Shona baby names
431 verified Shona names from Zimbabwe — each with its meaning, how to say it, and its traditional spelling.
A
“English-style Zimbabwean name meaning “add more,” expressing a wish for increase or blessing.”
/AD-more/
“The first man; associated with humanity and new beginnings”
/ah-DHAH-moo/
““She knew the Lord/God” (from aiziva Ishe).”
/eye-zee-vah-EE-sheh/
“God is with us”
/ah-NAH-sheh/
““Cleansed/purified by the Lord (God).””
/ah-nah-tswah-nah-SHEH/
“She has grace”
/ah-neh-NYAH-shah/
““She has love” or “one who has love.””
/ah-neh-ROO-doh/
“God is with us”
/ah-NEH-soo/
“Greek-derived name meaning “messenger”; in Christian use, a messenger of God.”
/AYN-juhl/
“Beloved and deeply cherished”
/ah-noh-DEE-wah/
“He/she is happy.”
/ah-noh-FAH-rah/
“Precious and deeply valued”
/ah-noh-KOH-shah/
“He/she is honoured; one who is respected.”
/ah-noh-KOODZ-wah/
“He/she gives thanks; he/she is thankful.”
/ah-noh-TEN-dah/
“God loves us”
/ah-noh-TEE-dah/
“The Lord loves us”
/ah-noh-tee-dah-EE-sheh/
“She is here.”
/ah-ree-PAH-no/
“A traditional Shona name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”
/AR-thur/
“One who has been made happy; one who is pleased.”
/ah-tah-FADZ-wah/
“May we rejoice; let us be happy.”
/ah-tee-fah-REE-reh/
“We give thanks”
/ah-tee-noh-TEN-dah/
“Give us, Lord.”
/ah-tee-pie-SHEH/
B
“Unite; be united.”
/bah-tah-NAI/
“Help and support are always with you”
/baht-see-RYE/
“Believe; have faith.”
/bih-LEEV/
“A French feminine form of Bernard, meaning “brave bear.””
/ber-nah-DET/
“A blessing.”
/BLES-ing/
“Bless more; may there be more blessings.”
/BLESS-more/
“Give thanks.”
/bong-EYE/
“A name of uncertain origin, often linked to Old Norse brandr, “sword.””
/BREN-dah/
“Bright; shining.”
/BRYTE/
“An English-style compound name suggesting “more brightness.””
/BRYTE-more/
“An English place-name, derived from “Beorthelm’s settlement.””
/BRY-tun/
“Brilliant; exceptionally intelligent or impressive.”
/BRIL-yunt/
““Agree” or “accept” (a plural/addressee imperative from bvuma).”
/bvoo-MY/
C
““That which has come out/emerged” (from -buda, to come or go out).”
/cha-BOO-dah/
“Related to -bvuta, “to snatch, seize, or grab.””
/cha-BVOO-tah/
““It has pleased” or “that which has pleased.””
/chah-kah-FAD-zah/
““It has been pleased/delighted.””
/chah-kah-FADZ-wah/
““It became happy” or “it rejoiced.””
/chah-kah-FAH-rah/
“A major traditional Shona name, especially associated with Chaminuka, the renowned ancestral spirit medium and historical-religious figure.”
/cha-mee-NOO-kah/
““That which is fought for” or “one who is contended for,” from -norwa, “to be fought.””
/chah-moo-NOR-wah/
“Winter or the cold season, for a child born in that season.”
/CHAN-do/
“A distinguished name for a child destined to lead with strength and honor.”
/chahn-gah-MEE-reh/
“A child associated with love, kindness, and generosity”
/CHAR-i-tee/
““It has come” or “that which has come.””
/chah-OO-yah/
““It has increased,” “become many,” or “multiplied.””
/cha-WAN-dah/
““What has remained/been left behind,” from -sarira.”
/chah-wah-sah-REE-rah/
“A blessing that the child will safeguard the family and all it holds dear.”
