Lingala names.
450 verified names from DR Congo and Congo-Brazzaville — each with its meaning, its sound, and its traditional spelling.
A
Abigailegirl“A beloved daughter who brings her father joy”/ab-ih-GAH-ee-leh/Abrahamaboy““Father of a multitude/many nations.””/ah-brah-HAH-mah/Adelegirl““Noble,” from the Germanic element adal.”/ah-DEL/Adolpheboy““Noble wolf,” from Germanic elements adal and wulf.”/ah-DOLF/Adrienboy““From Hadria/Adria,” referring to the Adriatic region.”/ah-dree-EN/Alainboy“Meaning uncertain; proposed derivations include a Celtic term meaning “handsome” or “harmony.””/ah-LAN/Alexandreboy““Defender of men/people.””/ah-lek-SAHN-druh/Alexisboy““Defender” or “helper/defender.””/ah-lek-SEES/Alinegirl“Its derivation is disputed; it may be related to names meaning “noble” or, in some traditions, “light.””/ah-LEEN/Alphonseboy““Noble and ready/eager,” from Germanic elements adal and funs.”/al-FONSS/Ambroiseboy“Immortal”/am-BRWAHZ/Aminagirl““Trustworthy,” “faithful,” or “honest.””/ah-MEE-nah/Anaisgirl“A form of Anne/Anna, ultimately meaning “grace” or “favor.””/ah-na-EES/Andreboy““Manly” or “masculine.””/ahn-DRAY/Angeboy or girl““Angel” or “messenger.””/ANZH/Angeliquegirl“Like an angel; gentle and radiant”/ahn-zheh-LEEK/Anicetboy““Unconquered” or “invincible.””/ah-nee-SAY/Anniegirl“Grace; favor (a diminutive of Anne).”/AN-ee/Anuaritegirl“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/ah-noo-ah-REE-teh/Apollinegirl“Feminine form associated with Apollo, the Greek god.”/ah-poh-LEEN/Arianegirl“Traditionally interpreted as “most holy” or “very holy.””/ah-ree-AN/Ariellegirl“Lion of God.”/ah-ree-EL/Aristideboy“The best or exceptionally excellent one”/ah-rees-TEED/Arlettegirl“Etymology uncertain; often linked to a Germanic element meaning “eagle.””/ar-LET/Armandboy“Army man; soldier (from Germanic elements meaning army and man).”/ar-MAHN/Augusteboy“Great, dignified, and worthy of respect”/oh-GOOST/Augustinboy“Venerable and worthy of respect”/oh-gus-TAN/Aurelienboy“From Aurelianus, meaning “of Aurelius”; Aurelius is associated with Latin aureus, “golden.””/oh-reh-LYAN/
B
Barnabeboy“Son of consolation and encouragement”/bar-na-BEH/Benedictboy“Favored by God; blessed”/BEN-eh-dikt/Benedictiongirl“Blessing; the French noun bénédiction.”/beh-neh-deek-SYON/Bernadettegirl“Brave bear; from Germanic elements meaning “bear” and “brave/strong.””/ber-nah-DET/Berthegirl“Bright and splendid”/BEHRT/Bertinboy“Bright and illustrious”/behr-TAN/Bethaniegirl“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/beh-ta-NEE/Bibigirl““Grandmother” or a respectful term for an older woman in Swahili.”/BEE-bee/Bien-aimeegirl“Beloved; from French bien-aimée.”/byen-ah-MAY/Bienvenuboy“Welcome/welcomed; from French bienvenu.”/byan-vuh-NOO/Bienvenuegirl“Welcome/welcomed; from French bienvenue.”/byan-vuh-NOO/Bintugirl“Daughter or girl, a form related to Swahili binti.”/BEEN-too/Blandinegirl“Gentle and kind-hearted”/blan-DEEN/Bobotoboy or girl“Kindness, gentleness, and good manners”/boh-BOH-toh/Bokonziboy or girl“Authority, leadership, and the power to guide others”/boh-KON-zee/Bolamuboy or girl“God’s goodness”/boh-LAH-moo/Bolingoboy or girl“Love—the deep affection and happiness a child brings into the home”/boh-LEENG-goh/Bomengoboy or girl“Wealth, abundance, and prosperity”/boh-MENG-goh/Bomoiboy or girl“The precious gift of life”/bo-MOY/Bondimiboy or girl“Faith; belief in God”/bohn-DEE-mee/Boscoboy“A Catholic/Italian-derived male given name, from Italian bosco, “wood” or “forest”; commonly associated with Saint John Bosco.”