gives abundantly/YOO-soof/

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