/chen-geh-TYE/
“Protection, guarding, or safekeeping.”
/chen-GEH-toh/
“A thoughtful, careful, and wise person”
/chen-je-RAI/
““Heart’s desire” or “what the heart desires.””
/chee-dah-MOH-yoh/
“Desire, love, or something wished for.”
/CHEE-doh/
“My desire; my love.”
/chee-doh-CHAN-goo/
“God's desire or God's will.”
/chee-doh-chah-SHEH/
“Light, warmth, and goodness”
/chee-ED-zah/
“Blessing; benediction.”
/chee-kom-bo-REH-roh/
“Request, plea, or prayer.”
/chee-koom-BEE-roh/
“Reminder, remembrance, or memorial.”
/chee-koom-BOOT-soh/
“What is precious and valuable”
/chee-noh-KOH-shah/
“A gift, gratefully received from God”
/CHEE-poh/
“God's gift; a gift from God.”
/chee-poh-chah-SHEH/
“A child seen as a meaningful sign or blessing”
/chee-rah-TID-zoh/
“The rainy season; a time of renewal and growth”
/chee-REE-moh/
“A comforter; one or that which soothes or consoles.”
/chee-roh-ROHD-zah/
“A name celebrating manhood, strength, and dignity”
/chee-ROO-meh/
“Bush, wilderness, or forest/thicket.”
/chee-SAHNG-goh/
“What remains; a precious remainder”
/chee-SAH-rah/
“Laughter, amusement, or a joke; in some contexts, mockery.”
/chee-SEH-koh/
“Bond or covenant; a cherished connection that holds people together”
/chee-SOON-goh/
“Promise; pledge; vow.”
/chit-SEE-dzoh/
“Faith, trust, and confidence in the future”
/chee-VIM-boh/
“Truth; an honest and trustworthy person”
/cho-KWAD-ee/
“That which is fought for; something worth fighting for.”
/choh-moo-NOR-wah/
“Treasure and prosperity; a precious child”
/CHOO-mah/
“Clever; intelligent; skillful.”
/KLEV-er/
“An English surname/given name meaning “son of Colin”; Colin is often linked to Nicholas (“victory of the people”), but Collins does not directly mean “victorious people.””
/KOL-inz/
“A source of comfort and consolation”
/KUM-fert/
“Steadfast and constant”
/KON-stans/
“A brave and courageous child”
/KUR-ij/
D
“Be happy”
/dah-ee-SAI/
“A flower name, from the daisy.”
/DAY-zee/
“Rejoice; a child who brings happiness and celebration”
/dah-kah-RYE/
“Trouble; difficulty; hardship.”
/dam-BOO-dzoh/
“Love one another; love each other.”
/dah-NAH-ee/
“Love and togetherness”
/dah-nah-NYE/
“Purpose, aim, or intention.”
/dah-REE-roh/
“Show or reveal what is present”
/dah-ree-SAI/
“Shona form of David; “beloved.””
/dah-VEE-tee/
“Bee; traditionally associated with diligence and strength”
/deh-BOH-rah/
“Sky or heavens”
/DEN-gah/
“An English/Irish name meaning “from South Munster” (or “man of South Munster”).”
/DEZ-mond/
“God is my judge”
/dhah-nee-EH-ree/
“To pull, draw, or drag.”
/DHAWN-zah/
“A child valued for perseverance and steady effort”
/DIL-i-jens/
“Seek, look for, or pursue.”
/din-gih-RYE/
“A strong and enduring person, like a rock”
/DOM-boh/
“A Scottish Gaelic name meaning “dark river.””
/DUG-las/
“One who teaches and guides others wisely”
/DOOD-zai/
“Teach or instruct one another.”
/doo-dzah-NAI/
“Explain matters clearly and bring understanding”
/doo-dzih-RYE/
“Explanation or interpretation.”
/doo-DZEE-roh/
“A lifelong learner, growing in wisdom and understanding”
/DZEED-zai/
“Calmness and peace”
/dzee-kah-MYE/
“Drive away, chase away, or ward off.”
/dzin-GUY/
“Restore or return; a hopeful name of renewal”
/dzo-reh-RAI/
E
“An English surname-name meaning “son of Eda” (sometimes analysed as “son of Edward”); it is used as a male given name in Zimbabwe.”
/ED-ih-son/
“God is my oath; a child held in faithful devotion”
/eh-lee-sah-BEH-tee/
“A joyful name meaning “God is with us””
/ih-MAN-yoo-el/
“Beloved; pleasing”
/eh-RAH-stoh/
““My God is Yahweh” / “Yahweh is my God.””
/eh-REE-yah/
“A form of Esther, meaning “star””
/eh-STEH-ree/
““Evidence,” “proof,” or “testimony.””
/EV-uh-dens/
““God strengthens” / “God will strengthen.””
/eh-zeh-kee-EH-ree/
F
“Be happy and bring happiness to others”
/fah-DZYE/
““Make happy” or “bring happiness.””
/fah-DZEE-sigh/
“A source of happiness and joy”
/fah-DZEE-soh/
““One who has been made happy” / “made happy.””
/fah-DZEE-swah/
““Be happy” or “be made happy.””
/fah-DZWAH/
“A shining or radiant one”
/FY-noss/
“A child who represents faith and trust”
/FAYTH/
“Rejoice; a joyful child”
/FAH-rah/
“Rejoice; be happy”
/fah-RYE/
““Make happy” or “cause rejoicing.””
/fah-ree-SAI/
“Favour, kindness, and gracious blessing”
/FAY-ver/
“A Zimbabwean form related to Felicitas/Felista, meaning “fortunate,” “lucky,” or “happy.””
/feh-LEE-stas/
“Joyful celebration; festivity”
/FEH-stoh/
““The first-born child.””
/FERST-born/
“Forget; an English-language name, generally borne by males in Zimbabwean usage.”
/fer-GET/
“Thoughtfulness and good judgment”
/foon-GAI/
“A thoughtful person who considers things deeply”
/foon-gee-SAI/
G
“God is my strength”
/gah-bree-EH-ree/
“Prepare yourselves; make preparations.”
/gah-dzee-RYE/
“Welcome; a short form associated with Gamuchirai.”
/GAH-moo/
“Receive; welcome.”
/gah-moo-chee-RAI/
“Stay; remain”
/gah-RAI/
“May you live well and prosper”
/gah-ree-KYE/
“A precious gift to the family”
/GIFT/
“More gift(s), or an additional gift.”
/GIFT-more/
“Give more.”
/give-MORE/
“A traditional Shona name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”
/GLAD-iss/
“God knows.”
/god-NOHZ/
“Sent by God.”
/GOD-sent/
“A child associated with goodness and kindness”
/GOOD-nes/
“A child received as a gracious blessing”
/GRAYS/
“Finish; bring to completion.”
/goo-mee-SYE/
“Contentment and satisfaction”
/GOOT-sah/
“Be strong; be firm.”
/gwee-NYE/
H
“Bring happiness; make joyful”
/hah-mee-SY/
“Grace; favour (Hebrew), as a form of Hannah.”
/HAH-nah/
“A joyful child who brings happiness”
/HAP-ee-nes/
“Happy's son; an English-style formed name.”
/HAP-ih-son/
“More happiness.”
/HAP-ee-more/
“Bright army; from Germanic elements meaning “bright” and “army.””
/HER-bert/
“War.”
/HON-doh/
“Hope well; a name expressing hope for a good future.”
/HOHP-well/
I
J
K
“Associated with Kaguvi, the male spirit medium prominent in the First Chimurenga; this is a historical association rather than a literal translation.”
/kah-GOO-vee/
“New; fresh. It is Greek-derived rather than a Shona lexical name, but is used as a male given name in Zimbabwe.”
/KY-noss/
“A traditional Shona name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”
/kah-ree-KOH-gah/
“Knowledge; an English virtue-style given name that is well established in Zimbabwean usage.”
/NOL-ij/
“The will of the Lord”
/koo-dah-kwah-SHEH/
“Praise; give praise to God”
/kood-ZAI/
“Praise the Lord”
/kood-zah-EE-sheh/
“A beautiful wish for a life surrounded by mutual respect and dignity.”
/koo-dzah-NYE/
“Victory and overcoming—a name that celebrates triumph after difficulty.”
/koo-KOON-dah/
“Ask; pray; request (a plural or respectful imperative).”
/koom-bee-RYE/
“Goodness and beauty”
/koo-NAH-kah/
“With God; in God's hands/presence.”
/koo-NAH-sheh/
“Conquer and overcome—a hopeful name for a child destined to triumph.”
/koon-DYE/
“Grow; may you grow.”
/koo-RAI/
“Courage, bravery, strength, or fortitude.”
/koo-SHING-ah/
“Patience, perseverance, and a steady heart”
/koo-shi-vi-REE-ra/
“To thank; giving thanks; thanksgiving.”
/koo-TEN-dah/
“Know; understand (a plural or respectful imperative).”
/koo-zee-VAI/
L
M
“Work or service; honouring diligence and useful contribution”
/mah-BAH-sah/
“Joy, happiness, or gladness.”
/mah-FAH-roh/
“What did you want?”
/my-EH-dee/
“A warm expression of thanks and appreciation”
/MY-tah/
“You have done well; an expression of thanks or praise addressed respectfully or to more than one person.”
/mah-KAI-tah/
“You are beautiful”
/mah-nah-KAH-nah/
“Many blessings and abundant good fortune”
/mah-kohm-boh-REH-roh/
“A joyful congratulations on a long-awaited blessing”
/mah-koh-roh-KOH-toh/
“A regal name evoking leadership, dignity, and authority.”
/MAHM-boh/
““Wait” — a respectful/plural imperative; “remain steadfast” is not the literal gloss.”
/mah-mee-RAI/
“Name associated with Chief Mapondera, a Shona leader of anti-colonial resistance; it is not a literal word meaning “bold” or “determination.””
/mah-pon-DEH-rah/
“Shona form of Mary. Mary’s ultimate Hebrew etymology is disputed, rather than securely meaning devotion or strength.”
/mah-REE-yah/
“Flowers; a life full of beauty and blossoming”
/mah-ROO-vah/
“A wonderfully remarkable child”
/MAR-vuh-lus/
“May you carry great strength and become a powerful source of support to others.”
/mah-SIM-bah/
““You have made us happy” / “you have pleased us.””
/mah-tee-FAH-dzah/
““Mud” or “clay.””
/ma-TOH-peh/
““Customs,” “traditions,” or “culture.””
/mah-TSEE-kah/
“A powerful name associated with greatness and strength”
/MAKS-well/
““Life” or “one who has life.””
/maz-VEE-tah/
“A name wishing you a life of distinction, good reputation, and lasting honor.”
/M-BEE-ree/
“A cherished child who will always be remembered”
/MEM-uh-ree/
“A child associated with mercy and compassion”
/MUR-see/
“Wind or breeze”
/MHEH-poh/
““Eland,” a large antelope and an important Shona totemic designation.”
/m-HOH-foo/
““Wait!” or “keep waiting,” from the Shona verb kumirira.”
/mee-ree-RAI/
“Fire; warmth, energy and brightness”
/MOH-toh/
““One who has been pierced/stabbed” or “one who has been injected,” from kubaya (“to pierce, stab, inject”).”
/moo-BYE-wah/
““You will become tired/weary.””
/moo-chah-NEH-tah/
“A child seen as a guardian of the family and its heritage.”
