Namibia, a culturally diverse nation, boasts a wealth of ethnic groups, each with unique traditions, languages, and naming practices. Names in Namibia often carry deep meanings, reflecting heritage, values, nature, and spiritual beliefs. This list highlights 100 of the most popular names from various Namibian ethnic groups, including the Oshiwambo, Herero, Damara, Nama, Kavango, and San communities.
Oshiwambo Names
1. Aantu – People
2. Amutenya – Early morning
3. Elago – Blessing
4. Eneas – Comfort
5. Etuwete – Perseverance
6. Haikali – Always
7. Hamutumwa – Messenger
8. Indileni – Work hard
9. Iyaloo – Grace
10. Johnata – God is gracious
11. Kauna – Love
12. Kawana – Little child
13. Lukato – Warmth
14. Ndapewa – I have been given
15. Ndilokelwa – Hope
16. Nekwaya – Unity
17. Omagano – Thoughts or memories
18. Oshali – Shadow
19. Shaalukeni – Resilient
20. Tuhafeni – We survived
Herero Names
21. Arihiro – Joy
22. Eshitwe – Brightness
23. Haundja – Remembrance
24. Herera – Heritage
25. Hishongwa – Sacrifice
26. Kaviruru – Gentle rain
27. Kaujeua – Protector
28. Kavetu – Loved one
29. Mburu – Faithful
30. Ndjambi – God
31. Ndemufayo – Success
32. Ndovazuva – Sunlight
33. Ngurare – Leader
34. Tjihore – Patience
35. Tjiveze – Kindness
36. Tjizembere – Strength
37. Vekuru – Ancestors
38. Vitora – Victory
39. Zavara – Blessed
40. Zeraua – Warrior
Damara Names
41. Anes – Rain
42. Arixas – Happiness
43. Daweb – Bravery
44. Gowases – Flower
45. Kairos – Time
46. Khaeb – Light
47. Khoaeb – Thunder
48. Namases – Star
49. Naris – Beloved
50. ǀHoës – Morning dew
Nama Names
51. Amros – Hope
52. Asa – Beautiful
53. ǃGâbeb – Rock
54. ǃHuni – Protection
55. ǃNanseb – Shield
56. ǃUri – Love
57. |Aubeb – Leader
58. |Gae – Eternity
59. |Hoab – Wisdom
60. ǂGauab – Peace
Kavango Names
61. Amakali – Power
62. Etemba – Faith
63. Hamutenya – Morning
64. Kahumba – Leader
65. Kaino – Joy
66. Kapya – Survivor
67. Mpasi – Peaceful
68. Munene – Big or great
69. Nakale – Protector
70. Ndahafa – Blessing
71. Shikongo – Warrior
72. Tangi – Thankful
73. Tatekulu – Grandparent
74. Tjikuzu – Strength
75. Vaino – Sunshine
76. Venaani – Hope
77. Vilho – Warrior
78. Wetu – Ours
79. Zatjinda – Bright future
80. Zeka – Wisdom
San Names
81. Aka – Unity
82. Daqua – Star
83. Ganixab – Protector
84. Ixai – Light
85. Kai – Moon
86. Khabu – Joy
87. Nabu – Peace
88. Nixao – Truth
89. Tumi – Hope
90. Xamina – Gift
General Namibian Names
91. Elia – God is my strength
92. Hosea – Salvation
93. Jakob – Supplanter
94. Johanna – God is gracious
95. Karutjiua – Bold
96. Lukas – Light
97. Maria – Beloved
98. Nathaniel – Gift of God
99. Samuel – Heard by God
100. Tobias – God is good
Namibian names are a beautiful reflection of the country’s cultural diversity and shared heritage. They carry meanings that inspire, honor tradition, and strengthen community ties. Whether from the Oshiwambo, Herero, Damara, Nama, Kavango, or San communities, these names celebrate Namibia’s rich identity and history.
