Shona boy names.
337 names — open any of them for its meaning, sound and story.
01Addmore“English-style Zimbabwean name meaning “add more,” expressing a wish for increase or blessing.”→︎02Adhamu“The first man; associated with humanity and new beginnings”→︎03Anashe“God is with us”→︎04Anesu“God is with us”→︎05Angel“Greek-derived name meaning “messenger”; in Christian use, a messenger of God.”→︎06Anofara“He/she is happy.”→︎07Anokudzwa“He/she is honoured; one who is respected.”→︎08Anotenda“He/she gives thanks; he/she is thankful.”→︎09Anotida“God loves us”→︎10Anotidaishe“The Lord loves us”→︎11Arthur“A traditional Shona name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”→︎12Atinotenda“We give thanks”→︎13Atipaishe“Give us, Lord.”→︎14Batanai“Unite; be united.”→︎15Batsirai“Help and support are always with you”→︎16Believe“Believe; have faith.”→︎17Blessing“A blessing.”→︎18Blessmore“Bless more; may there be more blessings.”→︎19Bongai“Give thanks.”→︎20Bright“Bright; shining.”→︎21Brightmore“An English-style compound name suggesting “more brightness.””→︎22Brighton“An English place-name, derived from “Beorthelm’s settlement.””→︎23Brilliant“Brilliant; exceptionally intelligent or impressive.”→︎24Bvumai““Agree” or “accept” (a plural/addressee imperative from bvuma).”→︎25Chabuda““That which has come out/emerged” (from -buda, to come or go out).”→︎26Chabvuta“Related to -bvuta, “to snatch, seize, or grab.””→︎27Chakafadza““It has pleased” or “that which has pleased.””→︎28Chakafadzwa““It has been pleased/delighted.””→︎29Chakafara““It became happy” or “it rejoiced.””→︎30Chaminuka“A major traditional Shona name, especially associated with Chaminuka, the renowned ancestral spirit medium and historical-religious figure.”→︎31Chamunorwa““That which is fought for” or “one who is contended for,” from -norwa, “to be fought.””→︎32Chando“Winter or the cold season, for a child born in that season.”→︎33Changamire“A distinguished name for a child destined to lead with strength and honor.”→︎34Chauya““It has come” or “that which has come.””→︎35Chawanda““It has increased,” “become many,” or “multiplied.””→︎36Chawasarira““What has remained/been left behind,” from -sarira.”→︎37Chengetai“A blessing that the child will safeguard the family and all it holds dear.”→︎38Chengeto“Protection, guarding, or safekeeping.”→︎39Chenjerai“A thoughtful, careful, and wise person”→︎40Chidamoyo““Heart’s desire” or “what the heart desires.””→︎41Chiedza“Light, warmth, and goodness”→︎42Chikomborero“Blessing; benediction.”→︎43Chikumbiro“Request, plea, or prayer.”→︎44Chikumbutso“Reminder, remembrance, or memorial.”→︎45Chinokosha“What is precious and valuable”→︎46Chiratidzo“A child seen as a meaningful sign or blessing”→︎47Chirimo“The rainy season; a time of renewal and growth”→︎48Chirume“A name celebrating manhood, strength, and dignity”→︎49Chisango“Bush, wilderness, or forest/thicket.”→︎50Chiseko“Laughter, amusement, or a joke; in some contexts, mockery.”→︎51Chisungo“Bond or covenant; a cherished connection that holds people together”→︎52Chitsidzo“Promise; pledge; vow.”→︎53Chokwadi“Truth; an honest and trustworthy person”→︎54Chomunorwa“That which is fought for; something worth fighting for.”→︎55Chuma“Treasure and prosperity; a precious child”→︎56Clever“Clever; intelligent; skillful.”→︎57Collins“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.””→︎58Comfort“A source of comfort and consolation”→︎59Courage“A brave and courageous child”→︎60Dakarai“Rejoice; a child who brings happiness and celebration”→︎61Dambudzo“Trouble; difficulty; hardship.”→︎62Dananai“Love and togetherness”→︎63Dariro“Purpose, aim, or intention.”→︎64Darisai“Show or reveal what is present”→︎65Daviti“Shona form of David; “beloved.””→︎66Denga“Sky or heavens”→︎67Desmond“An English/Irish name meaning “from South Munster” (or “man of South Munster”).”