100 Ethiopian Names for Boys (and Amharic Meanings)

If your new baby will be of Ethiopian origin, you might be considering an Ethiopian name or an Amharic baby name.

Ethiopia has an amazing history, beginning with the fact that our own species emerged from this geographical location as nomads, before making their way to the Fertile Crescent, where they became farmers.

Ethiopia has a rich cultural and linguistic history. The country has five official languages. Throughout history, pagan, Christian, and Muslim religions have been embraced throughout its long history.

Ethiopian baby names often come from the two most widely-spoken languages in the country: Amharic and Oromo. Hebrew or Arabic names are also commonly used.

Related: 100 Ethiopian Names for Girls (and Amharic Meanings)

The Amharas inhabit the Amhara region of Ethiopia and other highlands close by in the north. The Amharic language is spoken by almost 30% of Ethiopia’s population. This ethnic group is primarily Christian, which explains why we see some Hebrew baby names in Ethiopia as well as many from the Amharic language.

Oromo is the most widely-spoken language in Ethiopia. The Oromo people live in the South East part of Ethiopia. They are mostly practicing Muslims and some Christians. In addition, a small portion of the Oromo people still practices an ancient Pagan religion called Waaqeffanna, which honors a supreme being as well as many spirits and divinities which influence people’s daily lives.

Ethiopian Naming Traditions 

Naming traditions in Ethiopia are quite different than the way babies are named in the U.S. and Europe. Children are given first names, and to form their full names, the first name is followed by the father’s name, in lieu of a surname.

For example, if a boy named Abel’s father’s name is Hakim, he will be called Abel Hakim. If he grows up and has a child called Dawit, the child’s full name would be Dawit Abel.

If the first name and the father’s name are common, the paternal grandfather’s name can follow a total of three names. Using three names is becoming more common. In the case of our example, Dawit could be called Dawit Abel Hakim.

Ethiopians who immigrate generally use their father’s name or their paternal grandfather’s name as a surname on immigration paperwork. This then becomes the family name they use for subsequent generations.

Ethiopian children born in the US are generally given their father’s last name. Women do not generally change their name upon marriage, whether in Ethiopia or in the US.

Popular Ethiopian Boy Names 

Here are 100 of the current most popular Ethiopian names for boys along with their meanings:

1. Aaron: Hebrew, high mountain
2. Abal: Amharic, serves the king
3. Abathun: Amharic, father
4. Abay: Amharic, big
5. Abdi: Oromo, hope
6. Abel: Hebrew, breath
7. Abera: Ethiopian, light (commonly used as a surname)
8. Abraham: Hebrew, father of the multitudes
9. Addis: Amharic, new
10. Afework: Ethiopian, golden mouth
11. Ahmed: Arabic, worthy of great praise
12. Ajani: Sanskrit, victor
13. Alimayu: Ethiopian, in honor of God
14. Amadi: Igbo, freeborn man
15. Amare: Arabic, long life
16. Amari: Arabic, long life
17. Amhara: Abyssinian, agreeable, gracious
18. Araara: Oromo, peace
19. Baati: Oromo, moon
20. Bakkalcha: Oromo, full moon
21. Barak: Arabic, white one
22. Beekan: Oromo, well-known
23. Birraa: Oromo, spring
24. Birrissa: Oromo, fast
25. Bona: Oromo, summer
26. Caala: Oromo, the best
27. Chinua: Ethiopian, blessing of God
28. Dansa: Oromo, joyful
29. Dawit: Amharic, beloved
30. Desta: Amharic, joy
31. Dhugooms: Oromo, honest

32. Ebo: Ethiopian, born on Tuesday
33. Eebbisan: Oromo, blessed
34. Galaan: Oromo, river
35. Genet: Ethiopian, paradise
36. Hagos: Tigrinya, joy
37. Haile: Amharic, mighty
38. Hakim: Arabic, wise
39. Horo: Oromo, one who will multiply
40. Ibsaa: Oromo, bright
41. Jiraa: Oromo, long life
42. Kaleb: Hebrew, dog
43. Kebede: Amharic, honored
44. Kebret: Amharic, wealth
45. Kelile: Ethiopian, protector
46. Kidus: Amharic, holy
47. Kofi: Ethiopian, born on Friday
48. Kokeb: Amharic, bright star
49. Lencho: Oromo, lion
50. Leuel: Ethiopian, Prince Amharic
51. Maebel: Amharic, wave
52. Makda: Hebrew, high tower
53. Mamo: Amharic, little boy
54. Melaku: Amharic, angel
55. Meleak: Ethiopian, angel
56. Menab: Amharic, imagination
57. Mesfin: Amharic, monarch
58. Milkii: Oromo, successful
59. Moges: Ethiopian, majesty
60. Mulu: Amharic, complete
61. Nahome: Ethiopian, compassionate
62. Neberu: Ethiopian, leopard
63. Negasi: Ethiopian, he will wear a crown
64. Negat: Amharic, dawn
65. Negus: Tigrinya, king
66. Negusu: Amharic, king
67. Nesanet: Amharic, freedom
68. Neway: Amharic, wealth
69. Nishan: Amharic, medal
70. Noab: Amharic, king

71. Obsan: Oromo, patience
72. Qeero: Oromo, tiger
73. Retta: Amharic, triumph
74. Robel: Amharic, joy
75. Salana: Ethiopian, sunshine
76. Salawi: Amharic, third
77. Samson: Amharic, bright sun
78. Sehay: Amharic, sun
79. Sekwar: Amharic, sugar
80. Selassie: Ethiopian, trinity (often used as a surname)
81. Selam: Amharic, peace
82. Semere: Ethiopian, success
83. Sitota: Amharic, gift
84. Solana: Ethiopian, sunshine
85. Tamagn: Amharic, loyal
86. Tamru: Ethiopian, miracle
87. Tarik: Amharic, history
88. Taye: Ethiopian, he has seen
89. Tebeb: Ethiopian, wisdom
90. Tehut: Amharic, polite
91. Tolfamee: Oromo, created by God
92. Tsegaye: Ge'ez, my grace
93. Urgesa: Amharic, mountain
94. Wendem: Amharic, brother
95. Werku: Amharic, gold
96. Yelekal: Ethiopian, excellence
97. Yonas: Arabic, dove
98. Zena: Amharic, fame
99. Zenawe: Amharic, historian
100. Zenebe: Ethiopian, rain

More Baby Boy Name Ideas 

For more baby name inspiration check out these popular baby name lists:

• 70 Muslim Boy 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.

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