THE 2026 FIELD GUIDE IS HERERead the trend report

Shona girl names.

288 names — open any of them for its meaning, sound and story.

Aizivaishegirl“She knew the Lord/God” (from aiziva Ishe)./eye-zee-vah-EE-sheh/Anasheboy or girlGod is with us/ah-NAH-sheh/Anatswanashegirl“Cleansed/purified by the Lord (God).”/ah-nah-tswah-nah-SHEH/AnenyashagirlShe has grace/ah-neh-NYAH-shah/Anerudogirl“She has love” or “one who has love.”/ah-neh-ROO-doh/Anesuboy or girlGod is with us/ah-NEH-soo/Angelboy or girlGreek-derived name meaning “messenger”; in Christian use, a messenger of God./AYN-juhl/AnodiwagirlBeloved and deeply cherished/ah-noh-DEE-wah/Anofaraboy or girlHe/she is happy./ah-noh-FAH-rah/AnokoshagirlPrecious and deeply valued/ah-noh-KOH-shah/Anokudzwaboy or girlHe/she is honoured; one who is respected./ah-noh-KOODZ-wah/Anotendaboy or girlHe/she gives thanks; he/she is thankful./ah-noh-TEN-dah/Anotidaboy or girlGod loves us/ah-noh-TEE-dah/Anotidaisheboy or girlThe Lord loves us/ah-noh-tee-dah-EE-sheh/AripanogirlShe is here./ah-ree-PAH-no/AtafadzwagirlOne who has been made happy; one who is pleased./ah-tah-FADZ-wah/AtifariregirlMay we rejoice; let us be happy./ah-tee-fah-REE-reh/Atinotendaboy or girlWe give thanks/ah-tee-noh-TEN-dah/Atipaisheboy or girlGive us, Lord./ah-tee-pie-SHEH/Batsiraiboy or girlHelp and support are always with you/baht-see-RYE/Believeboy or girlBelieve; have faith./bih-LEEV/BernadettegirlA French feminine form of Bernard, meaning “brave bear.”/ber-nah-DET/Blessingboy or girlA blessing./BLES-ing/BrendagirlA name of uncertain origin, often linked to Old Norse brandr, “sword.”/BREN-dah/Bvumaiboy or girl“Agree” or “accept” (a plural/addressee imperative from bvuma)./bvoo-MY/Chabudaboy or girl“That which has come out/emerged” (from -buda, to come or go out)./cha-BOO-dah/Chabvutaboy or girlRelated to -bvuta, “to snatch, seize, or grab.”/cha-BVOO-tah/Chakafadzaboy or girl“It has pleased” or “that which has pleased.”/chah-kah-FAD-zah/Chakafadzwaboy or girl“It has been pleased/delighted.”/chah-kah-FADZ-wah/Chakafaraboy or girl“It became happy” or “it rejoiced.”/chah-kah-FAH-rah/Chamunorwaboy or girl“That which is fought for” or “one who is contended for,” from -norwa, “to be fought.”/chah-moo-NOR-wah/Chandoboy or girlWinter or the cold season, for a child born in that season./CHAN-do/CharitygirlA child associated with love, kindness, and generosity/CHAR-i-tee/Chauyaboy or girl“It has come” or “that which has come.”/chah-OO-yah/Chawandaboy or girl“It has increased,” “become many,” or “multiplied.”/cha-WAN-dah/Chawasariraboy or girl“What has remained/been left behind,” from -sarira./chah-wah-sah-REE-rah/Chengetaiboy or girlA blessing that the child will safeguard the family and all it holds dear./chen-geh-TYE/Chengetoboy or girlProtection, guarding, or safekeeping./chen-GEH-toh/Chenjeraiboy or girlA thoughtful, careful, and wise person/chen-je-RAI/Chidamoyoboy or girl“Heart’s desire” or “what the heart desires.”