→︎68Dhanieri“God is my judge”→︎69Dhonza“To pull, draw, or drag.”→︎70Diligence“A child valued for perseverance and steady effort”→︎71Dingirai“Seek, look for, or pursue.”→︎72Dombo“A strong and enduring person, like a rock”→︎73Douglas“A Scottish Gaelic name meaning “dark river.””→︎74Dudzai“One who teaches and guides others wisely”→︎75Dudzanai“Teach or instruct one another.”→︎76Dudzirai“Explain matters clearly and bring understanding”→︎77Dudziro“Explanation or interpretation.”→︎78Dzidzai“A lifelong learner, growing in wisdom and understanding”→︎79Dzikamai“Calmness and peace”→︎80Dzingai“Drive away, chase away, or ward off.”→︎81Dzorerai“Restore or return; a hopeful name of renewal”→︎82Edison“An English surname-name meaning “son of Eda” (sometimes analysed as “son of Edward”); it is used as a male given name in Zimbabwe.”→︎83Emmanuel“A joyful name meaning “God is with us””→︎84Erasto“Beloved; pleasing”→︎85Eriya““My God is Yahweh” / “Yahweh is my God.””→︎86Evidence““Evidence,” “proof,” or “testimony.””→︎87Ezekieri““God strengthens” / “God will strengthen.””→︎88Fadzisai““Make happy” or “bring happiness.””→︎89Fadziso“A source of happiness and joy”→︎90Fainos“A shining or radiant one”→︎91Fara“Rejoice; a joyful child”→︎92Farai“Rejoice; be happy”→︎93Favour“Favour, kindness, and gracious blessing”→︎94Festo“Joyful celebration; festivity”→︎95Firstborn““The first-born child.””→︎96Forget“Forget; an English-language name, generally borne by males in Zimbabwean usage.”→︎97Fungai“Thoughtfulness and good judgment”→︎98Fungisai“A thoughtful person who considers things deeply”→︎99Gabrieri“God is my strength”→︎100Gadzirai“Prepare yourselves; make preparations.”→︎101Gamuchirai“Receive; welcome.”→︎102Garai“Stay; remain”→︎103Garikai“May you live well and prosper”→︎104Gift“A precious gift to the family”→︎105Giftmore“More gift(s), or an additional gift.”→︎106Givemore“Give more.”→︎107Godknows“God knows.”→︎108Godsent“Sent by God.”→︎109Gutsa“Contentment and satisfaction”→︎110Gwinyai“Be strong; be firm.”→︎111Hamisai“Bring happiness; make joyful”→︎112Happison“Happy's son; an English-style formed name.”→︎113Happymore“More happiness.”→︎114Herbert“Bright army; from Germanic elements meaning “bright” and “army.””→︎115Hondo“War.”→︎116Hopewell“Hope well; a name expressing hope for a good future.”→︎117Innocent“A child associated with innocence and sincerity”→︎118Itai“Do it; a hopeful encouragement to take action and fulfill one’s purpose”→︎119Johani“God is gracious”→︎120Jongwe“Rooster; a lively symbol of watchfulness and confidence”→︎121Josua“A variant of Joshua, meaning “Yahweh is salvation.””→︎122Kaguvi“Associated with Kaguvi, the male spirit medium prominent in the First Chimurenga; this is a historical association rather than a literal translation.”→︎123Kainos“New; fresh. It is Greek-derived rather than a Shona lexical name, but is used as a male given name in Zimbabwe.”→︎124Karikoga“A traditional Shona name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”→︎125Knowledge“Knowledge; an English virtue-style given name that is well established in Zimbabwean usage.”→︎126Kudakwashe“The will of the Lord”→︎127Kudzai“Praise; give praise to God”→︎128Kudzaishe“Praise the Lord”→︎129Kudzanai“A beautiful wish for a life surrounded by mutual respect and dignity.”→︎130Kukunda“Victory and overcoming—a name that celebrates triumph after difficulty.”→︎131Kumbirai“Ask; pray; request (a plural or respectful imperative).”→︎132Kunaka“Goodness and beauty”→︎133Kunashe“With God; in God's hands/presence.”→︎134Kundai“Conquer and overcome—a hopeful name for a child destined to triumph.”→︎135Kurai“Grow; may you grow.”→︎136Kushinga“Courage, bravery, strength, or fortitude.”→︎137Kushivirira“Patience, perseverance, and a steady heart”→︎138Kutenda“To thank; giving thanks; thanksgiving.”