ThinkabaraNia: meaning and origin
Nia
“Purpose (Swahili)”
About the name Nia
Nia is a girl’s name from the African tradition. Its meaning is “purpose (Swahili)”. Names from African languages such as Swahili, Yoruba, Igbo and Akan, often with a full sentence of meaning — like Amara, Kofi, Zuri and Jabari.
Tips before you choose
- Say the full name out loud with your last name, and with any middle name.
- Check the initials — and what they spell.
- Think about nicknames kids might make from it.
- Write it down: is the spelling easy for teachers and friends?
More African names
- Abeni 👧We asked for her, and behold, we got her (Yoruba) · African
- Adaeze 👧Daughter of the king (Igbo) · African
- Ama 👧Born on Saturday (Akan) · African
- Amara 👧Grace (Igbo) · African
- Amari 🧒Strength, eternal · African
- Ayana 👧Beautiful flower · African
- Folami 👧Respect and honor me (Yoruba) · African
- Imani 👧Faith (Swahili) · African
- Makena 👧Happy one (Kikuyu) · African
- Zuri 👧Beautiful (Swahili) · African
Sibling name ideas (African, boys)
- Chidi 👦God exists (Igbo) · African
- Jabari 👦Brave, fearless (Swahili) · African
- Jelani 👦Mighty (Swahili) · African
- Kamau 👦Quiet warrior (Kikuyu) · African
- Kofi 👦Born on Friday (Akan) · African
- Kwame 👦Born on Saturday (Akan) · African
- Tunde 👦One who returns (Yoruba) · African
More girl names starting with N
- Nadia 👧Hope · Slavic
- Nalani 👧The calm of the heavens · Hawaiian
- Naomi 👧Pleasant, my delight · Hebrew
- Natalie 👧Born on Christmas Day · Latin
- Niamh 👧Bright, radiant; a goddess in Irish legend · Irish
- Nora 👧Honor; also a short form of Eleanor · Irish
- Nova 👧New; a star that suddenly shines brightly · Latin
- Nyla 👧Winner, champion · African American
Questions and answers
What does the name Nia mean?
Nia is a name of African origin. It means: purpose (Swahili).
Is Nia a boy or girl name?
Nia is usually given to girls.
How many syllables does Nia have?
Nia has 3 letters and about 1 syllable.