/chee-dah-MOH-yoh/ChidogirlDesire, love, or something wished for./CHEE-doh/ChidochangugirlMy desire; my love./chee-doh-CHAN-goo/ChidochashegirlGod's desire or God's will./chee-doh-chah-SHEH/Chiedzaboy or girlLight, warmth, and goodness/chee-ED-zah/Chikomboreroboy or girlBlessing; benediction./chee-kom-bo-REH-roh/Chikumbiroboy or girlRequest, plea, or prayer./chee-koom-BEE-roh/Chikumbutsoboy or girlReminder, remembrance, or memorial./chee-koom-BOOT-soh/Chinokoshaboy or girlWhat is precious and valuable/chee-noh-KOH-shah/ChipogirlA gift, gratefully received from God/CHEE-poh/ChipochashegirlGod's gift; a gift from God./chee-poh-chah-SHEH/Chiratidzoboy or girlA child seen as a meaningful sign or blessing/chee-rah-TID-zoh/Chirimoboy or girlThe rainy season; a time of renewal and growth/chee-REE-moh/ChirorodzagirlA comforter; one or that which soothes or consoles./chee-roh-ROHD-zah/ChisaragirlWhat remains; a precious remainder/chee-SAH-rah/Chisekoboy or girlLaughter, amusement, or a joke; in some contexts, mockery./chee-SEH-koh/Chisungoboy or girlBond or covenant; a cherished connection that holds people together/chee-SOON-goh/Chitsidzoboy or girlPromise; pledge; vow./chit-SEE-dzoh/ChivimbogirlFaith, trust, and confidence in the future/chee-VIM-boh/Chomunorwaboy or girlThat which is fought for; something worth fighting for./choh-moo-NOR-wah/Comfortboy or girlA source of comfort and consolation/KUM-fert/ConstancegirlSteadfast and constant/KON-stans/DaisaigirlBe happy/dah-ee-SAI/DaisygirlA flower name, from the daisy./DAY-zee/DanaigirlLove one another; love each other./dah-NAH-ee/Dananaiboy or girlLove and togetherness/dah-nah-NYE/Dariroboy or girlPurpose, aim, or intention./dah-REE-roh/Darisaiboy or girlShow or reveal what is present/dah-ree-SAI/DebhoragirlBee; traditionally associated with diligence and strength/deh-BOH-rah/Dengaboy or girlSky or heavens/DEN-gah/Diligenceboy or girlA child valued for perseverance and steady effort/DIL-i-jens/Dingiraiboy or girlSeek, look for, or pursue./din-gih-RYE/Dudzaiboy or girlOne who teaches and guides others wisely/DOOD-zai/Dudzanaiboy or girlTeach or instruct one another./doo-dzah-NAI/Dudziraiboy or girlExplain matters clearly and bring understanding/doo-dzih-RYE/Dudziroboy or girlExplanation or interpretation./doo-DZEE-roh/Dzidzaiboy or girlA lifelong learner, growing in wisdom and understanding/DZEED-zai/ElisabetigirlGod is my oath; a child held in faithful devotion/eh-lee-sah-BEH-tee/EsterigirlA form of Esther, meaning “star”/eh-STEH-ree/Evidenceboy or girl“Evidence,” “proof,” or “testimony.”/EV-uh-dens/FadzaigirlBe happy and bring happiness to others/fah-DZYE/Fadzisaiboy or girl“Make happy” or “bring happiness.”/fah-DZEE-sigh/Fadzisoboy or girlA source of happiness and joy/fah-DZEE-soh/Fadziswagirl“One who has been made happy” / “made happy.”/fah-DZEE-swah/Fadzwagirl“Be happy” or “be made happy.”/fah-DZWAH/FaithgirlA child who represents faith and trust/FAYTH/Faraboy or girlRejoice; a joyful child/FAH-rah/Faraiboy or girlRejoice; be happy/fah-RYE/Farisaigirl“Make happy” or “cause rejoicing.”/fah-ree-SAI/Favourboy or girlFavour, kindness, and gracious blessing/FAY-ver/FelistasgirlA Zimbabwean form related to Felicitas/Felista, meaning “fortunate,” “lucky,” or “happy.”/feh-LEE-stas/Firstbornboy or girl“The first-born child.”/FERST-born/Fungaiboy or girlThoughtfulness and good judgment/foon-GAI/Fungisaiboy or girlA thoughtful person who considers things deeply/foon-gee-SAI/GamugirlWelcome; a short form associated with Gamuchirai./GAH-moo/Gamuchiraiboy or girlReceive; welcome./gah-moo-chee-RAI/Garaiboy or girlStay; remain/gah-RAI/Garikaiboy or girlMay you live well and prosper/gah-ree-KYE/Giftboy or girlA precious gift to the family/GIFT/GladysgirlA traditional Shona name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story/GLAD-iss/GoodnessgirlA child associated with goodness and kindness/GOOD-nes/GracegirlA child received as a gracious blessing/GRAYS/GumisaigirlFinish; bring to completion./goo-mee-SYE/HanagirlGrace; favour (Hebrew), as a form of Hannah./HAH-nah/HappinessgirlA joyful child who brings happiness/HAP-ee-nes/IsheanesugirlGod is with us/ee-sheh-ah-NEH-soo/JekesaigirlBe happy; rejoice./jeh-keh-SAI/JoycegirlJoyful/JOYS/JulietgirlYouthful/JOO-lee-et/Kudzaiboy or girlPraise; give praise to God/kood-ZAI/Kudzaisheboy or girlPraise the Lord/kood-zah-EE-sheh/Kudzanaiboy or girlA beautiful wish for a life surrounded by mutual respect and dignity./koo-dzah-NYE/Kukundaboy or girlVictory and overcoming—a name that celebrates triumph after difficulty./koo-KOON-dah/Kunakaboy or girlGoodness and beauty/koo-NAH-kah/Kunasheboy or girlWith God; in God's hands/presence./koo-NAH-sheh/Kundaiboy or girlConquer and overcome—a hopeful name for a child destined to triumph./koon-DYE/Kushingaboy or girlCourage, bravery, strength, or fortitude./koo-SHING-ah/Kushiviriraboy or girlPatience, perseverance, and a steady heart/koo-shi-vi-REE-ra/Kutendaboy or girlTo thank; giving thanks; thanksgiving./koo-TEN-dah/Kuzivaiboy or girlKnow; understand (a plural or respectful imperative)./koo-zee-VAI/LovenessgirlLove or affection; an English-style Zimbabwean female given name./luv-NES/Mafaroboy or girlJoy, happiness, or gladness./mah-FAH-roh/MaideigirlWhat did you want?/my-EH-dee/Maitaboy or girlA warm expression of thanks and appreciation/MY-tah/Makaitaboy or girlYou have done well; an expression of thanks or praise addressed respectfully or to more than one person./mah-KAI-tah/MakanakagirlYou are beautiful/mah-nah-KAH-nah/Makomboreroboy or girlMany blessings and abundant good fortune/mah-kohm-boh-REH-roh/Makorokotoboy or girlA joyful congratulations on a long-awaited blessing/mah-koh-roh-KOH-toh/Mamiraiboy or girl“Wait” — a respectful/plural imperative; “remain steadfast” is not the literal gloss./mah-mee-RAI/MariyagirlShona form of Mary. Mary’s ultimate Hebrew etymology is disputed, rather than securely meaning devotion or strength./mah-REE-yah/MaruvagirlFlowers; a life full of beauty and blossoming/mah-ROO-vah/Marvelousboy or girlA wonderfully remarkable child/MAR-vuh-lus/Matifadzagirl“You have made us happy” / “you have pleased us.”/mah-tee-FAH-dzah/Mazvitaboy or girl“Life” or “one who has life.”/maz-VEE-tah/Mbiriboy or girlA name wishing you a life of distinction, good reputation, and lasting honor./M-BEE-ree/MemorygirlA cherished child who will always be remembered/MEM-uh-ree/MercygirlA child associated with mercy and compassion/MUR-see/Mhepoboy or girlWind or breeze/MHEH-poh/Miriraigirl“Wait!” or “keep waiting,” from the Shona verb kumirira./mee-ree-RAI/Motoboy or girlFire; warmth, energy and brightness/MOH-toh/Muchanetagirl“You will become tired/weary.”