/moo-cheh-NGEH-tee/
“An interrogative expression approximately meaning “What do you have?” or “Which one do you have?””
/moo-chee-neh-REE-pee/
“Beloved and dearly cherished”
/moo-DEE-wah/
““Beloved of God” / “God’s beloved.””
/moo-dee-wah-NAH-sheh/
““Witness” or “one who testifies.””
/moo-fah-KAH-zee/
““All happiness” or “complete happiness,” associated with mufaro wose.”
/moo-fah-KOH-seh/
“Happiness and joy”
/moo-FAH-roh/
“A cherished inheritance and a blessing entrusted to the family.”
/moo-GOH-veh/
“A traditional name associated with a hare, a clever and resourceful animal”
/moo-JOO-roo/
“Wake up; an encouraging call to rise and meet life”
/moo-KAI/
“Victor or conqueror; one who overcomes difficulties”
/moo-KOON-dee/
““Fame,” “reputation,” or “renown.””
/moo-koo-room-BEE-rah/
“With the Lord; living under God’s care”
/moo-NAH-sheh/
“God is with us, or a child held within the family”
/moo-NEH-soo/
““You love” or “you want,” depending on context.”
/moo-NOH-dah/
“Comforter; one who brings comfort”
/moo-nyah-RAH-dzee/
““Blessing.””
/moo-PAH-koh/
““A living person,” “one who is alive,” or “the living one.””
/moo-PEN-yoo/
““A rich person,” “wealthy person,” or “prosperous person.””
/moo-PFOO-mee/
““Offering,” “sacrifice,” or “contribution.””
/moo-PEE-roh/
“Saviour or deliverer; one who brings help and protection”
/moo-poh-NEH-see/
““Farmer,” “cultivator,” or “one who farms.””
/moo-REE-mee/
““Do not be happy/rejoice” (a negative imperative form); it does not mean “may you not be troubled.””
/moo-sah-FAH-reh/
“A cherished reminder of belonging, family, and the place one calls home.”
/MOO-shah/
“A deeply cherished and dearly loved child”
/moo-TAND-wah/
“A traditional family name also used as a masculine given name”
/moo-TAH-sah/
“An honored traditional Shona male name from the history of the Mutapa state”
/moo-TOH-tah/
“Grace and kindness”
/MOOT-sah/
“A cherished last-born child, seen as the final blessing in the family.”
/moot-sa-WA-sheh/
“Messenger, envoy, or one sent with a message.”
/moo-TOOM-wah/
“Rain, a life-giving name for a child born during rain or a rainy season.”
/MVOO-ra/
“Daughter; girl child”
/mwah-nah-see-KAH-nah/
“Moon”
/MWED-zee/
N
“God is good”
/nah-kai-SHEH/
““Pray” or “pray, you all”; it does not literally mean “pray for me.””
/nah-mah-tee-RAI/
“Become good, beautiful, or improved”
/NAHT-sah/
“Derived from kunatsa: “make good,” “improve,” or “beautify.””
/nah-TSY/
“Like gold: precious, valuable, and treasured.”
/ndah-RAH-mah/
“A powerful heritage name associated with spiritual authority, courage, and leadership.”
/neh-HAHN-dah/
“Comforted and strengthened by God”
/nee-huh-MY-uh/
“Associated with -netsa, “to trouble, bother, or make difficult”; it is not a patience-and-strength gloss.”
/neh-TSAI/
“An English word name: “never.””
/NEV-er/
“Be watchful or careful; a protective blessing”
/ngwah-RAI/
“A name remembering hardship overcome”
/NYAH-moh/
““Troubles/misfortunes of the country (nation).””
/nyah-moh dzeh-NYEE-kah/
“Comfort; console; bring reassurance.”
/nyah-moo-DZAI/
“A hopeful name for new life and the return of joy to the family.”
