Uhuru
Meaningfreedom · Swahili
Uhuru is an African boy name meaning “freedom”, with Swahili roots. Swahili names are often chosen for a quality or a blessing parents wish for their child. 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 easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with a short middle name.
Did you know?
- Word funUhuru starts and ends with the same letter, U. A neat little bookend.
- GenerationUhuru peaked in 1971, which makes it a Gen X name. The typical Uhuru you'd meet today is about 54 years old.
- HistoryUhuru first shows up in US birth records in 1970, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 55 years since.
Save adds it to your list. Vote moves it up the top voted names.
Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Uhuru
Uhuru is a boy name of African origin meaning “freedom”. With 3 syllables it has a flowing, lyrical sound, 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 Uhuru
What does the name Uhuru mean?
Uhuru means “freedom” and comes from Swahili. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Liberty (“freedom”) and Freedom (“freedom”).
What is the origin of the name Uhuru?
Uhuru is African in origin, and its meaning traces back to Swahili. Other African names to consider are Cairo (“the victorious”), Asa (“healer”), Zaire (“river”) and Omari (“long-lived”).
Is Uhuru a boy or girl name?
Uhuru is a boy name.
How popular is the name Uhuru?
Uhuru is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 1973. It peaked at #3,370 in 1971, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Uhuru?
If you like Uhuru, you might also like Liberty and Freedom.
What should I know before naming my baby Uhuru?
Uhuru is an African boy name meaning “freedom”, with Swahili roots. Swahili names are often chosen for a quality or a blessing parents wish for their child. 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 easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, 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.