/moo-chah-NEH-tah/Muchengetiboy or girlA child seen as a guardian of the family and its heritage./moo-cheh-NGEH-tee/Mudiwaboy or girlBeloved and dearly cherished/moo-DEE-wah/Mudiwanasheboy or girl“Beloved of God” / “God’s beloved.”/moo-dee-wah-NAH-sheh/Mufakaziboy or girl“Witness” or “one who testifies.”/moo-fah-KAH-zee/Mufakoseboy or girl“All happiness” or “complete happiness,” associated with mufaro wose./moo-fah-KOH-seh/Mufaroboy or girlHappiness and joy/moo-FAH-roh/Mukurumbiraboy or girl“Fame,” “reputation,” or “renown.”/moo-koo-room-BEE-rah/Munasheboy or girlWith the Lord; living under God’s care/moo-NAH-sheh/Munesuboy or girlGod is with us, or a child held within the family/moo-NEH-soo/Mupenyuboy or girl“A living person,” “one who is alive,” or “the living one.”/moo-PEN-yoo/Mupfumiboy or girl“A rich person,” “wealthy person,” or “prosperous person.”/moo-PFOO-mee/Mupirogirl“Offering,” “sacrifice,” or “contribution.”/moo-PEE-roh/Mushaboy or girlA cherished reminder of belonging, family, and the place one calls home./MOO-shah/Mutsaboy or girlGrace and kindness/MOOT-sah/Mutsawasheboy or girlA cherished last-born child, seen as the final blessing in the family./moot-sa-WA-sheh/Mvuraboy or girlRain, a life-giving name for a child born during rain or a rainy season./MVOO-ra/MwanasikanagirlDaughter; girl child/mwah-nah-see-KAH-nah/Mwedziboy or girlMoon/MWED-zee/NakaishegirlGod is good/nah-kai-SHEH/Namatiraigirl“Pray” or “pray, you all”; it does not literally mean “pray for me.”/nah-mah-tee-RAI/Natsaboy or girlBecome good, beautiful, or improved/NAHT-sah/NatsaigirlDerived from kunatsa: “make good,” “improve,” or “beautify.”/nah-TSY/Ndaramaboy or girlLike gold: precious, valuable, and treasured./ndah-RAH-mah/NehandagirlA powerful heritage name associated with spiritual authority, courage, and leadership./neh-HAHN-dah/NetsaigirlAssociated with -netsa, “to trouble, bother, or make difficult”; it is not a patience-and-strength gloss./neh-TSAI/Neverboy or girlAn English word name: “never.”/NEV-er/Nhamoboy or girlA name remembering hardship overcome/NYAH-moh/NyamudzaigirlComfort; console; bring reassurance./nyah-moo-DZAI/Nyamutswaboy or girlA hopeful name for new life and the return of joy to the family./nyah-MOOT-swah/NyaradzaigirlComfort; consolation; one who brings reassurance./nyah-rah-DZAH-ee/NyaradzogirlComfort, peace, and reassurance/nyah-rah-DZOH/Nyaraiboy or girlBe humbled; show humility/nyah-RAI/Nyashaboy or girlGrace and mercy/NYAH-shah/NyemudzaigirlMake us smile; bring smiles to the family/nyeh-moo-DZYE/NyemwereragirlSmile; smile at someone./nyem-weh-REH-rah/Nzouboy or girlElephant; a symbol of strength and dignity/N-ZOH-oo/PaidamoyogirlLove of the heart; heartfelt love./pie-dah-MOY-oh/Pamhidzaiboy or girlIncrease; add to; make grow./pahm-hee-DZYE/Panasheboy or girlThere is God; God is present/pah-nah-SHEH/Patienceboy or girlPatience, endurance, and quiet strength/PAY-shens/Peaceboy or girlA peaceful and calming presence in the family/PEES/Pembedzaiboy or girlPraise; give praise./pem-bed-ZAI/Pfumaboy or girlWealth and abundance; a heartfelt wish that life brings prosperity./PFOO-mah/Pfumaiboy or girlMay you grow in wealth and prosperity./PFOO-my/Praiseboy or girlA child who inspires gratitude and praise/PRAYZ/Prayerboy or girlPrayer/PRAIR/PreciousgirlPrecious; treasured/PRESH-us/PrincessgirlPrincess; a