50+ Funny Names You Can Only Find in Africa

In Africa, passing down funny names from one generation to another might be deliberate, but the intentions are free of malice and any sort of prejudice, other than strong cultural beliefs. To put things into perspective, no African knows his or her name is funny, especially their traditional names, until s/he gets a second opinion about the name from a friend or close associate. If anything, Africans understand their names as a family’s emblem and a title worn with pride, but not a reason to laugh; which makes things even more interesting.

Most Africans name their children based on the prevailing conditions at the time of birth. It is also common for them to name children according to what they wish for the child. This is especially so for Africans living in Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. However, with the introduction of English during the colonial time came a rather funny shift in the naming process. Initially, Africans had traditional names both the first name -according to the situation at birth or wishes of the parents towards the child, and their sir name, - which was mostly the family name.

However, with the white man’s, perceived, sophisticated language, English, came a sociological shift when giving a child his or her first name – from traditional name to an English name. Here is a list of funny African names the came after the advent of English as a new mode of communication in Africa, and the names that existed in the pre-colonial times.

READ ALSO: 15 very common Kikuyu female names and their hilarious meaning

Funny South African names

South Africans have a way of making life bearable by making fun where you least expect, including naming their children, which of course is not deliberate. Here are some of the most hilarious South African names.

1. Phelephe Matric Examsion

Following the initial logic of giving names to children, it is apparent that this fellow’s parents were optimistic about his academic pursuit and accomplishments.

2. Tsotetsi Pipinyana Pampoen

Judging from the difficulty of pronouncing this name it is safe to conclude that it is an absolute African name. It is a typical se Tswana name, one of South Africa’s native sub-tribes. The first name refers to male genitalia while the middle name is Afriikans name for pumpkin. You are excused if, by now, your mind is already wondering with the hope of understanding the inspiration behind this name.

3. Ndlovu Two-Rand

Clearly, back in the days, Two-Rands could have bought you more than they can today. Gosh! What happened to the South-African economy?

4. Sambu Victor Dont Worry

The meaning of this name is left to your imagination. But wait a minute, if victor stayed true to his second name he must be among the most laid back persons today.

5. Amakali Immanuel Very Important Person

Whose parents wouldn’t node their head to the affirmative if this was their child’s name?

6. Ndlovu Captain Morgan

Imagine introducing yourself, “hello fellas, I am Captain Morgan.”

READ ALSO: List of Luhya names and their meanings

Funny Kenyan names

By now you must be wondering what are good African names? If the names listed above are not good, then you need to manage your expectation because Kenyan funny names are just that; funny!

1. Apoko Nyang’au

This is a popular Kisii name, which probably means well. However, for avid Swahili speakers, this name means a dirty dog or bloody brute. With people being lazy judges, this name is judged at face value, which often leaves people in laughter.

2. Maskini

For a Kenyan, a Swahili speaker for that matter, giving such a name to your child is quite surprising. However, to the bearers of this name, Maskini is a symbol of pride worn with admiration.

3. Panyako

What do you have to say about this?

4. Wamalwa

This is a popular Luhya boy name. Arguably, it is by far a hilarious name for a Luhya. It means that the boy child has been born during the brewing season.

5. Mugeci

Mugeci is a lady who loves gossip. She comes as half Luhya and half Kikuyu. It is believed that only a Luhya or a Chef can wife her for reasons beyond my scope of wisdom.

6. Nyambura

According to the Kikuyu tribe, Nyambura means born during the rain. To the Luo, Nyambura means a kitten. It is a word coined from Mbura, which means cat.