Traditional South Sudan Names

Born during early morning hours, Dinka

Servant of God

Father of many nations; a patriarch in Abrahamic religions

First born twin (girl), Acholi

Born before cattle return home, Dinka (often for dark-skinned girls)

First daughter, Dinka

Girl born after a long period of waiting, Dinka

Meaning 'alive' or 'living'.

One who fought and won, Dinka

Born during a time of abundance, Dinka

Born after an illness, Dinka

Born after an illness, Dinka

Born during nighttime, Dinka

Noble, exalted. Son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad.

Born at dusk, Dinka

Born during difficult times, Nuer

Born in times of peace, Dinka

Born during daybreak, Dinka

Born during a journey, Dinka

Born after many boys, Dinka

Gift, from the Dinka language

Girl whose mother had twins, Dinka

Born during a journey, Nuer

Born during the harvest, specifically referring to the season of plenty and abundance.

Born before cattle return home, Dinka (often for dark-skinned boys)

God is my judge

Rain, a divine name in Dinka culture

Born after a father's death, Nuer

My God is abundance; consecrated to God; God is my oath.

Star. A beautiful and significant name.

Captivating, abstinent, she who abstains

Born with an umbilical cord around the neck, Dinka

Son of a family, Nuer

Son of war, often given to a child born during conflict or hardship.

Gentle, mild, patient.

Handsome, good

Life, living

Born during the dry season, Dinka

God is gracious. A classic and widely used name.

God will add

Angel, Dinka (borrowed from Biblical)

First born girl, Bari

Born in the afternoon, Dinka

Born during wartime or conflict, Dinka

Born on the cattle camp, reflecting the pastoralist culture of the Bari people.

Born during times of war or conflict.

Good name, good person, Dinka

Born during times of wealth/cattle abundance, Dinka

Born during times of peace, Dinka

Born after a long wait or when the mother has had many previous children who did not survive.