/BOS-koh/Bosemboboy or girl“Honesty, integrity, and upright character”/boh-SEM-boh/Botosiboy or girl“Respectful obedience and good manners”/boh-TOH-see/Boyengebeneboy or girl“Justice, fairness, and righteousness”/boh-yeng-geh-BEH-neh/Boyokaniboy“Harmony, agreement, and unity”/boh-yoh-KAH-nee/Bozindoboy“Depth; figuratively, profundity. “Wisdom” is an interpretive extension, not the literal meaning.”/boh-ZEEN-doh/Bozwiboy“Wealth, riches, prosperity, or abundance.”/boh-ZWEE/Brigittegirl“Exalted or high; from a Celtic root associated with height and eminence.”/bree-ZHEET/Bwanyaboy or girl“Wisdom, good judgment, and cleverness”/BWAN-yah/
C
Carmengirl“Spanish form of Carmel, referring to Mount Carmel; it is also associated with Latin carmen, “song.””/KAR-men/Cedricboy“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/seh-DRIK/Cesarboy“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/SAY-zar/Chanceboy or girl“Chance, luck, or fortune.”/CHAHNSS/Chancelinegirl“Feminine formation based on Chance; conveys chance, luck, or fortune.”/shan-seh-LEEN/Chantalgirl“A French feminine name derived from a place name, ultimately related to Occitan cantal, “stone” or “stony place.””/shahn-TAL/Charlinegirl“Feminine form of Charles; ultimately “free woman” by modern feminine interpretation.”/shar-LEEN/Christellegirl“A feminine form related to Christian/Christine; “Christian,” “follower of Christ,” or “anointed one.””/krees-TEL/Christianegirl“A follower of Christ”/kree-stee-AHN/Cindygirl“Usually a diminutive of Cynthia (associated with Mount Cynthus and Artemis/the moon); sometimes of Lucinda”/SIN-dee/Clarissegirl“Bright; clear; famous”/klah-REES/Claudettegirl“Feminine diminutive of Claude/Claudia; traditionally connected with “lame” or “limping””/kloh-DET/Claudiagirl“Feminine form of Claudius; traditionally connected with “lame” or “limping””/KLAW-dee-a/Claudinegirl“Feminine form/diminutive of Claude or Claudia; traditionally connected with “lame” or “limping””/kloh-DEEN/Clemencegirl“Merciful, gentle, and forgiving”/kleh-MAHNS/Clementinegirl“Merciful; mild; gentle”/KLEM-en-teen/Consolatagirl“Consoled; comforted”/kon-soh-LAH-tah/Constantboy“Steadfast and constant”/kon-STAN/Coraliegirl“Coral”/ko-ra-LEE/Corinnegirl“Maiden; young girl”/koh-RIN/Crispinboy“Curly-haired; associated with Saint Crispin”/KRIS-pin/Cyprienboy“From Cyprus; Cypriot”/see-pree-EN/Cyriaqueboy“Belonging to the Lord”/see-ree-AK/Cyrilleboy“Lordly; belonging to the Lord”/see-REEL/
D
Damarisgirl“Young heifer; calf”/DAH-mah-ris/Daniellegirl“God is my judge”/dan-YEL/Danyeleboy“God is my judge”/dan-YEH-leh/Davidiboy“Beloved”/dah-VEE-dee/Delphinegirl“Dolphin; woman from Delphi”/del-FEEN/Denisboy“Follower of Dionysus”/deh-NEES/Denisegirl“Female form of Denis; follower of Dionysus”/deh-NEEZ/Destinboy“Destiny; fate”/des-TAN/Destineegirl“Destiny; fate”/des-tee-NAY/Dianegirl“Divine; associated with the Roman goddess Diana”/dee-AHN/Didierboy“Desired; longed for”/dee-DYAY/Dieu-Merciboy“Thank God; gratitude for a blessing”/dyuh mehr-SEE/Dieudonneboy“God-given; gift of God”/dyuh-doh-NAY/Dieumerciboy“Thank God; thanks be to God”/dyuh-mehr-SEE/Dimitriboy“Dedicated to Demeter”/dee-mee-TREE/Divinboy“Divine”/dee-VAN/Divinegirl“Divine”/dee-VEEN/Dominiqueboy or girl“Belonging to the Lord”/doh-mee-NEEK/Donatiennegirl“Given; bestowed”/doh-na-see-EN/Dorkasigirl“Gazelle”/dor-KAH-see/Dorotheegirl“Gift of God”/doh-roh-TAY/
E
Ebaleboy or girl“A flowing river, symbolising life and continuity”/eh-BAH-leh/Edgardboy“Wealthy or prosperous spear”/ED-gar/Edmondboy“Wealthy protector or guardian”/ed-MON/Edouardboy“Wealthy guard or protector”/eh-dwah/Elianegirl“Light or torch; a form related to Helen/Helena”/eh-lee-AHN/Elieboy“My God is Yahweh”/eh-lee/Eliezerboy“God is my help”/eh-lee-EH-zehr/Elikiaboy or girl“Hope and hopeful expectation—a child who fills the family’s future with promise”/eh-lee-kee-ah/Elikyaboy or girl“Hope and trust in God”/eh-LEE-kyah/Elisagirl“God is my oath”/eh-LEE-za/Elisabethgirl“God is my oath”/eh-lee-zah-BET/Elisegirl“God is my oath”/eh-LEEZ/Eliyaboy“My God is Yahweh”/eh-LEE-yah/Eloiboy“Chosen or elected”/eh-LWAH/Elombeboy or girl“A brave, strong-hearted person worthy of respect”/eh-LOHM-beh/Elongaboy or girl“Victory or success—a joyful triumph and cause for celebration”/eh-LONG-gah/Emanweleboy“God is with us”/eh-man-WEH-leh/Emeryboy“Work-ruler; powerful ruler”/eh-meh-REE/Emiliegirl“Rival; striving or emulating”/eh-mee-LEE/Emiliennegirl“Rival; striving or emulating”/eh-mee-lee-EN/Emmanuelboy“God is with us”/eh-man-wel/Emmanuellegirl“God is with us”/eh-man-wel/Ephremboy“Fruitful”/EH-frem/Esawuboy“Hairy”/eh-SAH-woo/Esengoboy or girl“Joy and thanksgiving”/eh-SENG-goh/Esperancegirl“Hope”/es-peh-RANS/Espoirboy“hope”/eh-SPWAR/Estellegirl“A shining star”/es-TEL/Etienneboy“crown; garland”/eh-tyen/Etumbaboy or girl“A child born during wartime or remembered as a sign of courage through difficult times”/eh-TOOM-bah/Eugeniegirl“well-born; of noble birth”/yoo-zheh-NEE/Evelynegirl“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/eh-veh-LEEN/Evodiagirl“good journey; prosperous journey”/eh-VOH-dee-ah/Exauceboy“A long-awaited answer to prayer”/eg-ZOSS/Exauceegirl“A prayer answered and a precious gift from God”/eg-zoh-SAY/Ezekieleboy“God strengthens”/eh-zeh-kee-EH-leh/
F
Fabienboy“associated with the Roman family name Fabius; traditionally linked to faba, “bean””/fa-BYAN/Fabiennegirl“feminine form of Fabien; associated with the Roman family name Fabius and traditionally with faba, “bean””/fa-bee-EN/Fabiolagirl“feminine Roman family name derived from Fabius, traditionally associated with faba, “bean””/fah-bee-OH-lah/Fannygirl“free one; a diminutive of Frances/Françoise”/FAN-ee/Fatumagirl“a Swahili and other African form of Fatimah, commonly interpreted as “one who abstains” or “one who weans””/fah-TOO-mah/Faveurgirl“favor; grace”/fah-VUR/Febegirl“A bright, radiant woman whose presence brings light”/FEH-beh/Feliciagirl“happy; fortunate; lucky”/feh-LEE-see-ah/Felicitegirl“Happiness and good fortune”/feh-lee-see-TAY/Filipoboy“Lover of horses.”/fee-LEE-poh/Firminboy“Firm and steadfast”/feer-MAN/Fistonboy“Son; a familiar or affectionate term for a son.”/fees-TON/Floregirl“A flower, symbolizing beauty and flourishing”/FLOR/Foigirl“Faith.”/FWAH/Fortunatagirl“One who is born fortunate and blessed”/for-too-NAH-tah/Francinegirl“A free and independent woman”/fran-SEEN/Fredericboy“Peaceful ruler”/freh-deh-REEK/
G
Gabriellegirl“God is my strength.”/ga-bree-EL/Gaellegirl“A Gael; of Gaelic/Breton origin.”/gah-EL/Gerardboy“Brave or hardy with the spear.”/zheh-RAR/Ghislainboy“A Germanic name derived from gisel, commonly interpreted as “pledge” or “hostage”; associated with Saint Ghislain.”/gee-LAN/Giselegirl“Pledge; promise; hostage (in the older Germanic sense).”/zhee-ZEL/Gladysgirl“Princess; ruler of a territory (traditional Welsh interpretation).”/GLA-dis/Glodyboy“Glory; a name formed from or associated with French gloire/English glory.”/GLOH-dee/Gloireboy or girl“Glory, honor, and a life that brings praise”/GLWAR/Gracegirl“Grace and divine favor”/grays/
H
Halimagirl“Gentle, patient, and kind-hearted”/hah-LEE-mah/Helenegirl“A shining and radiant woman”/eh-LEN/Heritierboy“Heir; inheritor.”/eh-ree-TYEH/Herveboy“Battle-worthy or worthy in battle; from Breton elements meaning “battle” and “worthy.””/ehr-VEH/Hilaireboy“Cheerful and joyful”/ee-LAIR/Huguesboy“Mind, intellect, or spirit; from a Germanic root.”/OOG/Huguettegirl“Feminine diminutive of Hugues, ultimately meaning mind, intellect, or spirit.”/oo-GET/
I
Immaculeegirl“Immaculate; without stain or blemish.”/ee-mah-koo-LAY/Ingridgirl“Beautiful or beloved of Ing, an Old Norse god.”/ING-grid/Innocentboy“Pure-hearted and sincere”/in-noh-SAHN/Irmagirl“A whole-hearted and complete person”/EER-ma/Isabellegirl“God is my oath”/ee-zah-BEL/Isakaboy“A form of Isaac, meaning “he laughs” or “laughter.””/ee-SAH-kah/Israelboy“One who struggles with God; traditionally interpreted as one who contends with God.”/IZ-ra-el/
J
Jacquelinegirl“Feminine form of Jacques/James, ultimately from Jacob, traditionally interpreted as “supplanter.””/ZHAH-kleen/Jasminegirl“A fragrant flower and a symbol of beauty”/JAZ-min/Jeannettegirl“God is gracious”/zhah-NET/Jemimagirl“Dove.”/jeh-MEE-mah/Jennifergirl“Fair/white phantom or spirit (Cornish form related to Guinevere).”/JEN-ih-fer/Jeremieboy“Yahweh/God exalts.”/zheh-reh-MEE/Joachimboy“Yahweh/God establishes.”/zho-ah-KEEM/Jobboy“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/JOHB/Jocelynegirl“Traditionally derived from a Germanic element referring to a Gaut/Goth; the exact derivation is debated.”/JOH-seh-leen/Joëlboy“Yahweh is God.”/zhoh-EL/Joiegirl“Joy and happiness”/ZHWAH/Jonasboy“Dove.”/YOH-nas/Josaphatboy“Yahweh/God judges.”/zho-sa-FAT/Josettegirl“Feminine diminutive of Joseph; “may he/Yahweh add or increase.””/zhoh-ZET/Josiasboy“Yahweh/God supports.”/zho-ZEE-as/Josueboy“The Lord saves”/zhoh-ZWAY/Judeboy“Praise; praised one.”/JOOD/Julesboy“Youthful”/ZHYL/Juliennegirl“Youthful and full of promise”/zhoo-lee-EN/Justinegirl“Just, fair, and upright”/zhoos-TEEN/
K
Kabaseleboy“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/kah-bah-SEH-leh/Kalebeboy“A Congolese form of Caleb, from Hebrew; traditionally glossed “dog” (the Hebrew etymology is not fully certain).”/kah-LEH-beh/Kanzaboy or girl“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/KAHN-zah/Khadijagirl“An Arabic name meaning “premature child” or “one born early.””/kha-DEE-jah/Kimbanguboy“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/kim-BAHN-goo/Kimiaboy or girl“A peaceful, harmonious life”/kee-MEE-a/Kitokoboy or girl“Beautiful or lovely”/kee-TOH-koh/Kizitoboy“A Luganda name associated with -zito, “heavy”; it is used in the DRC largely through Catholic devotion to St. Kizito.”/kee-ZEE-toh/
L
Lambertboy“A Germanic name meaning “land-bright” or “bright land.””/lam-BEHR/Laurencegirl“French feminine form of Laurent; “from Laurentum,” traditionally associated with laurel.”/loh-RAHNS/Lazareboy“God has helped”/la-ZAR/Leagirl“Weary; traditionally understood as a woman who has endured much”/LEE-ah/Leloboy or girl““Today.””/LEH-loh/Leoniegirl“French feminine form of Léon, meaning “lion.””/leh-oh-NEE/Libonzaboy or girl“Offering or gift—a child welcomed as a blessing”/lee-BON-zah/Libosoboy or girl“One who goes first and leads the way”/lee-BOH-soh/Libotaboy or girl“Family, lineage, and the enduring bond of one’s people”/lee-BOH-tah/Likaboboy or girl“Gift—a precious child received with gratitude and love”/lee-KAH-boh/Likamboboy or girl““Matter,” “affair,” “issue,” or “event.””/lee-KAHM-boh/Likokiboy or girl““Ability,” “capacity,” or “possibility.””