A name is a fundamental element of identity, shaping how we perceive ourselves and how others perceive us. It’s a label that carries meaning, significance and often a deep sense of connection to our heritage and loved ones.
Call my name and see if I will not give you attention. Before concluding that I ignored you, make sure that you called me by my correct name.
A name is more than just a word but tells a story about what you meant to those who came before you and what others should see in you.
Like elsewhere in the world, African countries have distinct names (arrangement is in alphabetical order):
Algeria – The name Algeria is derived from the city of Algiers, which is the country’s capital. The name Algiers comes from the Arabic word “al-Jazair”, which means “the islands”, referring to the small islands off the coast of the city. The city was founded by the Phoenicians in the 10th century BC and was later conquered by the Romans, Arabs, and Ottomans. When the cake was cut in Berlin in 1884 it was called The French Algeria.
Angola – The name Angola is derived from the Kimbundu word “ngola”, which means “king” or “prone to conquest”. The name refers to the title of the rulers of the Ndongo kingdom, which flourished in the 16th century. The kingdom was a major power in the region and was known for its ironworking and trade. It was called Portuguese Angola.
Benin – The name Benin is derived from the Bini language, which is spoken in the country. The name means “land of the Bini people”, reflecting the country’s cultural and linguistic heritage. The Bini people are a subgroup of the Edo people, who have a rich cultural tradition and history. Post 1884 it was called The French Dahomey.
Botswana – The name Botswana is derived from the dominant Tswana ethnic group, who inhabit the country. The Tswana people are a Bantu-speaking group who migrated to the region in the 14th century. The name Botswana means “land of the Tswana people”, reflecting the country’s cultural and linguistic heritage. Post 1884 it was called The British Bechuanaland.
Burkina Faso – The name Burkina Faso is a combination of two languages: Burkina means “honest people” in Mossi, a local language, and Faso means “fatherland” in Dioula, another local language. The name reflects the country’s cultural values and its people’s commitment to honesty and integrity. It was called Upper Volta.
Burundi – The name Burundi is derived from the Kirundi language, which is spoken in the country. The name “Burundi” means “land of the Rundi people”, reflecting the country’s cultural and linguistic heritage. The Rundi people are a Bantu-speaking group who have a rich cultural tradition and history. Post the 1884 Berlin Conference it was called German Urundi.
Cameroon – The name Cameroon is derived from the Portuguese word “Cameroes”, which means “shrimp” or “prawn”. The name refers to the shrimp-like shape of the Wouri River, which was discovered by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century. The country has a diverse geography and culture, with over 200 ethnic groups. It was called The German Kamerun.
Cape Verde – The name Cape Verde is derived from the Portuguese word “Cabo Verde”, which means “green cape”. The name refers to the country’s location on the west coast of Africa, where the Cape Verde peninsula is located. The country is an island nation with a unique cultural blend of African, Portuguese, and Brazilian influences. It was called Portuguese Cape Verde.
Central African Republic – The name Central African Republic is derived from the country’s location in the central part of Africa. The name reflects the country’s geographical position and its role as a hub for trade and commerce in the region. It was called French Ubangi-Shari.
Chad – The name Chad is derived from Lake Chad, which is located in the country’s north. The name Chad comes from the Kanuri language, in which it is called “Tsade”, meaning “large water” or “lake”. The lake is a vital source of water and transportation for the country. It was called the French Chad.
Comoros – The name Comoros is derived from the Arabic word “qamar”, which means “moon”. The name refers to the country’s location off the coast of East Africa, where the moon is visible in the night sky. The country is an archipelago with a unique cultural blend of African, Arab and French influences. After the 1884 Berlin conference it was called The French Comoros Islands.
Congo (Democratic Republic of the Congo) – The name Congo is derived from the Kongo people, a Bantu-speaking group who inhabited the region. The Kongo people were a powerful kingdom that flourished in the 14th century, and their name is thought to mean “hunters” or “allies”. Post 1884 it was called Belgian Congo.
Congo (Republic of the Congo) – The name “Congo” is derived from the same Kongo people, who inhabited the region. The country’s name was changed from “Middle Congo” to Congo in 1960, reflecting its location on the Congo River. It was called French Congo-Brazzaville.
Côte d’Ivoire – The name Côte d’Ivoire is derived from the French words “côte” meaning “coast” and “ivoire” meaning “ivory”. The name refers to the country’s location on the west coast of Africa, where ivory was a major trade commodity. It was called French Ivory Coast
Djibouti – The name “Djibouti” is derived from the Afar language, in which it is called “gabouti”, meaning “plateau”. The name refers to the country’s location on the Horn of Africa, where the plateau meets the sea. It was called French Somaliland.
Egypt – The name Egypt is derived from the ancient Greek word “Aigyptos”, which referred to the city of Memphis and later the entire country. The name is thought to be derived from the Egyptian word “Hikuptah”, which means “temple of the soul of Ptah”, referring to the god Ptah. Post 1884 it was referred to as British OCCUPIED Egypt.
Equatorial Guinea – The name Equatorial Guinea is derived from the country’s location on the equator and the Guinea region, which is a traditional name for the coastal region of West Africa. It was called Spanish Guinea.
Eritrea – The name Eritreais derived from the Greek word “Erythra Thalassa”, which means “Red Sea”. The name refers to the country’s location on the Red Sea coast, which was an important trade route in ancient times. It was called Italian Eritrea.
Eswatini – The name Eswatini is derived from the Swazi language, in which it is called “eSwatini”, meaning “land of the AmaSwati. The name reflects the country’s cultural and linguistic heritage. It was called The British Swaziland.
Ethiopia – The name Ethiopia is derived from the Greek word “Aithiopia”, which means “land of the burnt faces” or “land of the sun-kissed”. The name refers to the country’s location in the Horn of Africa, where the sun’s rays are intense. Ethiopia was colonised for only five years by Benito Mussolini’s Italy from 1936 to 1941.
Gabon – The name Gabon is derived from the Portuguese word “gabão”, which means “cloak”. The name refers to the shape of the estuary of the Komo River, which resembles a cloak. It was called French Gabon.
Gambia – The name Gambia is derived from the Mandinka language, in which it is called Gambia, which means “river”. The name refers to the Gambia River, which flows through the country. It was called British Gambia.
Ghana – The name Ghana is derived from the ancient Ghana Empire, which flourished in West Africa from the 4th to the 13th century. The name Ghana means “warrior king” or “strong man” in the Soninke language, reflecting the empire’s military prowess and strength. It was called This was called The British Gold Coast.
Guinea – The name Guinea is derived from the Berber word “aginaw”, which means “black”. The name refers to the Guinea region, which is a traditional name for the coastal region of West Africa. It was called The French Guinea
Guinea-Bissau – The name Guinea-Bissau is derived from the Guinea region and the Bissau Island, which is located off the coast of the country. The name Bissau comes from the local language, in which it is called Bissau, meaning “beautiful island”. Post 1884 it was called Portuguese Guinea.
Kenya – The name Kenya is derived from the Kikuyu word “Kirinyaga”, which means “mountain with a white spot” or “black-topped mountain”, referring to Mount Kenya. The Kikuyu people, who inhabit the region, consider the mountain sacred and a symbol of their cultural heritage. It was called British Kenya.
Lesotho – The name Lesotho is derived from the Sotho people, who inhabit the country. The name “Lesotho” means “land of the Sotho people”, reflecting the country’s cultural and linguistic heritage. It was called The British Basutoland.
Liberia – The name Liberia is derived from the Latin word “liber”, which means “free”. The name refers to the country’s history as a colony for freed slaves from the United States. Liberia was founded in 1822 by the American Colonisation Society as a homeland for freed American slaves, gaining independence in 1847, becoming Africa’s first independent republic. During the Berlin Conference Liberia lost a lot of territories to British and French colonies.
Libya – The name Libya is derived from the ancient Greek word “Libue”, which referred to the region of North Africa. The name is thought to be derived from the Berber word “Libu”, which means “oasis” or “desert”. It was called Italian Libya.
Madagascar – The name Madagascar is derived from the Malagasy language, in which it is called “Madagasikara”, meaning “land of the ancestors”. The name reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage and its location off the coast of East Africa. It was called French Madagascar.
Malawi – The name Malawi is derived from the Maravi people, a Bantu group that inhabited the region. The Maravi people were a powerful kingdom that flourished in the 16th century, and their name is thought to mean “flaming waters” or “sun rays”, possibly referring to Lake Malawi, which dominates the country’s geography. It was called British Nyasaland
Mali – the name Mali is derived from the ancient Mali Empire, which flourished in West Africa from the 13th to the 16th century. The name Mali means “where the king lives” or “hippopotamus” in the Bambara language, reflecting the empire’s powerful rulers and its location on the Niger River. It was called French Sudan
Mauritania – The name Mauritania is derived from the ancient Berber tribe of the Mauri, who inhabited the region. The name is thought to mean “land of the Mauri people”, reflecting the country’s cultural and linguistic heritage. The Mauri people were a powerful Berber tribe that inhabited the region from the 3rd century BC to the 7th century AD. It was called French
Mauritania.
Mauritius – The name Mauritius is derived from the Dutch word “Mauritius”, which was the name of the island’s first Dutch governor, Maurice of Nassau. The name was given to the island in 1598, when it was colonised by the Dutch. Mauritius is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and unique wildlife. It was called British Mauritius.
