About Somali Name
Preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of Somali names
Our Mission
Somali Name is dedicated to preserving and sharing the beautiful meanings and cultural significance behind traditional Somali names. Each name carries a story, a blessing, and a connection to our rich heritage.
Cultural Heritage
The design of this website is inspired by traditional Somali garments, particularly the vibrant striped patterns of the Alindi dress. Originally worn by both men and women, the Alindi became mainly a women’s garment over time — except in the Banadir region, where it might have originated and where men still wear it today. These colorful patterns reflect the beauty, diversity, and enduring spirit of Somali culture.
Explore Names
Browse through our collection of traditional Somali names, each with its unique meaning and cultural context. Whether you're choosing a name for a new family member or simply curious about Somali heritage, we invite you to explore and discover.
Lineage (Abtirsi) — A Feature I'm Considering
I'm exploring a feature where you can record your family lineage (abtirsi) directly on the platform. This would help uncover rare or lesser-known Somali names that aren't yet in our database — allowing us to preserve them, document their meanings, and add full etymology for future generations.
Here's what I'm thinking:
- Privacy control: You could choose to keep your lineage private or share it publicly.
- Relative connections: You could decide whether you want to see relatives or shared branches with other users on the platform.
- Cultural insights: You could view insights from your abtirsi, such as recurring ancestral names, region-specific naming patterns, or generational shifts in naming, or historical trends that reveal how your family’s identity evolved over time.
- Contribution to preservation: You could contribute rare traditional names that your family has preserved, helping expand and protect the cultural record.
- Printed family book: I'm also exploring the possibility of offering an optional printed family lineage book that includes your recorded names, their meanings, and other details preserved for your family.
The goal is cultural preservation, understanding the stories, values, and naming traditions carried through your family line.
Before building this feature, I'd love to hear from you.
Should I move forward with this idea, or leave it out?
Please send me your feedback. Your thoughts will shape how this platform grows.