Kondwani
Meaningbe happy · Chichewa
Kondwani is an African boy name meaning “be happy”, with Chichewa roots. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's a longer name that leaves plenty of room for nicknames, and it pairs well with a short middle name.
Did you know?
- Scrabble scoreIf names were allowed in Scrabble, Kondwani would score 16 points, thanks largely to the K (worth 5).
- GenerationKondwani peaked in 1978, which makes it a Gen X name. The typical Kondwani you'd meet today is about 47 years old.
- HistoryKondwani first shows up in US birth records in 1973, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 52 years since.
US births per million boys, 1973–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Kondwani
Kondwani is a boy name of African origin meaning “be happy”. With 3 syllables it has a flowing, lyrical sound, and plenty of room for a nickname, so a short middle name balances it nicely. It hit its peak in the 1970s, so it feels familiar without being trendy. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name.
Origin:African names
More African boy names
- Unisex name: Cairo · the victorious
- Unisex name: Asa · healer
- Unisex name: Zaire · river
- Boy name: Omari · long-lived
- Boy name: Ermias · form of Jeremiah
- Boy name: Jabari · brave, fearless
- Boy name: Paulo · small
- Unisex name: Amani · peace
Questions about the name Kondwani
What does the name Kondwani mean?
Kondwani means “be happy” and comes from Chichewa. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Asher (“happy, blessed”), Felix (“lucky, happy”), Said (“happy, fortunate”) and Kota (“often happy and big”).
What is the origin of the name Kondwani?
Kondwani is African in origin, and its meaning traces back to Chichewa. Other African names to consider are Cairo (“the victorious”), Asa (“healer”), Zaire (“river”) and Omari (“long-lived”).
Is Kondwani a boy or girl name?
Kondwani is a boy name.
How popular is the name Kondwani?
Kondwani is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 1978. It peaked at #5,059 in 1978, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Kondwani?
If you like Kondwani, you might also like Asher, Felix, Said and Kota.
What should I know before naming my baby Kondwani?
Kondwani is an African boy name meaning “be happy”, with Chichewa roots. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's a longer name that leaves plenty of room for nicknames, and it pairs well with a short middle name. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.