Morocco – The name Morocco fis derived from the city of Marrakech, which was the capital of the Almoravid dynasty in the 11th century. The name “Marrakech” comes from the Berber word “amur” meaning “land” and “akush” meaning “God”, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage. Morocco is a country in North Africa, known for its vibrant cities, stunning architecture, and diverse landscapes. It was called French/Spanish Morocco
Mozambique – The name Mozambique is derived from the Island off the coast of Mozambique, which was an important trading post in the colonial era. The island was a key hub for Arab and Portuguese traders, and its name may come from the Arabic “Musa bin Bique” or “Mussa Al Big”. Mozambique is a country in Southeast Africa, known for its tropical coastline, coral reefs, and diverse wildlife. It was called Portuguese Mozambique
Namibia – The name Namibia is derived from the Nama language, which is spoken by the indigenous Nama people. The Nama language refers to the Namib Desert, which covers much of the country, as “Namib”, meaning “vast area”. Namibia is a country in Southern Africa, known for its stunning desert landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. Post 1884 it was called German West Africa
Niger – The name Niger is derived from the Tuareg language, in which it is called “Egerew n-Igerewen”, meaning “river of rivers”. The name refers to the Niger River, which flows through the country and is a vital source of water and transportation. It was called The French Niger
Nigeria – The name Nigeria is derived from the Niger River, which flows through the country. The name was coined by British journalist Flora Shaw, who suggested it as a name for the country in 1897. It was called British Nigeria.
Rwanda – The name Rwanda is derived from the Kinyarwanda language, in which it is called “Rwandi”, meaning “big country” or “big land”. The name reflects the country’s geography and its location in the Great Lakes region. It was called German Ruanda.
São Tomé and Principe – The name São Tomé and Principe is derived from the Portuguese words São Tomé meaning “Saint Thomas” and Principe meaning “prince”. The name refers to the country’s history as a Portuguese colony and its location off the coast of West Africa. It was called Portuguese Sao Tome.
Senegal – The name Senegal is derived from the Wolof language, in which it is called “Sunuu Gaal”, meaning “our boat”. The name refers to the country’s location on the Senegal River, which has been an important transportation route for centuries. Post 1884 it was called French Senegal.
Seychelles – The name Seychelles is derived from the French word Seychelles which was given to the islands in 1756 in honor of Jean Moreau de Séchelles, the French Finance Minister. The Seychelles is an archipelago off the coast of East Africa, known for its stunning beaches, coral reefs and unique wildlife. Post 1884 it was British Seychelles.
Sierra Leone – The name Sierra Leone was derived from the Portuguese words “Serra Lyoa”, which means “Lion Mountains”. The name refers to the country’s location on the west coast of Africa, where the mountains meet the sea. It was British Sierra Leone
Somalia – The name Somalia is derived from the Somali language, in which it is called “Soomaaliya”, meaning “land of the Somalis”. The name reflects the country’s cultural and linguistic heritage, and its location in the Horn of Africa. It was The British Somaliland and then Italian Somaliland.
South Africa – The name South Africa is derived from the country’s location at the southern tip of Africa. The name was officially adopted in 1961, when the country gained independence from British colonial rule (Note that the country was still under a white ethnic group made up of Dutch, French Huguenot, German and British descendants). It was called the British South Africa.
South Sudan – The name South Sudan is derived from the country’s location in the southern part of Sudan. The name reflects the country’s history as part of Sudan and its independence in 2011. It was called The Anglo-Egyptian Sudan.
Sudan – The name Sudan is derived from the Arabic word “Bilad al-Sudan”, which means “land of the blacks”. The name refers to the country’s location in the Sahel region of Africa, where the Sahara Desert meets the savannas. It was called The Anglo-Egyptian Sudan.
Tanzania – The name Tanzania is derived from the names of the two states that merged to form the country: Tanganyika and Zanzibar. The name “Tanganyika” comes from the Swahili words “tanga” meaning “sail” and “nyika” meaning “country”, while “Zanzibar” comes from the Arabic “zanj” meaning “black” and “bar” meaning “coast”. Post 1884 it was called The German Tanganyika.
Togo – The name Togo is derived from the Ewe language, in which it is called “Togogbe”, meaning “behind the river”. The name refers to the country’s location on the Gulf of Guinea, where the Volta River flows into the sea. It was called The German Togoland.
Tunisia – The name Tunisia is derived from the city of Tunis, which is the country’s capital. The name “Tunis” comes from the Berber word “tuns”, which means “to stay” or “to settle”. It was called French Tunisia.
Uganda – The name Uganda is derived from the Swahili word “Buganda”, which refers to the kingdom of Buganda, a powerful state that flourished in the 14th century. The name means “land of the Ganda people”, reflecting the country’s cultural and linguistic heritage. It was called British Uganda
Zambia – The name Zambia is derived from the Zambezi River, which flows through the country. The Zambezi River is a vital source of water and transportation, and its name is deeply rooted in the local Tonga language. It was called British Northern Rhodesia
Zimbabwe – The name Zimbabwe is derived from the Shona phrase “Dzimba dza mabwe”, which means “house of stone” or “stone buildings”. The name refers to the ancient city of Great Zimbabwe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of the country’s rich cultural heritage. It was called British Southern Rhodesia.
The name Africa has a meaning even though there is no conclusive certainty. Some believe that it comes from the Phoenician word -afar. Another theory suggests that it comes from the Latin word “aprica,” meaning “sunny” or “hot,” reflecting the continent’s climate. The Romans used the term “Africa” to refer to the region around Carthage, the modern-day Tunisia. The African Union suggest that the name is derived from a Latin word “Africus” referring to the same region around Tunisia. Eventually the name has come to represent the entire continent.
A lion’s cub is very much aware that it is a lion. Identity is not negotiable.
Nisale kahle!!!