/lee-KOH-kee/Likoloboy or girl“The open sky and high aspirations”/lee-KOH-loh/Lilianegirl“French feminine given name, usually connected with Lily/Lillian; conventionally interpreted as “lily.””/lee-lee-AN/Lipamboliboy or girl“Blessing from God”/lee-pam-BOH-lee/Lisangaboy or girl““Gathering,” “assembly,” “association,” or “union.””/lee-SAHN-gah/Lisungiboy or girl““Help,” “assistance,” or “support.””/lee-SOON-gee/Litombaboy or girl““Benefit,” “advantage,” “value,” or “profit.””/lee-TOM-bah/Lobikoboy or girl“Salvation and deliverance”/loh-BEE-koh/Lokuaboy“A Congolese personal and family name; a secure literal Lingala etymology is not established.”/loh-KOO-ah/Lokumuboy or girl“Honor and glory to God”/loh-KOO-moo/Lolendoboy or girl““Pride,” sometimes with the negative sense “arrogance” or “conceit.””/loh-LEN-doh/Loloboy or girl“A widely used familiar nickname or reduplicated personal form; it has no single fixed meaning of “sweet and affectionate.””/LOH-loh/Lomingoboy or girl““Sunday,” from the regional form lomingo/domingo.”/loh-MEEN-goh/Losakoboy or girl““Blessing” or “benediction.””/loh-SAH-koh/Losamboboy or girl“Prayer and devotion”/loh-SAM-boh/Loyemboboy or girl““Song.””/loh-YEM-boh/Lucboy“A child who brings light”/LOOK/Luciegirl“A woman who brings light”/loo-SEE/Lucienboy“Radiant and full of light”/loo-SYAN/Lumiereboy or girl“French lumière, “light.””/loo-MYEHR/Lumumbaboy or girl“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/loo-MOOM-bah/Lutumbaboy or girl“A Congolese personal and family name; a verified literal Lingala meaning is unavailable.”/loo-TOOM-bah/
M
Mabeleboy or girl“The earth, grounding and nourishing”/mah-BEH-leh/Mabialaboy“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/mah-bee-AH-lah/Madogirl“A French-language affectionate short form, usually of Madeleine; it has no distinct Lingala lexical meaning.”/MAH-doh/Maimunagirl“Arabic name, also spelled Maimouna or Maymuna, meaning “fortunate,” “blessed,” or “auspicious.””/my-MOO-nah/Makasiboy or girl“Strength, power, and the ability to stand tall”/mah-KAH-see/Makiadiboy“A Congolese/Kongo personal name; in Kongo usage it is associated with hardship or troubles, not family continuity.”/mah-kee-AH-dee/Malakiboy“My messenger or my angel”/mah-LAH-kee/Malongaboy“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/mah-LONG-gah/Mapamboliboy or girl“Blessings—a child welcomed as a source of happiness and good fortune”/mah-pahm-BOH-lee/Mapasaboy or girl“A child associated with twins, or a name celebrating twin birth”/mah-PAH-sah/Margueritegirl“Pearl”/mar-guh-REET/Mariamagirl“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/mah-ree-AH-mah/Mariusboy“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/ma-RYUS/Marlenegirl“A European feminine name, commonly analyzed as a form combining Marie and Madeleine/Magdalene; it is not a Lingala word meaning strength or courage.”/mar-LEHN/Marlysegirl“A French feminine form, generally treated as a Marie-Lise/Marie-Élise-type compound; it has no verified meaning of “precious child.””/mar-LEES/Martagirl“Lady; mistress of the household (from Aramaic).”/MAR-tah/Marthegirl“Lady; mistress of the household (from Aramaic).”/mart/Martinegirl“Feminine form of Martin: of Mars; warlike.”/mar-TEEN/Masekaboy or girl“Laughter and smiles—a child who fills the family with joy”/mah-SEH-kah/Mathieuboy“Gift of Yahweh/God (from Hebrew Mattityahu).”/mah-TYUH/Mathildegirl“Mighty in battle”/mah-TEELD/Mathurinboy“Related to Latin maturus, “mature” or “ripe.””