Shona girl names.
288 names — open any of them for its meaning, sound and story.
01Aizivaishe““She knew the Lord/God” (from aiziva Ishe).”→︎02Anashe“God is with us”→︎03Anatswanashe““Cleansed/purified by the Lord (God).””→︎04Anenyasha“She has grace”→︎05Anerudo““She has love” or “one who has love.””→︎06Anesu“God is with us”→︎07Angel“Greek-derived name meaning “messenger”; in Christian use, a messenger of God.”→︎08Anodiwa“Beloved and deeply cherished”→︎09Anofara“He/she is happy.”→︎10Anokosha“Precious and deeply valued”→︎11Anokudzwa“He/she is honoured; one who is respected.”→︎12Anotenda“He/she gives thanks; he/she is thankful.”→︎13Anotida“God loves us”→︎14Anotidaishe“The Lord loves us”→︎15Aripano“She is here.”→︎16Atafadzwa“One who has been made happy; one who is pleased.”→︎17Atifarire“May we rejoice; let us be happy.”→︎18Atinotenda“We give thanks”→︎19Atipaishe“Give us, Lord.”→︎20Batsirai“Help and support are always with you”→︎21Believe“Believe; have faith.”→︎22Bernadette“A French feminine form of Bernard, meaning “brave bear.””→︎23Blessing“A blessing.”→︎24Brenda“A name of uncertain origin, often linked to Old Norse brandr, “sword.””→︎25Bvumai““Agree” or “accept” (a plural/addressee imperative from bvuma).”→︎26Chabuda““That which has come out/emerged” (from -buda, to come or go out).”→︎27Chabvuta“Related to -bvuta, “to snatch, seize, or grab.””→︎28Chakafadza““It has pleased” or “that which has pleased.””→︎29Chakafadzwa““It has been pleased/delighted.””→︎30Chakafara““It became happy” or “it rejoiced.””→︎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.”→︎33Charity“A child associated with love, kindness, and generosity”→︎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.””→︎41Chido“Desire, love, or something wished for.”→︎42Chidochangu“My desire; my love.”→︎43Chidochashe“God's desire or God's will.”→︎44Chiedza“Light, warmth, and goodness”→︎45Chikomborero“Blessing; benediction.”→︎46Chikumbiro“Request, plea, or prayer.”→︎47Chikumbutso“Reminder, remembrance, or memorial.”→︎48Chinokosha“What is precious and valuable”→︎49Chipo“A gift, gratefully received from God”→︎50Chipochashe“God's gift; a gift from God.”→︎51Chiratidzo“A child seen as a meaningful sign or blessing”→︎52Chirimo“The rainy season; a time of renewal and growth”→︎53Chirorodza“A comforter; one or that which soothes or consoles.”→︎54Chisara“What remains; a precious remainder”→︎55Chiseko“Laughter, amusement, or a joke; in some contexts, mockery.”→︎56Chisungo“Bond or covenant; a cherished connection that holds people together”→︎57Chitsidzo“Promise; pledge; vow.”→︎58Chivimbo“Faith, trust, and confidence in the future”→︎59Chomunorwa“That which is fought for; something worth fighting for.”→︎60Comfort“A source of comfort and consolation”→︎61Constance“Steadfast and constant”→︎62Daisai“Be happy”→︎63Daisy“A flower name, from the daisy.”→︎64Danai“Love one another; love each other.”→︎65Dananai“Love and togetherness”→︎66Dariro“Purpose, aim, or intention.”→︎67Darisai“Show or reveal what is present”→︎68Debhora“Bee; traditionally associated with diligence and strength”→︎69Denga“Sky or heavens”→︎70Diligence“A child valued for perseverance and steady effort”→︎71Dingirai“Seek, look for, or pursue.”→︎72Dudzai“One who teaches and guides others wisely”→︎73Dudzanai“Teach or instruct one another.”→︎74Dudzirai“Explain matters clearly and bring understanding”→︎75Dudziro“Explanation or interpretation.”→︎76Dzidzai“A lifelong learner, growing in wisdom and understanding”→︎77Elisabeti“God is my oath; a child held in faithful devotion”→︎78Esteri“A form of Esther, meaning “star””→︎79Evidence““Evidence,” “proof,” or “testimony.””→︎80Fadzai“Be happy and bring happiness to others”→︎81Fadzisai““Make happy” or “bring happiness.””→︎82Fadziso“A source of happiness and joy”→︎83Fadziswa““One who has been made happy” / “made happy.””→︎84Fadzwa““Be happy” or “be made happy.””→︎85Faith“A child who represents faith and trust”→︎86Fara“Rejoice; a joyful child”→︎87Farai“Rejoice; be happy”→︎88Farisai““Make happy” or “cause rejoicing.””→︎89Favour“Favour, kindness, and gracious blessing”→︎90Felistas“A Zimbabwean form related to Felicitas/Felista, meaning “fortunate,” “lucky,” or “happy.””→︎91Firstborn““The first-born child.””→︎92Fungai“Thoughtfulness and good judgment”→︎93Fungisai“A thoughtful person who considers things deeply”→︎94Gamu“Welcome; a short form associated with Gamuchirai.”→︎95Gamuchirai“Receive; welcome.”→︎96Garai“Stay; remain”→︎97Garikai“May you live well and prosper”→︎98Gift“A precious gift to the family”→︎99Gladys“A traditional Shona name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”→︎100Goodness“A child associated with goodness and kindness”→︎101Grace“A child received as a gracious blessing”→︎102Gumisai“Finish; bring to completion.”→︎103Hana“Grace; favour (Hebrew), as a form of Hannah.”→︎104Happiness“A joyful child who brings happiness”→︎105Isheanesu“God is with us”→︎106Jekesai“Be happy; rejoice.”→︎107Joyce“Joyful”→︎108Juliet“Youthful”→︎109Kudzai“Praise; give praise to God”→︎110Kudzaishe“Praise the Lord”→︎111Kudzanai“A beautiful wish for a life surrounded by mutual respect and dignity.”→︎112Kukunda“Victory and overcoming—a name that celebrates triumph after difficulty.”→︎113Kunaka“Goodness and beauty”→︎114Kunashe“With God; in God's hands/presence.”→︎115Kundai“Conquer and overcome—a hopeful name for a child destined to triumph.”→︎116Kushinga“Courage, bravery, strength, or fortitude.”→︎117Kushivirira“Patience, perseverance, and a steady heart”→︎118Kutenda“To thank; giving thanks; thanksgiving.”→︎119Kuzivai“Know; understand (a plural or respectful imperative).”→︎120Loveness“Love or affection; an English-style Zimbabwean female given name.”→︎121Mafaro“Joy, happiness, or gladness.”→︎122Maidei“What did you want?”→︎123Maita“A warm expression of thanks and appreciation”→︎124Makaita“You have done well; an expression of thanks or praise addressed respectfully or to more than one person.”→︎125Makanaka“You are beautiful”→︎126Makomborero“Many blessings and abundant good fortune”→︎127Makorokoto“A joyful congratulations on a long-awaited blessing”→︎128Mamirai““Wait” — a respectful/plural imperative; “remain steadfast” is not the literal gloss.”→︎129Mariya“Shona form of Mary. Mary’s ultimate Hebrew etymology is disputed, rather than securely meaning devotion or strength.”→︎130Maruva“Flowers; a life full of beauty and blossoming”→︎131Marvelous“A wonderfully remarkable child”→︎132Matifadza““You have made us happy” / “you have pleased us.””→︎133Mazvita““Life” or “one who has life.””→︎134Mbiri“A name wishing you a life of distinction, good reputation, and lasting honor.”→︎135Memory“A cherished child who will always be remembered”→︎136Mercy“A child associated with mercy and compassion”→︎137Mhepo“Wind or breeze”→︎138Mirirai““Wait!” or “keep waiting,” from the Shona verb kumirira.”→︎139Moto“Fire; warmth, energy and brightness”→︎140Muchaneta““You will become tired/weary.””→︎141Muchengeti“A child seen as a guardian of the family and its heritage.”→︎142Mudiwa“Beloved and dearly cherished”→︎143Mudiwanashe““Beloved of God” / “God’s beloved.””→︎144Mufakazi““Witness” or “one who testifies.””→︎145Mufakose““All happiness” or “complete happiness,” associated with mufaro wose.”→︎146Mufaro“Happiness and joy”→︎147Mukurumbira““Fame,” “reputation,” or “renown.””→︎148Munashe“With the Lord; living under God’s care”→︎149Munesu“God is with us, or a child held within the family”→︎150Mupenyu““A living person,” “one who is alive,” or “the living one.””→︎151Mupfumi““A rich person,” “wealthy person,” or “prosperous person.””→︎152Mupiro““Offering,” “sacrifice,” or “contribution.””→︎153Musha“A cherished reminder of belonging, family, and the place one calls home.”→︎154Mutsa“Grace and kindness”→︎155Mutsawashe“A cherished last-born child, seen as the final blessing in the family.”→︎156Mvura“Rain, a life-giving name for a child born during rain or a rainy season.”→︎157Mwanasikana“Daughter; girl child”→︎158Mwedzi“Moon”→︎159Nakaishe“God is good”→︎160Namatirai““Pray” or “pray, you all”; it does not literally mean “pray for me.””→︎161Natsa“Become good, beautiful, or improved”→︎162Natsai“Derived from kunatsa: “make good,” “improve,” or “beautify.””→︎163Ndarama“Like gold: precious, valuable, and treasured.”→︎164Nehanda“A powerful heritage name associated with spiritual authority, courage, and leadership.”→︎165Netsai“Associated with -netsa, “to trouble, bother, or make difficult”; it is not a patience-and-strength gloss.”→︎166Never“An English word name: “never.””→︎167Nhamo“A name remembering hardship overcome”→︎168Nyamudzai“Comfort; console; bring reassurance.”→︎169Nyamutswa“A hopeful name for new life and the return of joy to the family.”→︎170Nyaradzai“Comfort; consolation; one who brings reassurance.”→︎171Nyaradzo“Comfort, peace, and reassurance”→︎172Nyarai“Be humbled; show humility”→︎173Nyasha“Grace and mercy”→︎174Nyemudzai“Make us smile; bring smiles to the family”→︎175Nyemwerera“Smile; smile at someone.”→︎176Nzou“Elephant; a symbol of strength and dignity”→︎177Paidamoyo“Love of the heart; heartfelt love.”→︎178Pamhidzai“Increase; add to; make grow.”→︎179Panashe“There is God; God is present”→︎180Patience“Patience, endurance, and quiet strength”→︎181Peace“A peaceful and calming presence in the family”→︎182Pembedzai“Praise; give praise.”→︎183Pfuma“Wealth and abundance; a heartfelt wish that life brings prosperity.”→︎184Pfumai“May you grow in wealth and prosperity.”→︎185Praise“A child who inspires gratitude and praise”→︎186Prayer“Prayer”→︎187Precious“Precious; treasured”→︎188Princess“Princess; a female royal child”→︎189Progress“Progress; advancement”→︎190Promise“Promise; pledge”→︎191Prosperity“Prosperity, flourishing, and well-being”→︎192Prudence“A wise, thoughtful, and sensible child”→︎193Queen“Queen; a female monarch”→︎194Rambai“Keep going and persevere—a name honoring determination and endurance.”→︎195Rangarirai“Remembering a loved one or an important family story through the birth of this child.”→︎196Raramai“Live on; continue living”→︎197Ratidzo“Sign; indication”→︎198Ratidzwai“Be shown; be revealed”→︎199Ropafadzo“Blessing”→︎200Ropafadzwa“We have been blessed”→︎201Rovedzai“Teach; train; educate.”→︎202Rudo“Love and affection”→︎203Rufaro“Joy and gladness”→︎204Rugare“Peace and harmony”→︎205Rukudzo“Honor, respect, or esteem.”→︎206Rumbidzai“Praise; celebrate God’s goodness”→︎207Runako“Beauty and grace”→︎208Rungano“Story, narrative, or account.”→︎209Runyararo“Peace and gentleness”→︎210Rutendo“Faith and a grateful heart”→︎211Ruva“Flower; a blossoming child”→︎212Ruvimbo“Faith and trust”→︎213Sara“Sarah, traditionally understood as princess or noblewoman”→︎214Sarudzai“Choose; select.”→︎215Sekai“May you laugh often and bring laughter to others”→︎216Shamisai“Astonish; surprise.”→︎217Shamiso“Wonder; marvel”→︎218Shingai“Be courageous—a warm wish for a child who faces life with bravery.”→︎219Shingirai“Persevere and keep going—a name celebrating resilience through every challenge.”→︎220Shiri“Bird; a child with freedom and a joyful spirit”→︎221Shorai“Criticize, condemn, or despise.”→︎222Shumba“Lion; a strong and courageous child”→︎223Shuvai“Yearn for; desire; long for.”→︎224Silence“An English word name meaning silence; used for both sexes in Zimbabwe.”→︎225Simba“A strong name wishing you influence, courage, and inner power.”→︎226Simbisai“Strengthen; encourage; make strong.”→︎227Simukai“Arise; get up; wake up.”→︎228Sophia“A Greek female name meaning 'wisdom,' used in Zimbabwe.”→︎229Stella“Star”→︎230Success“Success and the fulfilment of hopes”→︎231Sukai“Be joyful and cheerful”→︎232Sungano“A lasting bond and family union”→︎233Susana““Lily” (ultimately from Hebrew shoshannah).”→︎234Tadiwa“Loved and cherished by the family”→︎235Tadiwanashe“Loved by the Lord”→︎236Tafadzwa“We have been made happy; a joyful blessing”→︎237Tafadzwanashe““God has made us happy” or “we have been made happy by God.””→︎238Takudzwa“We have been praised or glorified”→︎239Takunda““We have conquered,” “we have won,” or “we have overcome.””→︎240Talent““Talent” or “natural ability.””→︎241Tambudzai“Bring us happiness and rejoicing”→︎242Tanaka““We are good” or “we are well.””→︎243Tanyaradzwa““We have been comforted” or “we have received comfort.””→︎244Tapiwa“We have been given this precious child”→︎245Tapiwanashe“Given by God”→︎246Tarirai““Look!” or “Pay attention!””→︎247Tariro“Hope and a bright future”→︎248Taruwona““We have seen” / “we have seen it.””→︎249Tatenda“We have given thanks”→︎250Taurai“May your voice be heard and respected”→︎251Taurisai“Tell, explain, or make something known”→︎252Tawananyasha“We have received grace”→︎253Tawanda“Growth, abundance, and a family flourishing”→︎254Tendai“Be thankful; give thanks to God”→︎255Tendaishe““Thank God.””→︎256Teurai““Praise!””→︎257Tinashe“God is with us”→︎258Tinaye“We have God”→︎259Tinorangarira“A name carrying the family’s promise to remember its loved ones and roots.”→︎260Tinotenda“We give thanks to God”→︎261Tonderai“A loving reminder to remember someone or something important, especially after a loss.”→︎262Trust“Faith, confidence, and a dependable heart”→︎263Tsitsi“A compassionate and gentle spirit”→︎264Tsungai“Have mercy; show pity.”→︎265Tsuro“Hare; a lively and clever child”→︎266Uchenjeri“Wisdom, insight, and sound judgment”→︎267Vadisai“Love; loving (commonly understood as an appeal connected with love).”→︎268Varaidzo“Joy, delight, or happiness.”→︎269Vhenekerai“Illuminate; light up.”→︎270Victory“A child associated with triumph and overcoming”→︎271Vimbai“Believe; hold firmly to faith”→︎272Vimbisai“One who gives strength, confidence, and reassurance”→︎273Vimbiso“A promise of hope and a bright future”→︎274Vongai“Give thanks; be grateful”→︎275Wadzanai“May love and mutual care surround you”→︎276Wantmore“A hopeful wish for greater blessings and opportunities ahead”→︎277Witness“Witness; testimony or one who bears witness.”→︎278Zhizha“Summer, a warm seasonal name for a child born during the summer season.”→︎279Zivai“Understanding, knowledge, and wisdom”→︎280Zivaishe“Know the Lord/God.”→︎281Zivanai“May you be known, understood, and close to others”→︎282Zorora“A child who brings peace, calm, and restful happiness”→︎283Zororo“Comfort and relief after sorrow or hardship.”→︎284Zuva“Sun; sunshine”→︎285Zvakanaka“A child associated with goodness and the blessings of life”→︎286Zvikomborero“Blessings”→︎287Zvinoda“What is wanted/needed; that which is desired.”→︎288Zvinodai“What is desired/wanted; that which is wanted in this way.”→︎