female royal child/prin-SESS/Progressboy or girlProgress; advancement/PRAH-gres/Promiseboy or girlPromise; pledge/PROM-is/Prosperityboy or girlProsperity, flourishing, and well-being/pross-PAIR-uh-tee/PrudencegirlA wise, thoughtful, and sensible child/PROO-dens/QueengirlQueen; a female monarch/KWEEN/Rambaiboy or girlKeep going and persevere—a name honoring determination and endurance./rahm-BYE/Rangariraiboy or girlRemembering a loved one or an important family story through the birth of this child./ran-ga-ree-RYE/RaramaigirlLive on; continue living/rah-rah-MYE/Ratidzoboy or girlSign; indication/rah-TEE-dzoh/RatidzwaigirlBe shown; be revealed/rah-tid-ZWAI/RopafadzogirlBlessing/roh-pah-FAHD-zoh/Ropafadzwaboy or girlWe have been blessed/roh-pah-FADZ-wah/RovedzaigirlTeach; train; educate./roh-veh-DZYE/Rudoboy or girlLove and affection/ROO-doh/Rufaroboy or girlJoy and gladness/roo-FAH-roh/Rugareboy or girlPeace and harmony/roo-GAH-reh/RukudzogirlHonor, respect, or esteem./roo-KOOD-zoh/Rumbidzaiboy or girlPraise; celebrate God’s goodness/room-bee-DZAI/RunakogirlBeauty and grace/roo-NAH-koh/Runganoboy or girlStory, narrative, or account./roo-NGAH-noh/Runyararoboy or girlPeace and gentleness/roo-nyah-RAH-roh/RutendogirlFaith and a grateful heart/roo-TEN-doh/RuvagirlFlower; a blossoming child/ROO-vah/RuvimbogirlFaith and trust/roo-VIM-boh/SaragirlSarah, traditionally understood as princess or noblewoman/SAH-rah/SarudzaigirlChoose; select./sah-roo-DZAI/Sekaiboy or girlMay you laugh often and bring laughter to others/seh-KYE/Shamisaiboy or girlAstonish; surprise./shah-mee-SIGH/Shamisoboy or girlWonder; marvel/shah-MEE-soh/Shingaiboy or girlBe courageous—a warm wish for a child who faces life with bravery./shin-GUY/Shingiraiboy or girlPersevere and keep going—a name celebrating resilience through every challenge./shin-gee-RY/Shiriboy or girlBird; a child with freedom and a joyful spirit/SHEE-ree/ShoraigirlCriticize, condemn, or despise./sho-RAI/Shumbaboy or girlLion; a strong and courageous child/SHOOM-bah/ShuvaigirlYearn for; desire; long for./SHOO-vye/Silenceboy or girlAn English word name meaning silence; used for both sexes in Zimbabwe./SY-lens/Simbaboy or girlA strong name wishing you influence, courage, and inner power./SIM-bah/Simbisaiboy or girlStrengthen; encourage; make strong./sim-bi-SAH-ee/Simukaiboy or girlArise; get up; wake up./see-moo-KAI/SophiagirlA Greek female name meaning 'wisdom,' used in Zimbabwe./soh-FEE-ah/StellagirlStar/STEL-ah/Successboy or girlSuccess and the fulfilment of hopes/suk-SESS/SukaigirlBe joyful and cheerful/soo-KAI/Sunganoboy or girlA lasting bond and family union/soon-GAH-noh/Susanagirl“Lily” (ultimately from Hebrew shoshannah)./soo-SAH-nah/Tadiwaboy or girlLoved and cherished by the family/tah-DEE-wah/Tadiwanasheboy or girlLoved by the Lord/tah-dee-wah-nah-SHEH/Tafadzwaboy or girlWe have been made happy; a joyful blessing/tah-FAHDZ-wah/Tafadzwanasheboy or girl“God has made us happy” or “we have been made happy by God.”/tah-FADZ-wah-nah-SHEH/Takudzwaboy or girlWe have been praised or glorified/tah-KOODZ-wah/Takundaboy or girl“We have conquered,” “we have won,” or “we have overcome.”/tah-KOON-dah/Talentboy or girl“Talent” or “natural ability.”