/nyah-MOOT-swah/
“Comfort; consolation; one who brings reassurance.”
/nyah-rah-DZAH-ee/
“Comfort, peace, and reassurance”
/nyah-rah-DZOH/
“Be humbled; show humility”
/nyah-RAI/
“Grace and mercy”
/NYAH-shah/
“A traditional Shona name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”
/nyaht-SEEM-bah/
“Make us smile; bring smiles to the family”
/nyeh-moo-DZYE/
“Smile; smile at someone.”
/nyem-weh-REH-rah/
“Elephant; a symbol of strength and dignity”
/N-ZOH-oo/
O
P
“Love of the heart; heartfelt love.”
/pie-dah-MOY-oh/
“Increase; add to; make grow.”
/pahm-hee-DZYE/
“There is God; God is present”
/pah-nah-SHEH/
“Meet together; come together; assemble.”
/pan-ga-NYE/
“Pardon and mercy; a child associated with forgiveness and grace”
/PAR-don/
“Stand firm; let it remain standing.”
/pah-see-pah-MEE-reh/
“Patience, endurance, and quiet strength”
/PAY-shens/
“A Zimbabwean English-style coined name, literally "pay more"; it has no fixed traditional Shona semantic gloss.”
/PAY-more/
“A peaceful and calming presence in the family”
/PEES/
“Praise; give praise.”
/pem-bed-ZAI/
“Rock; a dependable foundation”
/PEH-troh/
“Wealth and abundance; a heartfelt wish that life brings prosperity.”
/PFOO-mah/
“May you grow in wealth and prosperity.”
/PFOO-my/
“White spear.”
/pfoo-moh-JEH-nah/
“Enter; come in.”
/pin-doo-KYE/
“A child who inspires gratitude and praise”
/PRAYZ/
“Prayer”
/PRAIR/
“Precious; treasured”
/PRESH-us/
“Prince; a male royal child or ruler”
/PRINSS/
“Princess; a female royal child”
/prin-SESS/
“Progress; advancement”
/PRAH-gres/
“Promise; pledge”
/PROM-is/
“Prosper; thrive or succeed”
/PROS-per/
“Prosperity, flourishing, and well-being”
/pross-PAIR-uh-tee/
“A wise, thoughtful, and sensible child”
/PROO-dens/
Q
R
“Keep going and persevere—a name honoring determination and endurance.”
/rahm-BYE/
“Remember one another”
/rah-ngah-NYE/
“Remembering a loved one or an important family story through the birth of this child.”
/ran-ga-ree-RYE/
“Live on; continue living”
/rah-rah-MYE/
“Sign; indication”
/rah-TEE-dzoh/
“Be shown; be revealed”
/rah-tid-ZWAI/
“Read more”
/REED-more/
“Reason; judgment or rational thought”
/REE-zun/
“Raise; bring up; nurture”
/reh-RYE/
“Reward; something given in recognition of an action or service”
/rih-WORD/
“Tell; narrate”
/ron-deh-DZYE/
“Blessing”
/roh-pah-FAHD-zoh/
“We have been blessed”
/roh-pah-FADZ-wah/
“Teach; train; educate.”
/roh-veh-DZYE/
“Love and affection”
/ROO-doh/
“Joy and gladness”
/roo-FAH-roh/
“Peace and harmony”
/roo-GAH-reh/
“Honor, respect, or esteem.”
/roo-KOOD-zoh/
“Praise; celebrate God’s goodness”
/room-bee-DZAI/
“Beauty and grace”
/roo-NAH-koh/
“Story, narrative, or account.”
/roo-NGAH-noh/
“Peace and gentleness”
/roo-nyah-RAH-roh/
“Faith and a grateful heart”
/roo-TEN-doh/
“Flower; a blossoming child”
/ROO-vah/
“Faith and trust”
/roo-VIM-boh/
S
“God has heard”
/sah-moo-EH-ree/
“Sarah, traditionally understood as princess or noblewoman”
/SAH-rah/
“Choose; select.”
/sah-roo-DZAI/
“An English word name meaning a savior, rescuer, or one who saves.”
/SAY-vyer/
“May you laugh often and bring laughter to others”
/seh-KYE/
“Astonish; surprise.”
/shah-mee-SIGH/
“Wonder; marvel”
/shah-MEE-soh/
“An English occupational word name for one who tends sheep; it may also carry Christian symbolism.”
/SHEP-erd/
“Be courageous—a warm wish for a child who faces life with bravery.”
/shin-GUY/
“Persevere and keep going—a name celebrating resilience through every challenge.”
/shin-gee-RY/
“Bird; a child with freedom and a joyful spirit”
/SHEE-ree/
“Criticize, condemn, or despise.”
/sho-RAI/
“Lion; a strong and courageous child”
/SHOOM-bah/
“Yearn for; desire; long for.”
/SHOO-vye/
“An English word name meaning silence; used for both sexes in Zimbabwe.”
/SY-lens/
“A strong name wishing you influence, courage, and inner power.”
/SIM-bah/
“The power of the Lord”
/seem-bah-rah-SHEH/
“Strengthen; encourage; make strong.”
/sim-bi-SAH-ee/
“Arise; get up; wake up.”
/see-moo-KAI/
“A Greek female name meaning 'wisdom,' used in Zimbabwe.”
/soh-FEE-ah/
“English locational name meaning “stone clearing” or “stony meadow.””
/STAN-lee/
“Star”
/STEL-ah/
“Success and the fulfilment of hopes”
/suk-SESS/
“Be joyful and cheerful”
/soo-KAI/
“A lasting bond and family union”
/soon-GAH-noh/
““Lily” (ultimately from Hebrew shoshannah).”
/soo-SAH-nah/
““Be alert,” “wake up,” or literally “open your eyes.””
/svee-noo-RYE/
““Wasp.””
/SVOHS-veh/
T
“Loved and cherished by the family”
/tah-DEE-wah/
“Loved by the Lord”
/tah-dee-wah-nah-SHEH/
“We have been made happy; a joyful blessing”
/tah-FAHDZ-wah/
““God has made us happy” or “we have been made happy by God.””
/tah-FADZ-wah-nah-SHEH/
“We have rejoiced; this child has brought us joy”
/tah-FAH-rah/
““We died for the country” or “we have died for the homeland.””
/tah-fee-reh-NYEE-kah/
““We have fallen.””
/tah-kah-WEE-rah/
“We have been praised or glorified”
/tah-KOODZ-wah/
““We have conquered,” “we have won,” or “we have overcome.””
/tah-KOON-dah/
““Talent” or “natural ability.””
/TAL-ent/
“Bring us happiness and rejoicing”
/tahm-boo-DZYE/
““We are good” or “we are well.””
/tah-NAH-kah/
““We have been comforted” or “we have received comfort.””
/tahn-yah-RAHDZ-wah/
“We have been given this precious child”
/tah-PEE-wah/
“Given by God”
/tah-pee-wah-nah-SHEH/
““Look!” or “Pay attention!””
/tah-ree-RAI/
“Hope and a bright future”
/tah-REE-roh/
““We have seen” / “we have seen it.””
/tah-roo-WOH-nah/
“We have given thanks”
/tah-TEN-dah/
“May your voice be heard and respected”
/tah-oo-RYE/
“Tell, explain, or make something known”
/tow-ree-SAI/
“We have received grace”
/tah-wah-nah-NYAH-shah/
“Growth, abundance, and a family flourishing”
/tah-WAN-dah/
“Be thankful; give thanks to God”
/ten-DAI/
““Thank God.””
/ten-dah-EE-sheh/
“A warm wish that he will be dependable, faithful and worthy of trust”
/ten-deh-KYE/
““Praise!””
