Are you expecting a baby girl, and looking for a popular Ethiopian name? Picking a name for your daughter is always an exciting but challenging task.
If you are considering an Ethiopian name with an Amharic meaning, you have come to the right place. An Ethiopian name would eternally connect your baby to the unique Ethiopian culture. There are many popular Ethiopian baby girl names that you can choose from, but here are the top Ethiopian Amharic names.
Related: Traditional African Names and Meanings
Ethiopian Naming Trends
Ethiopians are the native residents of Ethiopia, the oldest independent country found in Africa. Ethiopia is very diverse, and most Ethiopians are of Amhara and Oromo origin. The Amharic language, first used by King Soloman and the Queen of Sheba, is one of the major languages Ethiopians speak.
Many choose Ethiopian baby names with Amharic meanings for their children. Amharic names are widespread in the capital city of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa. Even though the majority of Ethiopians carry pride in choosing popular Ethiopian names for their children, others choose a name according to their religion.
For example, parents who are Ethiopian orthodox may choose biblical names, Jewish families may choose names with Hebrew origins, and Muslims may choose traditional Muslim girl names. Some Amharic names are of other origins too like Greek and Hebrew.
Ethiopia's naming convention is quite different from that of the United States. The West usually gives children a personal name and a family name. The Ethiopian naming convention does not involve surnames or middle names just like the Arabic naming convention. They traditionally follow a specific format when naming their children.
They give their children a personal name, and then their father’s or paternal grandfather’s name comes after their first name consecutively. This, unfortunately, caused many problems for Ethiopian immigrants who traveled to the United States. To assimilate quickly into Western society, Ethiopians, today, use their father’s name as their middle name and their paternal grandfather’s name as their Ethiopian last name.
For example, parents who are Ethiopian orthodox may choose biblical names, Jewish families may choose names with Hebrew origins, and Muslims may choose traditional Muslim girl names. Some Amharic names are of other origins too like Greek and Hebrew.
Ethiopia's naming convention is quite different from that of the United States. The West usually gives children a personal name and a family name. The Ethiopian naming convention does not involve surnames or middle names just like the Arabic naming convention. They traditionally follow a specific format when naming their children.
They give their children a personal name, and then their father’s or paternal grandfather’s name comes after their first name consecutively. This, unfortunately, caused many problems for Ethiopian immigrants who traveled to the United States. To assimilate quickly into Western society, Ethiopians, today, use their father’s name as their middle name and their paternal grandfather’s name as their Ethiopian last name.
Top Ethiopian Baby Girl Names with Amharic Meanings
- Abeba: Flower blooming
- Abebech: She has flowered or matured.
- Aberash: Shining or giving off light
- Adey: Ethiopian yellow daisies that bloom around September or October; Meskel flower
- Adina: She has saved
- Afework: One who speaks of only good things; golden mouth
- Aida: Happy
- Alem: The world
- Alitash: May I never lose you
- Almaz: Diamond
- Amara: Paradise, grace
- Andinet: Union, unity
- Andromeda: Ethiopian princess; Beautiful maiden rescued by Perseus
- Armani: Faith
- Aster: Esther, star
- Ayana: Beautiful flower
- Ayelech: She who is powerful, she became dominant
- Azeb: North-east, where the sun rises
- Azmera: Harvest, a crop
- Bedelwa: With her luck
- Bekelech: She grew, she flourished, she germinated
- Belkis: She is the queen of Sheba
- Berhane: My light
- Berknesh: You are precious, you are rare
- Bertukan: Orange
- Bezawit: The savior
- Biftu: Morning sunshine, dawn
- Bilen: Iris
- Birkeye: Precious
- Bisrat: Good news
- Bogalech: Glowing, she flared
- Candace: Brilliantly white, clarity
- Debab: Affection, excitement
- Desta: Joy, happy
- Dinah: Vindicated, judgment
- Dorcas: Gazelle
- Elene: Light
- Emebet: Lady of the house
- Ennat: A mother
- Enku: Pearl, a precious stone
- Eschetu: Brave warrior
- Etalem: Sister of the world
- Etenesh: You are my sister
- Ewnet: Truly, true
- Fana: Light, bright, hope
- Fasika: Easter
- Fekr: Love, affection
- Felagot: Want, my desire
- Felege: Wanted, liked
- Feven: Bright, light, hope
- Freole: Above everyone
- Gadise: Shield, shelter
- Genet: Heaven, Eden, promise
- Gete: My jewel
- Hamrawit: Purple
- Haset: Joy, happiness
- Hawa: Longing, desire
- Hermona: Into the palace
- Hirut: Freedom
- Ibsitu: Light
- Jalene: Lovely
- Kokeb: A star that sheds light
- Kokebe: My star
- Konjit: Beautiful
- Lelo: Grace
- Lemlem: Flowering, blossom
- Lielit: A princess
- Lishan: Award
- Liya: Bringer of the gospel
- Liyou: Unique or different
- Lomi: Lemon
- Luam: Peaceful, calm
- Lulit: Jewel, pearl
- Makda: It is the Ethiopian version of the Hebrew name Magda which means “high tower or women of Magdala.”
- Makeda: Name of the Ethiopian queen, queen of greatness
- Maleda: Born with the rising sun
- Maraki: Beautiful, attractive
- Marda: Necklace made with silver beads
- Meaza: Fragrance, aroma, scent
- Mebrat: A light, a lamp
- Melat: Sweet
- Melkam: Better, good, nice
- Menen: Grace. Ethiopian princess
- Meskerem: Spring, September
- Misgana: Truthful person
- Misrak: East, orient
- Mizan: A balance
- Munaye: My pretty one
- Munit: Pretty little girl
- Nesanet: Freedom
- Nigist: Queen
- Raey: Revelation, vision
- Saba: Women of Sheba; Queen of Ethiopia
- Samrawit: She is the one who unifies
- Seble: Harvest
- Selam: Peace
- Selassie: Trinity
- Simret: Fulfillment, accomplished
- Sitota: Gift of god
- Taitu: The sun
- Tigist: Patience
- Tsehay: Sun
- Wubete: Beauty, Gorgeous
- Zufan: Throne
More Baby Girl Name Ideas
For more baby name inspiration check out these popular baby name lists:
- 75 Muslim Girl Names (and Their Urdu Meanings)
- Top 1000 Most Popular Baby Girl Names in the U.S.
- Top 1000 Most Popular Baby Boy Names in the U.S.
Ethiopia is a multilinguistic country with a rich culture. Ethiopian girl names are very unique and carry beautiful meanings that reflect the history of the country. If you are looking for a name that will make your child stand out, pin this list of Ethiopian baby names for later:
