58 Ethiopian Baby Names To Honor Your History And Tradition
Celebrating ancient heritage and pride in traditional names.
Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.
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Wedetso Chirhah holds a masters degree in English Literature from Mangalore University and has over 13 years of experience in content. He has written content for more than 15 B2B websites and edited school books before joining MomJunction as an editor.
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Sakshi holds a bachelor’s degree in Science and a master’s in Bioinformatics from Panjab University, India. She has worked on a research project, “In silico ligand designing exhibiting anti-diabetic activity derived from responsible phytochemicals of selected herbs.
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Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
Housed in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia is a nation known for holding out against European colonization and preserving its ancient culture and heritage. Ethiopian baby names represent their powerful ancestry, complex history, linguistic variety, and religious influences. Ethiopians do not have any particular family surname or middle name. Instead, they use the first name of the father as their last name. Hence, the given names carry history and legacy.
In modern times, every child in Ethiopia is given an individual name followed by their father’s name. Women, too, are not obligated to change their names after marriage, as the second name isn’t essentially a surname. The country speaks over 80 different languages and is home to 90 distinct ethnic groups (1). Its primary languages are Amharic, Oromo, Tigrinya, and Somali, while Christianity and Islam are its two major religions.
The diversity in language and religion can be seen in Ethiopian baby names. For instance, the popular Amharic names Yohannes (God is gracious) and Ermias (God will exalt) are inspired by the biblical names John and Jeremiah, respectively. Similarly, the names Belkis (the name of the Queen of Sheba) and Hakiem (doctor) are inspired by the Arabic names Bilquis and Hakim, respectively. Traditional names are also popular in the country, and they carry positive meanings attached to admirable human virtues or natural elements and have a distinct sound. Selecting an Ethiopian name for your child is a way to connect them to their historical legacy, ancient roots, and rich culture. Discover an extensive list of traditional Ethiopian baby names below. We’ve arranged the names alphabetically for better navigation.
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| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| | Eternal bloom; Ever-blooming flower; Flower; Silent | ||
| | Paradise; God is gracious; The fair one | ||
| | Princess; Blessed princess | ||
| | Eternal blossom; Everlasting bloom; Beautiful flower; Clear; Revelation; Going; Fountain; Downy-bearded | ||
| | Helper; Victorious; Protector | ||
| | Call to worship | ||
| | Descent; Descending | ||
| | God is with us | ||
| | He will be crowned; King | ||
| | Talent | ||
| | One who achieved Greatness | ||
| | The one who is peaceful and calming; The beautiful one | ||
| | Supplanter; Holder of the heel; May God protect | ||
| | Peaceful or calm | ||
| | Son of the wise man | ||
| | One who forgives; A dancing girl; Dowry; Bride price; Merciful | ||
| | Shepherd | ||
| | Power; Hay clearing; Might; Force; Strength | ||
| | Son of Adam; New | ||
| | The city where Jesus was born; House of bread | ||
| | Handsome; Respect | ||
| | My God is help | ||
| | Wise; Ruler; Doctor | ||
| | Comforter; Compassionate | ||
| | Trinity; Power of the Trinity | ||
| | Fruitful; Productive | ||
| | Persecuted; Hated | ||
| | Hope; Good luck | ||
| | King; Aristocrat; Nobleman; Official leader | ||
| | Gift from Above | ||
| | Leader by example; Good; Noble; Righteous; Wild valley | ||
| | Beautiful flower; Intelligent; Moving | ||
| | Hope | ||
| | Shepherdess | ||
| | Pride | ||
| | Beloved; Desire; Duke; Swift | ||
| | Praise to God | ||
| | Trinity | ||
| | Gift of God; Fine linen; Sweet | ||
| | Piercing on Jesus' ribs by the lancet | ||
| | A truthful person who speaks the truth | ||
| | Flower; Spikenard, an aromatic oil | ||
| | Buttermilk; Bigger; Superior | ||
| | Singer | ||
| | One of the woreds in Ethiopia | ||
| | Solid; Enduring; Firm | ||
| | Paradise | ||
| | The priest of an Ethiopian church | ||
| | Vastness; Magnitude; Greatness | ||
| | A serpent from Rio Negro | ||
| | Path | ||
| | The Nile River | ||
| | Son of the right hand | ||
| | He will wear a crown | ||
| | King | ||
| | Jewish woman | ||
| | Light; Bright | ||
| | Victory; Success; Determination | ||
Ethiopian baby names are the doors to a rich, strong, and beautiful culture in Africa. By choosing an Ethiopian name for your child, you are giving them an identity deeply rooted in their family history and tradition. The names reflect the beliefs and philosophies that are dear to the natives of Ethiopia. Passed down from one generation to another, the names celebrate Ethiopia's ancient traditions. These are also distinctive and inspiring names that children would proudly bear.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some popular Ethiopian baby names in recent years?
Ethiopian baby names are influenced by a mix of traditional and modern trends and reflect the country's rich cultural heritage and the people's open-mindedness. Some masculine names that have gained popularity in recent years include Addisu (the new one), Dejen (pillar), Haile (power), Mesfin (prince), and Yafet (handsome). As for feminine names, Abeba (flower blooming), Gelia (tempting beauty), Fana (light), and Rahwa (satisfied) are much loved.
2. Who are some famous personalities with Ethiopian names that can inspire name choices?
Some famous personalities with Ethiopian names that can inspire name choices include Haile Gebrselassie, a world-renowned long-distance runner from Ethiopia, who is the recipient of two Olympics gold medals, and Tirunesh Dibaba, another renowned athlete with three Olympic track gold medals.
Infographic: Lovely Ethiopian Baby Names
Ethiopia is home to diverse faiths and religions. Most Ethiopian names are variants of English, Hebrew, or Arabic names. The following infographic contains some of the most charming Ethiopian names you may consider for your baby. Explore them all and pick the best one for your child.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
Look Up For Many More Names
Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.
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