/ma-too-RAN/Matondoboy or girl“Thanks to God; gratitude”/mah-TON-doh/Maximeboy“The greatest”/mak-SEEM/Mayeleboy or girl“Wisdom, intelligence, and practical understanding”/mah-YEH-leh/Mbembaboy“Dove or pigeon.”/m-BEM-bah/Mbulaboy or girl“Rain, renewal, and a fruitful year”/MBOO-lah/Medardboy“Strength or might plus hardy/brave (Germanic elements maht and hard).”/meh-DAR/Merveilleboy or girl“Wonder; marvel (French merveille).”/mehr-VAY/Michellegirl“Who is like God?”/mee-SHEL/Mikaboy“Who is like God?”/MEE-kah/Mireillegirl“A French feminine name, used in Francophone Congo; usually connected with Provençal Mireio and interpreted as “to admire” or “admirable,” not “one who brings joy.””/mee-RAY/Mokeboy““Small,” “little,” or “young one.””/MOH-keh/Mokiliboy““World,” “earth,” or, depending on context, “country.””/moh-KEE-lee/Mokoloboy or girl“A child whose birth marks an important or much-remembered day”/moh-KOH-loh/Mokonziboy or girl“Leader, ruler, or chief”/moh-KON-zee/Molendeboy or girl“A determined, hardworking person who does not give up”/moh-LEN-deh/Molimoboy or girl““Spirit” or “soul.””/moh-LEE-moh/Molongiboy“Victor or one who triumphs—a child who brings celebration and pride”/moh-LONG-ghee/Mongangaboy““Doctor,” “healer,” or traditional practitioner/healer.”/mohn-GAHN-gah/Moningaboy or girl““Friend” or “companion.””/moh-NEEN-gah/Moniquegirl“A French feminine name, ultimately related to Greek monos, “alone” or “solitary.””/mo-NEEK/Mopamboliboy““One who blesses” or “blesser.””/moh-pahm-BOH-lee/Mopepeboy or girl““Wind.””/moh-PEH-peh/Mosantuboy““Holy one,” “saint,” or “sacred.””/moh-SAHN-too/Moseboy“Drawn out of the water”/MOH-seh/Mosekagirl““Young woman” or “young girl.””/moh-SEH-kah/Motemaboy or girl“A loving heart”/moh-TEH-mah/Moteyiboy““Teacher” or “instructor.””/moh-TEH-yee/Motuyagirl““Value,” “worth,” “importance,” or “price.””/moh-TOO-yah/Moyekoliboy““Learner,” “pupil,” or “student.””/moh-yeh-KOH-lee/Moyiboy or girl““Sun” and, by extension, “daylight.””/MOH-yee/Moyindoboy““Black,” “dark,” or “dark-colored.””/moh-YEEN-doh/Mozwiboy or girl““Rich person,” “wealthy person,” or “one who has wealth.””/moh-ZWEE/Mpemaboy““Breath”; in some contexts, life or vital breath.”/m-PEH-mah/Mpeveboy““Wind,” “air,” or “spirit,” depending on context.”/MPEH-veh/Mpikoboy or girl“Courage and bravery in difficult times”/MPEE-koh/Mpongoboy or girl“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/m-PONG-goh/Mutomboboy“A Luba/Tshiluba name, commonly glossed as “head”; it is not a Lingala expression meaning family-line honor.”/moo-TOM-boh/Mwanaboy or girl“A cherished child who continues the family line”/MWAH-nah/
N
Nadegegirl“Hope; French Nadège is a form related to Russian Nadezhda/Nadia.”/nah-DEZH/Nadiagirl“Hope, from the Russian form of Nadezhda.”/NAH-dee-ah/Natachagirl“Russian diminutive of Natalia, ultimately meaning “birthday” and traditionally associated with Christmas.”/nah-TAH-shah/Natanieleboy“God has given”/nah-tah-nee-EH-leh/Nathaliegirl“A woman born on Christmas Day”/nah-tah-LEE/Nathanaelboy“God has given.”/na-ta-na-EL/Ndombeboy““Black” or “dark” in Lingala; also found as a Congolese personal/family name.”/n-DOHM-beh/Nehemiaboy““Yahweh comforts” or “the LORD has comforted.””/neh-heh-MEE-ah/Nehemieboy“Yahweh comforts; alternatively, “Yahweh has comforted.””/neh-eh-MEE/Nellygirl“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/NEL-ee/Nestorboy““Homecoming” or “one who returns.””/NES-tor/Ngalaboy“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/ngah-LAH/Ngandoboy or girl“Crocodile.”/ngahn-DOH/Ngangaboy or girl“Traditional healer, ritual specialist, or diviner.”/ngahn-GAH/Ngoluboy or girl“Grace, favor, or mercy.”/ngoh-LOO/Ngomaboy or girl“Drum.”/ngoh-mah/Ngongaboy or girl“Hour, time, or occasion.”/ngoh-NGAH/Ngoyboy or girl“A common Congolese name/surname; it is not the standard Lingala word for leopard, which is nkoyi.”/ngoy/Ngudigirl“Mother; maternal source or origin.”/ngoo-DEE/Ngumaboy or girl“Python.”/ngoo-MAH/Nicolasboy“Victory of the people”/nee-ko-LA/Nicolegirl“Victory of the people”/nee-KOL/Nkemboboy or girl“Glory and honor to God”/n- KEM-boh/Nkokoboy or girl“Grandparent or ancestor.”/n-KOH-koh/Nkoloboy“Lord, master, owner, or chief.”/n-KOH-loh/Nkoyiboy or girl“Leopard.”/n-KOH-yee/Nkumuboy“Chief, leader, or elder.”/n-KOO-moo/Noellagirl“Feminine form of Noël; Christmas.”/noh-EL-ah/Noellegirl“Feminine form of Noël; Christmas.”/noh-EL/Norbertboy““Bright north” or “northern brightness.””/NOR-behr/Nsangoboy or girl“news; message”/n-SAHN-goh/Nsimbaboy or girl“The name traditionally given to one of a pair of twins”/nseem-bah/Ntangoboy or girl“time; season; occasion”/n-TAHN-goh/Ntinaboy or girl“reason; cause; purpose”/n-TEE-nah/Ntomaboy or girl“messenger; envoy; apostle”/n-TOH-mah/Nyokaboy or girl“snake”/nyoh-KAH/Nzambeboy or girl“God”/nzam-BEH/Nzelaboy or girl“path; way; road”/n-ZEH-lah/Nzeteboy or girl“tree; wood”/n-ZEH-teh/Nzokuboy or girl“elephant”/n-ZOH-koo/Nzotoboy or girl“body”/n-ZOH-toh/Nzuziboy or girl“The name traditionally given to the other child in a pair of twins”/n-zoo-zee/
O
P
Pacifiqueboy“peaceful; peaceable”/pah-see-FEEK/Pacomeboy“broad-shouldered”/pa-KOM/Patiencegirl“Patience and steadfastness”/pa-SYENS/Patientboy“patient; enduring”/pah-SYAN/Patriceboy“A noble person”/pah-TREES/Paulinegirl“Humble, gentle, and grounded”/poh-LEEN/Pauloboy“Small or humble”/PAH-oo-loh/Perlegirl“A precious pearl”/PERL/Peteloboy“Rock or steadfast foundation”/peh-TEH-loh/Philippeboy“Lover of horses; horse-loving.”/fee-LEEP/Philomenegirl“Lover of strength; commonly interpreted as “friend/lover of strength.””/fee-loh-MEN/Plamediboy“God's wonderful plan; from the Congolese Christian expression/acronym “Plan merveilleux de Dieu.””/plah-MEH-dee/Poloboy“A Lingala/Congolese form of Paul, ultimately “small” or “humble.””/POH-loh/Precieuxboy“Precious; valuable.”/preh-SYUH/Priscagirl“Ancient; old; venerable.”/PRIS-kah/Priscillegirl“Ancient; old; a diminutive form of Prisca.”/pree-SEEL/Prosperboy“Prosperous and flourishing”/proh-SPAIR/Providencegirl“Divine providence; God's protective guidance or care.”/proh-vee-DAHNSS/Prudencegirl“Wise foresight and good judgment”/PROO-dens/
R
Raoulboy“Counsel-wolf; traditionally interpreted from Germanic elements meaning “advice/counsel” and “wolf.””/ra-OOL/Raphaelboy“God heals and brings restoration”/rah-fah-EL/Reinegirl“A queen”/REN/Rogerboy“Famous spear (from Germanic elements meaning “fame” and “spear”).”/roh-ZHAY/Rolandboy“Famous land; renowned in the land (from Germanic elements for “fame” and “land”).”/roh-LAN/Romainboy“Roman; a person from Rome.”/roh-MAN/Rosaliegirl“A rose; beautiful and cherished”/roh-zah-LEE/Roselynegirl“Little rose.”/roh-zeh-LEEN/Rosettegirl“A little rose, symbolizing beauty and tenderness”/roh-ZET/Rosinegirl“A rose; a name evoking beauty and tenderness”/roh-ZEEN/Roxanegirl“Dawn and brightness—a hopeful new beginning”/rok-SAHN/
S
Sabinegirl“A Sabine woman; belonging to the ancient Sabine people of Italy.”/sa-BEEN/Safigirl“Pure; clean.”/SAH-fee/Sagesseboy or girl“Wisdom.”/sah-ZHES/Sakombiboy“Meaning not reliably established; it is a Congolese personal name and surname.”/sah-KOM-bee/Salomoboy“Peaceful or peaceful one”/sah-LOH-moh/Salomonboy“A peaceful one”/sa-loh-MON/Samsoniboy“A regional African/Swahili-form variant of Samson; Samson is generally understood as “sun-like” or “of the sun.””/sam-SOH-nee/Samweleboy“God has heard”/sam-WEH-leh/Sandragirl“Defender of humankind/men; a short form of Alexandra.”/SAN-drah/Sandrinegirl“Defender of humankind/men; a French diminutive form related to Sandra/Alexandra.”/sahn-DREEN/Sebastienboy“Honored, respected, and worthy of admiration”/seh-bas-TYAN/Seraphinegirl“Seraph; a fiery celestial being. Feminine form of Seraphin.”/seh-rah-FEEN/Silasiboy“A form of Silas, meaning “forest.””/see-LAH-see/Sintikegirl“Fortunate; Greek form of Syntyche.”/seen-TEE-keh/Soniagirl“Wisdom; a form of Sophia.”/SOH-nee-ah/Sophiegirl“A woman of wisdom”/soh-FEE/Stefanoboy“Crown; Italian form of Stephen.”/steh-FAH-noh/Stellagirl“A shining star”/STEL-ah/Stephaniegirl“Crown; feminine form of Stephen/Stephane.”/steh-FAH-nee/Sungaboy“Help; support; assist (from Lingala kosunga, “to help/support”).”/SOON-gah/Suzettegirl“Little Suzanne; a diminutive of Suzanne, ultimately associated with “lily.””/soo-ZET/
T
Tabitagirl“Gazelle.”/tah-BEE-tah/Tabithagirl“Gazelle.”/TAH-bi-thah/Talithagirl“Little girl.”/tah-LEE-tah/Tamaragirl“Date palm.”/tah-MAH-rah/Tatianagirl“A traditional Lingala name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/ta-tee-A-na/Telemaboy or girl“Stand up; rise.”/teh-LEH-mah/Theodoragirl“A gift from God”/thee-oh-DOR-ah/Theogeneboy“Born of God; God-born.”/teh-oh-ZHEN/Theophaneboy“Manifestation or appearance of God.”/teh-oh-FAN/Theophileboy“Lover or friend of God.”/tay-oh-FEEL/Theresegirl“Meaning uncertain; possibly associated with the Greek place-name Thera or, less certainly, Greek therizein, “to harvest.””/teh-REZ/Thierryboy“Ruler of the people.”/tee-eh-REE/Timoteboy“Honoring God; one who honors God.”/tee-moh-TEH/Titoboy“A Roman personal name of uncertain origin.”/TEE-toh/Tokolongaboy or girl“We will overcome; we will win.”/toh-koh-LOHN-gah/Tokumisaboy or girl“Let us praise; let us glorify.”/toh-koo-MEE-sah/Tomaboy“Twin”/TOH-mah/Toussaintboy“All Saints.”/too-SAN/Tresorboy or girl“Treasure.”/treh-ZOR/
U
V
Valentinboy“Strong, healthy, and vigorous”/vah-lahn-TAN/Valeriegirl“Strong, healthy, and full of vitality”/vah-leh-REE/Vanessagirl“A coined literary name created by Jonathan Swift; no established lexical meaning.”/vah-NES-sah/Vastigirl“A woman of good fortune and honored status”/VAH-stee/Veroniquegirl“The one who brings victory”/veh-roh-NEEK/Victoiregirl“Victory”/veek-TWAR/Violettegirl“A delicate and beautiful violet flower”/vee-oh-LET/Virginiegirl“A maiden; traditionally associated with purity”/veer-zhee-NEE/Vivianegirl“Living; alive”/vee-vee-AN/
W
X
Y
Yaelegirl“A courageous woman as sure-footed and lively as a mountain goat”/yah-EH-leh/Yakoboboy“One who follows or supplants”/yah-KOH-boh/Yambaboy“Receive; welcome”/YAHM-bah/Yannickboy“God is gracious”/yah-NEEK/Yasminegirl“Jasmine flower”/yas-MEEN/Yeremiaboy“Jeremiah; the Lord exalts”/yeh-reh-MEE-ah/Yesuboy“Jesus; “YHWH saves””/YEH-soo/Yisayaboy“God is salvation”/yee-SAH-yah/Yoaneboy“The Lord is gracious”/yoh-AH-neh/Yoeleboy“Joel; “YHWH is God””/yoh-EH-leh/Yokaboy“Hear; listen”/YOH-kah/Yolandegirl“French feminine name, ultimately associated with the yew tree (from Germanic iv, “yew”).”/yo-LAND/Yosuaboy“God will save”/yoh-SOO-ah/Yozefeboy“God will add or increase”/yoh-ZEH-feh/Yvettegirl“French feminine name associated with the yew tree.”/ee-VET/Yvonnegirl“French feminine name associated with the yew tree.”/ee-VON/
Z