/TAL-ent/TambudzaigirlBring us happiness and rejoicing/tahm-boo-DZYE/Tanakaboy or girl“We are good” or “we are well.”/tah-NAH-kah/Tanyaradzwaboy or girl“We have been comforted” or “we have received comfort.”/tahn-yah-RAHDZ-wah/Tapiwaboy or girlWe have been given this precious child/tah-PEE-wah/Tapiwanasheboy or girlGiven by God/tah-pee-wah-nah-SHEH/Tariraiboy or girl“Look!” or “Pay attention!”/tah-ree-RAI/Tariroboy or girlHope and a bright future/tah-REE-roh/Taruwonaboy or girl“We have seen” / “we have seen it.”/tah-roo-WOH-nah/Tatendaboy or girlWe have given thanks/tah-TEN-dah/Tauraiboy or girlMay your voice be heard and respected/tah-oo-RYE/Taurisaiboy or girlTell, explain, or make something known/tow-ree-SAI/Tawananyashaboy or girlWe have received grace/tah-wah-nah-NYAH-shah/Tawandaboy or girlGrowth, abundance, and a family flourishing/tah-WAN-dah/Tendaiboy or girlBe thankful; give thanks to God/ten-DAI/Tendaisheboy or girl“Thank God.”/ten-dah-EE-sheh/Teuraigirl“Praise!”/teh-oo-RAI/Tinasheboy or girlGod is with us/tee-NAH-sheh/Tinayeboy or girlWe have God/tee-NAH-yeh/Tinorangariraboy or girlA name carrying the family’s promise to remember its loved ones and roots./tee-noh-rah-ngah-REE-rah/Tinotendaboy or girlWe give thanks to God/tee-noh-TEN-dah/Tonderaiboy or girlA loving reminder to remember someone or something important, especially after a loss./ton-deh-RYE/Trustboy or girlFaith, confidence, and a dependable heart/TRUST/Tsitsiboy or girlA compassionate and gentle spirit/TSEE-tsee/Tsungaiboy or girlHave mercy; show pity./tsoong-GAI/Tsuroboy or girlHare; a lively and clever child/TSOO-roh/Uchenjeriboy or girlWisdom, insight, and sound judgment/oo-chen-JEH-ree/VadisaigirlLove; loving (commonly understood as an appeal connected with love)./vah-dee-SAI/VaraidzogirlJoy, delight, or happiness./vah-RAI-dzoh/Vhenekeraiboy or girlIlluminate; light up./veh-neh-keh-RYE/Victoryboy or girlA child associated with triumph and overcoming/VIK-tuh-ree/Vimbaiboy or girlBelieve; hold firmly to faith/vim-BAI/Vimbisaiboy or girlOne who gives strength, confidence, and reassurance/veem-bee-SIGH/Vimbisoboy or girlA promise of hope and a bright future/vim-BEE-soh/Vongaiboy or girlGive thanks; be grateful/von-GAI/Wadzanaiboy or girlMay love and mutual care surround you/wah-dzah-NAI/Wantmoreboy or girlA hopeful wish for greater blessings and opportunities ahead/WONT-more/Witnessboy or girlWitness; testimony or one who bears witness./WIT-nis/Zhizhaboy or girlSummer, a warm seasonal name for a child born during the summer season./ZHEE-zha/Zivaiboy or girlUnderstanding, knowledge, and wisdom/zee-VAI/Zivaisheboy or girlKnow the Lord/God./zee-vah-EE-sheh/Zivanaiboy or girlMay you be known, understood, and close to others/zee-vah-NAI/Zororaboy or girlA child who brings peace, calm, and restful happiness/zoh-ROH-rah/Zororoboy or girlComfort and relief after sorrow or hardship./zo-RO-ro/Zuvaboy or girlSun; sunshine/ZOO-vah/Zvakanakaboy or girlA child associated with goodness and the blessings of life/zvah-nah-KAH-nah/Zvikomboreroboy or girlBlessings/zvee-kom-beh-ROH-roh/ZvinodagirlWhat is wanted/needed; that which is desired./zvee-noh-DAH/ZvinodaigirlWhat is desired/wanted; that which is wanted in this way./zvee-noh-DYE/