70+ African Dog Names: Best Name Ideas for Your Puppy

African dog names are some of the most unique and cool pup names around. Drawing influence from languages like Zulu, Swahili, and Afrikaans, they’re a wonderful tribute to their historic hunting roots. These names emit a feeling of power, beauty, and wild freedom. Not common, any one is destined to be a fabulous fit for a one-of-a-kind doggy.

Whether you have a Rhodesian ridgeback, basenji, or a mutt with an unknown origin, check out these ideas. With a rich and wide variety of choices, you’ll enjoy picking the perfect puppy name from this list. No matter the breed, you’ll find inspiration for your pet in this lively and exciting lineup of suggestions.

So have fun selecting something that’s different! Learn about these names and their meanings so you can figure out what will work best for your four-legged friend!

Top African Dog Names

  1. Safari (Journey)
  2. Jambo (A greeting)
  3. Duma (Lightning)
  4. Obi (Heart)
  5. Sengo (Joy)
  6. Nandi (Sweet)
  7. Aza (Strong or powerful)
  8. Bheka (To watch)
  9. Enyi (Friend)
  10. Tandi (Fire)
  11. Oseye (Happy)
  12. Zuri (Lovely)
African Dog Names

Male African Dog Names

Wild dog names for a male make people think of hunting, open freedom, and high intelligence. Here are some great suggestions for your new pup.

  1. Ayo (Full of joy)
  2. Kuume (Friend)
  3. Yafeu (Bold)
  4. Rufaro (Joy)
  5. Olee (Happy moment)
  6. Djembe (West African drum)
  7. Simba (Lion) 
  8. Amar (Long life)
  9. Tindo (Active)
  10. Akeen (Brave)
  11. Leki (Little brother)
  12. Meshindi (Victor)
  13. Jengo (Building)

Female African Dog Names

African names for dogs, especially for a female, speak of beauty and grace. These suggestions are good for a lovely pet who is strong and wise.

  1. Asha (Lively)
  2. Kamikazi (Queen)
  3. Siti (Lady)
  4. Amina (Peaceful, safe)
  5. Titi (Flower)
  6. Moseka (Young girl)
  7. Kali (Energetic)
  8. Nala (Beloved)
  9. Addia (Being a gift)
  10. Kianga (Sunshine)
  11. Monna (Unique)
  12. Kwini (Queen)
  13. Mhina (Full of delight)
  14. Kanzi (Treasure)
  15. Aaliyah (Noble)

Strong African Names for Dogs

Popular African pet dog names have to offer a sense of strength and pride. Here is a list of some of the most powerful ideas.

  1. Adofo (brave warrior)
  2. Ajani (he who wins the struggle)
  3. Aza (powerful)
  4. Bomani (mighty warrior)
  5. Bour (rock)
  6. Chisulo (steel)
  7. Ekon (strong)
  8. Fayola (fortunate)
  9. Folami (respect me)
  10. Gahiji (the hunter)
  11. Kafele (worth giving one’s life for)
  12. Kamau (silent warrior)
  13. Osa (godlike)
  14. Raadi (thunder)
  15. Roro (fierce)
  16. Zuberi (strong)
African Dog Names

African names for animals are plentiful. Being the continent with the most languages on Earth, Africa has no shortage of words. Some may be hard to say, but with a little practice, you and your puppy will master anything.

  1. Addae (Morning sun)
  2. Minzi (Protector)
  3. Raadi (Thunder)
  4. Zibu (Water lily)
  5. Cebo (Plan)
  6. Lebo (Thankful)
  7. Mhambi (Traveler)
  8. Moriti (Shadow)
  9. Jabari (Brave or fearless)
  10. Mosi (Firstborn)
  11. Ata (Increase)
  12. Sonto (Sunday)

Other Dog Names Ideas

If you still want more dog-naming inspiration lists, you should consider watching cartoons, historical documentaries, and TV too. In case you just can’t make up your mind, ask your loved ones for help. Or you may want to read some related posts for your best decision: