100 Most Popular Shona Names and Their Meanings
Shona names, widely used in Zimbabwe and beyond, carry deep meanings rooted in the culture, traditions, and spiritual beliefs of the Shona people. These names often reflect gratitude, love, hope, and connections to ancestors or the divine. Here’s a list of 100 popular Shona names, categorized by gender, along with their meanings:
Boys’ Names
1. Anesu – He is with us
2. Batanai – Unite
3. Chenai – Be pure
4. Chiedza – Light
5. Dambudzo – Trouble or struggle
6. Edmore – Add more
7. Farai – Be happy
8. Garikai – Live well
9. Givemore – Offer more
10. Gotora – Stronghold
11. Isheanesu – The Lord is with us
12. Kudakwashe – The will of God
13. Kuda – Love or will
14. Kudzanai – Respect one another
15. Kumbirai – Ask or request
16. Kupakwashe – God’s blessings
17. Kurai – Grow
18. Kuziva – Knowledge
19. Makomborero – Blessings
20. Mandikudza – You have exalted me
21. Masimba – Power or strength
22. Mbiri – Fame or glory
23. Muchengeti – Guardian
24. Mudiwa – Loved one
25. Murombo – Humble or poor one
26. Munashe – With the Lord
27. Munyaradzi – Comforter
28. Murapi – Healer
29. Musadaro – Do not do that
30. Mutsawashe – The Lord’s will
31. Panashe – With God
32. Ratidzo – Vision or sign
33. Rukudzo – Respect
34. Rungano – Story
35. Ruvimbo – Faith or trust
36. Simba – Strength or power
37. Shingai – Be courageous
38. Takunda – We have conquered
39. Tanyaradzwa – We have been comforted
40. Tatenda – We are thankful
41. Taurai – Speak
42. Tavonga – We are grateful
43. Tendai – Be thankful
44. Tinashe – God is with us
45. Tonderai – Remember
46. Tongai – Rule or lead
47. Torai – Take or accept
48. Vimbai – Trust
49. Zvikomborero – Blessings
50. Zviko – Wisdom
Girls’ Names
51. Anotidaishe – The Lord loves us
52. Batsirai – Help
53. Chengetai – Take care
54. Chipo – Gift
55. Dai – If only
56. Danai – Call upon
57. Farai – Be happy
58. Fungai – Think or remember
59. Garikai – Live well
60. Gotwe – The last-born
61. Ishe – Lord
62. Kudakwashe – God’s will
63. Kudzai – Respect
64. Kumbirai – Ask or request
65. Kupakwashe – God’s gifts
66. Maita – Thank you
67. Makaita – Well done
68. Makanaka – You are beautiful
69. Makanaka Tadiwanashe – God loves us beautifully
70. Mandikudza – You have exalted me
71. Mudiwa – Beloved
72. Munaki – A good person
73. Munamato – Prayer
74. Munotidaishe – God loves us
75. Munyaradzi – Comforter
76. Mutsawashe – God’s will
77. Panashe – With God
78. Ropafadzo – Blessing
79. Rufaro – Happiness
80. Rujeko – Light
81. Rumbidzai – Praise
82. Runako – Beauty
83. Ruvimbo – Faith or trust
84. Shamiso – Miracle or surprise
85. Shuvai – Wish
86. Simbarashe – God’s strength
87. Tadiwanashe – God loves us
88. Tafadzwa – We are pleased
89. Tariro – Hope
90. Tatenda – Thank you
91. Tendai – Be thankful
92. Tinashe – God is with us
93. Tinotenda – We thank
94. Tirivanhu – We are people
95. Vimbai – Trust
96. Zvikomborero – Blessings
97. Zvipo – Gifts
98. Zvirimugariro – It is destiny
99. Zvishavane – Wealth
100. Zviroto – Dreams
These names beautifully reflect the Shona culture’s emphasis on gratitude, spirituality, and community. Whether inspired by faith, love, or hope, Shona names carry profound meanings that connect individuals to their heritage and values.