/teh-oo-RAI/
“A reminder to keep giving thanks”
/THANK-mor/
“We will rejoice; a joyful name expressing hope for happiness ahead”
/tee-cha-FAH-rah/
“We shall see.”
/chee-chah-OH-nah/
“God is with us”
/tee-NAH-sheh/
“We have God”
/tee-NAH-yeh/
“A name carrying the family’s promise to remember its loved ones and roots.”
/tee-noh-rah-ngah-REE-rah/
“We give thanks to God”
/tee-noh-TEN-dah/
“A traditional Shona name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”
/TEE-toh/
“A loving reminder to remember someone or something important, especially after a loss.”
/ton-deh-RYE/
“Be thankful; give thanks.”
/ton-GAI/
“Faith, confidence, and a dependable heart”
/TRUST/
“An English exhortative name meaning “try more” or “keep trying.””
/TRY-more/
“A compassionate and gentle spirit”
/TSEE-tsee/
“Have mercy; show pity.”
/tsoong-GAI/
“Hare; a lively and clever child”
/TSOO-roh/
“Seek or search; an inquisitive child who looks for wisdom and purpose”
/tsvah-KYE/
“A traditional Shona name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”
/tsvah-ngah-RAI/
“Lead and guide; a child with the promise of wise direction”
/toon-gah-mee-RYE/
U
V
“Love; loving (commonly understood as an appeal connected with love).”
/vah-dee-SAI/
“Build; a hopeful wish that the child will create and strengthen good things”
/va-KYE/
“Grow up or become great; a warm blessing for maturity and flourishing”
/vah-koo-RAH-yee/
“Joy, delight, or happiness.”
/vah-RAI-dzoh/
“Hate; despise.”
/veh-NGAI/
“Illuminate; light up.”
/veh-neh-keh-RYE/
“Open; open up.”
/voo-RYE/
“A child associated with triumph and overcoming”
/VIK-tuh-ree/
“Believe; hold firmly to faith”
/vim-BAI/
“One who gives strength, confidence, and reassurance”
/veem-bee-SIGH/
“A promise of hope and a bright future”
/vim-BEE-soh/
“Give thanks; be grateful”
/von-GAI/
W
“May love and mutual care surround you”
/wah-dzah-NAI/
“A hopeful wish for greater blessings and opportunities ahead”
/WONT-more/
“A wise child and a blessing of good judgment”
/WIZ-dum/
“Witness; testimony or one who bears witness.”
/WIT-nis/
“A child welcomed as a joyful wonder”
/WUN-der/
“Work more; an exhortation or aspiration to work harder.”
/WERK-more/
Y
Z
“Summer, a warm seasonal name for a child born during the summer season.”
/ZHEE-zha/
“Understanding, knowledge, and wisdom”
/zee-VAI/
“Know the Lord/God.”
/zee-vah-EE-sheh/
“May you be known, understood, and close to others”
/zee-vah-NAI/
“Hate/dislike (plural imperative: “hate”).”
/zon-DAH-ee/
“A child who brings peace, calm, and restful happiness”
/zoh-ROH-rah/
“Rest; a gentle wish for peace, calm, and a settled life”
/zo-ro-RYE/
“Comfort and relief after sorrow or hardship.”
/zo-RO-ro/
“Sun; sunshine”
/ZOO-vah/
“A child associated with goodness and the blessings of life”
/zvah-nah-KAH-nah/
“Of the nation or country; expressing belonging and devotion to one’s homeland”
/zveh-nee-KAH/
“Learn; study (plural/polite imperative).”
/zvee-DZAH-ee/
“Blessings”
/zvee-kom-beh-ROH-roh/
“Those/things with the Lord; belonging to or associated with the Lord.”
/zvih-nah-VAH-sheh/
“What is wanted/needed; that which is desired.”
/zvee-noh-DAH/
“What is desired/wanted; that which is wanted in this way.”
/zvee-noh-DYE/