Afro Brazilian names – Discover the most common names now

Brazil is known for the multiplicity of cultures, being a plural territory in several aspects. A good part of the population has roots in Africa, due to the slavery period. At the time, thousands of blacks were brought to America to work under slavery. know about the afro brazilian names helps to better understand our origins.

Slavery in Brazil

Slavery in Brazil is considered a form of social production relationship, existing from the time of colonialism, until shortly before the advent of the Empire. The main source of labor during this period was the blacks brought from Africa. However, they weren’t the only ones. The Indians also suffered from slavery, but to a lesser extent.

The Afro Brazilian names have their origin within the context of the exploitation of black people for slave labor. Children born to blacks were given names given by their parents, based on the tradition and culture of black Africans. In this way, the custom was passed from generation to generation, surviving even today.

Unlike most Brazilian names that do not have much meaning, Afro Brazilian names are full of symbolism. They represent the strength, courage, tradition and values of people of black descent. Africa, the continent from which slaves were brought, is made up of more than fifty countries.

Symbology of Afro Brazilian names

Each of the Afro Brazilian names has a meaning, often linked to the spiritual world. Some names refer to God and others are translated with words like love, faith, strength and courage. Another important point is that each name has a specific origin, in a country on the African continent.

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Choosing a baby’s name is a very important moment in a country’s life. It is also important for the child, as the name stays with us throughout our lives. Fortunately, names of Afro origin have stood the test of time, being given to children as a way of preserving the African culture, which is very present in Brazil.

For those who want to preserve Brazilian origins, it is worth thinking about the possibility of naming Afro-Brazilian babies. In addition to being a way of escaping from very popular names, which represent nothing, it is also a way of valuing the origins and roots of the Brazilian people.

Examples of Afro Brazilian female names

Tab – Born on Thursday (Fante, Ghana).
Abidemi – Born during father’s absence (Yoruba, Nigeria).
Goodbye – A gift (Hausa, Nigeria).
adimu – Rare (Suarili, Kenya).
Aziza – Preciosa (Suarili, Tanzania).
Chinara – God can receive (Ibo, Nigeria).
Fayola – Luck walks with honor (Yoruba, Nigeria).
Gimbya – Princess (Hausa, Nigeria).
Goitsemedime – God knows (Tswana, Botswana).
Hanna – Happiness (Hausa, Nigeria).
Imani – Faith (Swahili, Tanzania).
Jamila – Beautiful, elegant. (Swahili, Tanzania).
Jana – Healthy child (Swahili, Kenya/Tanzania).
Jet – Star (Kikuyu, Kenya).
Kaliph – Bright (Swahili, Kenya).
Latifa – Gentile (Swahili, Kenya/Tanzania).
Limber – Joy (Tiv, Nigeria).
Malaika – Angel (Swahili, Kenya).
Mara – Weather (Swahili, Kenya).
Nala – Queen (Swahili, Tanzania).
Nia – Design (Swahili, Tanzania).
Nubia – Gold (Egypt).
Nyashia – Beautiful African Princess (Swahili, Kenya).
Panyin – Older of twins (Fante, Ghana).
Shena – Quiet, calm, reserved (Tutsi, Rwanda).

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Examples of Afro Brazilian male names

Akin – Brave man, warrior, hero (Yoruba, Nigeria).
Amir – Prince (Swahili, Uganda).
Babu – Tenth son (Ashanti, Ghana).
Well – Peace (Tiv, Nigeria).
Daren – Born at night (Hausa, Nigeria).
Faraji – Solace, encouragement (Swahili, Kenya).
Ghali – Caro (Swahili, Tanzania).
Ghedi – Traveler (Somali, Somalia).
Jahi – Dignity (Swahili, Kenya).
Jalil – Exalted, honored (Swahili, Kenya).
Kayin – Long-awaited child (Yoruba, Nigeria).
Kumi – Vigorous (Akan, Ghana).
Makori – Born on the way (Kisii, Kenya).
Matunde – Fruits (Luya, Kenya).
Mazi – Lord (Senegal).
Montsho – Black (Tswana, Botswana).
Nassor – Victorious (Swahili, Kenya/Tanzania).
Ngozi – Blessing (Ibo, Nigeria).
Obi – Heart (Ibo, Nigeria).
Ohini – Chief (Akan, Ghana).
Paki – A witness (Xhosa, South Africa).
Ras – Head, leader (An Ethiopian title).
Simba – Lion (Swahili, Kenya/Tanzania).
Tan – Lion (Tswana, Botswana).
Tebogo – We are grateful (Tswana, Botswana).
Thabo – Happiness (Sesotho, Lesotho).
Umi – Lifetime (Yao, Malawi).
Yooku – Born on Wednesday (Fanti, Ghana).

Afro Brazilian names have existed in Brazil since the slavery period. They came with the slaves who never returned to their homeland. The first slaves are all dead, but they left traces in Brazil, not only in the color of this people, but also in their names.

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