→︎139Kuzivai“Know; understand (a plural or respectful imperative).”→︎140Learnmore“Learn more; an English imperative-style given name widely used in Zimbabwe.”→︎141Lovemore“A reminder to live with abundant love”→︎142Mabasa“Work or service; honouring diligence and useful contribution”→︎143Mafaro“Joy, happiness, or gladness.”→︎144Maita“A warm expression of thanks and appreciation”→︎145Makaita“You have done well; an expression of thanks or praise addressed respectfully or to more than one person.”→︎146Makomborero“Many blessings and abundant good fortune”→︎147Makorokoto“A joyful congratulations on a long-awaited blessing”→︎148Mambo“A regal name evoking leadership, dignity, and authority.”→︎149Mamirai““Wait” — a respectful/plural imperative; “remain steadfast” is not the literal gloss.”→︎150Mapondera“Name associated with Chief Mapondera, a Shona leader of anti-colonial resistance; it is not a literal word meaning “bold” or “determination.””→︎151Marvelous“A wonderfully remarkable child”→︎152Masimba“May you carry great strength and become a powerful source of support to others.”→︎153Matope““Mud” or “clay.””→︎154Matsika““Customs,” “traditions,” or “culture.””→︎155Maxwell“A powerful name associated with greatness and strength”→︎156Mazvita““Life” or “one who has life.””→︎157Mbiri“A name wishing you a life of distinction, good reputation, and lasting honor.”→︎158Mhepo“Wind or breeze”→︎159Mhofu““Eland,” a large antelope and an important Shona totemic designation.”→︎160Moto“Fire; warmth, energy and brightness”→︎161Mubaiwa““One who has been pierced/stabbed” or “one who has been injected,” from kubaya (“to pierce, stab, inject”).”→︎162Muchengeti“A child seen as a guardian of the family and its heritage.”→︎163Muchineripi“An interrogative expression approximately meaning “What do you have?” or “Which one do you have?””→︎164Mudiwa“Beloved and dearly cherished”→︎165Mudiwanashe““Beloved of God” / “God’s beloved.””→︎166Mufakazi““Witness” or “one who testifies.””→︎167Mufakose““All happiness” or “complete happiness,” associated with mufaro wose.”→︎168Mufaro“Happiness and joy”→︎169Mugove“A cherished inheritance and a blessing entrusted to the family.”→︎170Mujuru“A traditional name associated with a hare, a clever and resourceful animal”→︎171Mukai“Wake up; an encouraging call to rise and meet life”→︎172Mukundi“Victor or conqueror; one who overcomes difficulties”→︎173Mukurumbira““Fame,” “reputation,” or “renown.””→︎174Munashe“With the Lord; living under God’s care”→︎175Munesu“God is with us, or a child held within the family”→︎176Munoda““You love” or “you want,” depending on context.”→︎177Munyaradzi“Comforter; one who brings comfort”→︎178Mupako““Blessing.””→︎179Mupenyu““A living person,” “one who is alive,” or “the living one.””→︎180Mupfumi““A rich person,” “wealthy person,” or “prosperous person.””→︎181Muponesi“Saviour or deliverer; one who brings help and protection”→︎182Murimi““Farmer,” “cultivator,” or “one who farms.””→︎183Musafare““Do not be happy/rejoice” (a negative imperative form); it does not mean “may you not be troubled.””→︎184Musha“A cherished reminder of belonging, family, and the place one calls home.”→︎185Mutandwa“A deeply cherished and dearly loved child”→︎186Mutasa“A traditional family name also used as a masculine given name”→︎187Mutota“An honored traditional Shona male name from the history of the Mutapa state”→︎188Mutsa“Grace and kindness”→︎189Mutsawashe“A cherished last-born child, seen as the final blessing in the family.”→︎190Mutumwa“Messenger, envoy, or one sent with a message.”→︎191Mvura“Rain, a life-giving name for a child born during rain or a rainy season.”→︎192Mwedzi“Moon”→︎193Natsa“Become good, beautiful, or improved”→︎194Ndarama“Like gold: precious, valuable, and treasured.”→︎195Nehemiah“Comforted and strengthened by God”→︎196Never“An English word name: “never.””→︎197Ngwarai“Be watchful or careful; a protective blessing”→︎198Nhamo“A name remembering hardship overcome”→︎199Nhamodzenyika““Troubles/misfortunes of the country (nation).””→︎200Nyamutswa“A hopeful name for new life and the return of joy to the family.”→︎201Nyarai“Be humbled; show humility”→︎202Nyasha“Grace and mercy”→︎203Nyatsimba“A traditional Shona name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”→︎204Nzou“Elephant; a symbol of strength and dignity”→︎205Onesimo“Useful; beneficial and valuable to others”→︎206Pamhidzai“Increase; add to; make grow.”→︎207Panashe“There is God; God is present”→︎208Panganai“Meet together; come together; assemble.”→︎209Pardon“Pardon and mercy; a child associated with forgiveness and grace”→︎210Pasipamire“Stand firm; let it remain standing.”→︎211Patience“Patience, endurance, and quiet strength”→︎212Paymore“A Zimbabwean English-style coined name, literally "pay more"; it has no fixed traditional Shona semantic gloss.”→︎213Peace“A peaceful and calming presence in the family”→︎214Pembedzai“Praise; give praise.”→︎215Petro“Rock; a dependable foundation”→︎216Pfuma“Wealth and abundance; a heartfelt wish that life brings prosperity.”→︎217Pfumai“May you grow in wealth and prosperity.”→︎218Pfumojena“White spear.”→︎219Pindukai“Enter; come in.”→︎220Praise“A child who inspires gratitude and praise”→︎221Prayer“Prayer”→︎222Prince“Prince; a male royal child or ruler”→︎223Progress“Progress; advancement”→︎224Promise“Promise; pledge”→︎225Prosper“Prosper; thrive or succeed”→︎226Prosperity“Prosperity, flourishing, and well-being”→︎227Rambai“Keep going and persevere—a name honoring determination and endurance.”→︎228Ranganai“Remember one another”→︎229Rangarirai“Remembering a loved one or an important family story through the birth of this child.”→︎230Ratidzo“Sign; indication”→︎231Readmore“Read more”→︎232Reason“Reason; judgment or rational thought”→︎233Rerai“Raise; bring up; nurture”→︎234Reward“Reward; something given in recognition of an action or service”→︎235Rondedzai“Tell; narrate”→︎236Ropafadzwa“We have been blessed”→︎237Rudo“Love and affection”→︎238Rufaro“Joy and gladness”→︎239Rugare“Peace and harmony”→︎240Rumbidzai“Praise; celebrate God’s goodness”→︎241Rungano“Story, narrative, or account.”→︎242Runyararo“Peace and gentleness”→︎243Samueri“God has heard”→︎244Saviour“An English word name meaning a savior, rescuer, or one who saves.”→︎245Sekai“May you laugh often and bring laughter to others”→︎246Shamisai“Astonish; surprise.”→︎247Shamiso“Wonder; marvel”→︎248Shepherd“An English occupational word name for one who tends sheep; it may also carry Christian symbolism.”→︎249Shingai“Be courageous—a warm wish for a child who faces life with bravery.”→︎250Shingirai“Persevere and keep going—a name celebrating resilience through every challenge.”→︎251Shiri“Bird; a child with freedom and a joyful spirit”→︎252Shumba“Lion; a strong and courageous child”→︎253Silence“An English word name meaning silence; used for both sexes in Zimbabwe.”→︎254Simba“A strong name wishing you influence, courage, and inner power.”→︎255Simbarashe“The power of the Lord”→︎256Simbisai“Strengthen; encourage; make strong.”→︎257Simukai“Arise; get up; wake up.”→︎258Stanley“English locational name meaning “stone clearing” or “stony meadow.””→︎259Success“Success and the fulfilment of hopes”→︎260Sungano“A lasting bond and family union”→︎261Svinurai““Be alert,” “wake up,” or literally “open your eyes.””→︎262Svosve““Wasp.””→︎263Tadiwa“Loved and cherished by the family”→︎264Tadiwanashe“Loved by the Lord”→︎265Tafadzwa“We have been made happy; a joyful blessing”→︎266Tafadzwanashe““God has made us happy” or “we have been made happy by God.””→︎267Tafara“We have rejoiced; this child has brought us joy”→︎268Tafirenyika““We died for the country” or “we have died for the homeland.””→︎269Takawira““We have fallen.””→︎270Takudzwa“We have been praised or glorified”→︎271Takunda““We have conquered,” “we have won,” or “we have overcome.””→︎272Talent““Talent” or “natural ability.””→︎273Tanaka““We are good” or “we are well.””→︎274Tanyaradzwa““We have been comforted” or “we have received comfort.””→︎275Tapiwa“We have been given this precious child”→︎276Tapiwanashe“Given by God”→︎277Tarirai““Look!” or “Pay attention!””→︎278Tariro“Hope and a bright future”→︎279Taruwona““We have seen” / “we have seen it.””→︎280Tatenda“We have given thanks”→︎281Taurai“May your voice be heard and respected”→︎282Taurisai“Tell, explain, or make something known”→︎283Tawananyasha“We have received grace”→︎284Tawanda“Growth, abundance, and a family flourishing”→︎285Tendai“Be thankful; give thanks to God”→︎286Tendaishe““Thank God.””→︎287Tendekai“A warm wish that he will be dependable, faithful and worthy of trust”→︎288Thankmore“A reminder to keep giving thanks”→︎289Tichafara“We will rejoice; a joyful name expressing hope for happiness ahead”→︎290Tichaona“We shall see.”→︎291Tinashe“God is with us”→︎292Tinaye“We have God”→︎293Tinorangarira“A name carrying the family’s promise to remember its loved ones and roots.”→︎294Tinotenda“We give thanks to God”→︎295Tito“A traditional Shona name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”→︎296Tonderai“A loving reminder to remember someone or something important, especially after a loss.”→︎297Tongai“Be thankful; give thanks.”→︎298Trust“Faith, confidence, and a dependable heart”→︎299Trymore“An English exhortative name meaning “try more” or “keep trying.””→︎300Tsitsi“A compassionate and gentle spirit”→︎301Tsungai“Have mercy; show pity.”→︎302Tsuro“Hare; a lively and clever child”→︎303Tsvakai“Seek or search; an inquisitive child who looks for wisdom and purpose”→︎304Tsvangirai“A traditional Shona name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”→︎305Tungamirai“Lead and guide; a child with the promise of wise direction”→︎306Uchenjeri“Wisdom, insight, and sound judgment”→︎307Vakai“Build; a hopeful wish that the child will create and strengthen good things”→︎308Vakurayi“Grow up or become great; a warm blessing for maturity and flourishing”→︎309Vengai“Hate; despise.”→︎310Vhenekerai“Illuminate; light up.”→︎311Vhurai“Open; open up.”→︎312Victory“A child associated with triumph and overcoming”→︎313Vimbai“Believe; hold firmly to faith”→︎314Vimbisai“One who gives strength, confidence, and reassurance”→︎315Vimbiso“A promise of hope and a bright future”→︎316Vongai“Give thanks; be grateful”→︎317Wadzanai“May love and mutual care surround you”→︎318Wantmore“A hopeful wish for greater blessings and opportunities ahead”→︎319Wisdom“A wise child and a blessing of good judgment”→︎320Witness“Witness; testimony or one who bears witness.”→︎321Wonder“A child welcomed as a joyful wonder”→︎322Workmore“Work more; an exhortation or aspiration to work harder.”→︎323Yemurai“Be joyful and cheerful”→︎324Zhizha“Summer, a warm seasonal name for a child born during the summer season.”→︎325Zivai“Understanding, knowledge, and wisdom”→︎326Zivaishe“Know the Lord/God.”→︎327Zivanai“May you be known, understood, and close to others”→︎328Zondai“Hate/dislike (plural imperative: “hate”).”→︎329Zorora“A child who brings peace, calm, and restful happiness”→︎330Zororai“Rest; a gentle wish for peace, calm, and a settled life”→︎331Zororo“Comfort and relief after sorrow or hardship.”→︎332Zuva“Sun; sunshine”→︎333Zvakanaka“A child associated with goodness and the blessings of life”→︎334Zvenyika“Of the nation or country; expressing belonging and devotion to one’s homeland”→︎335Zvidzai“Learn; study (plural/polite imperative).”→︎336Zvikomborero“Blessings”→︎337Zvinavashe“Those/things with the Lord; belonging to or associated with the Lord.”→︎