The lioness, a symbol of strength, grace, and maternal instinct, has captivated human imagination for centuries. From ancient mythology to modern pop culture, these magnificent creatures have left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness. Choosing the perfect name for a lioness, whether for a fictional character, a beloved pet, or a conservation project, is a task that requires careful consideration and creativity.
This article offers carefully curated lioness names, drawing inspiration from various cultures, languages, and legendary figures. Each name has been selected to reflect the power, beauty, and spirit of these remarkable felines.
Famous Lionesses In History and Pop Culture
Several lionesses have achieved fame or notoriety throughout history and in popular media:
- Elsa: The lioness featured in the book and film “Born Free,” who was successfully rehabilitated to the wild.
- Nala: Simba’s childhood friend and eventual mate in Disney’s “The Lion King.”
- Cecil’s Pride: The lionesses who continued to protect their territory after the controversial killing of Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe.
- Manyara: A famous lioness known for her tree-climbing abilities in Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania.
These iconic lionesses have inspired many of the names in our list, celebrating their legacy and the enduring fascination humans have with these magnificent creatures.
Lioness Names from A to Z
Here’s our extensive list of lioness names, with 20 options for each letter of the alphabet:
A
- Aisha – “Life” (Arabic)
- Amara – “Grace” (Igbo)
- Aziza – “Precious” (Swahili)
- Akinyi – “Born in the morning” (Luo)
- Ayanna – “Beautiful flower” (African-American)
- Adanna – “Father’s daughter” (Igbo)
- Amani – “Peace” (Swahili)
- Afia – “Born on Friday” (Akan)
- Asha – “Life” (Swahili)
- Akua – “Born on Wednesday” (Akan)
- Ayana – “Beautiful flower” (Ethiopian)
- Amina – “Trustworthy” (Arabic)
- Ayo – “Joy” (Yoruba)
- Abeba – “Flower” (Ethiopian)
- Adah – “Ornament” (Hebrew)
- Amahle – “Beautiful” (Zulu)
- Anaya – “Look up to God” (Hebrew)
- Asali – “Honey” (Swahili)
- Ayana – “Beautiful blossom” (Ethiopian)
- Azra – “Pure” (Arabic)
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B
- Bahati – “Lucky” (Swahili)
- Binti – “Daughter” (Swahili)
- Bisa – “Greatly” (Tswana)
- Beyoncé – Inspired by the famous singer
- Bianca – “White” (Italian)
- Berta – “Bright” (German)
- Brielle – “God is my strength” (French)
- Basha – “Forerunner” (Egyptian)
- Busi – “Blessing” (Zulu)
- Bintu – “Daughter” (Hausa)
- Bella – “Beautiful” (Italian)
- Bakira – “Virgin” (Arabic)
- Bomani – “Warrior” (Swahili)
- Branwen – “Beautiful raven” (Welsh)
- Blossom – English word name
- Bijou – “Jewel” (French)
- Bukola – “Adds to wealth” (Yoruba)
- Bonita – “Pretty” (Spanish)
- Busara – “Wisdom” (Swahili)
- Brita – “Strength” (Swedish)
C
- Chaka – “Great king” (Zulu)
- Calla – “Beautiful” (Greek)
- Chausiku – “Born at night” (Swahili)
- Cleopatra – Famous Egyptian queen
- Carina – “Dear” (Italian)
- Chantal – “Stony” (French)
- Chipo – “Gift” (Shona)
- Cleo – Short for Cleopatra
- Cara – “Beloved” (Italian)
- Cinna – “Spice” (Latin)
- Cala – “Castle” (Arabic)
- Chaya – “Life” (Hebrew)
- Chidi – “God exists” (Igbo)
- Cora – “Maiden” (Greek)
- Chioma – “Good God” (Igbo)
- Calla – “Beautiful” (Greek)
- Chanya – “Sand” (Thai)
- Chausiku – “Born at night” (Swahili)
- Celestine – “Heavenly” (Latin)
- Celine – “Heaven” (French)
D
- Dada – “Sister” (Swahili)
- Dahlia – Flower name
- Dalia – “Branch” (Lithuanian)
- Damisi – “Born on Sunday” (Yoruba)
- Dayo – “Joy arrives” (Yoruba)
- Della – “Noble” (German)
- Dembe – “Peace” (Ugandan)
- Denali – “The high one” (Native American)
- Desta – “Joy” (Ethiopian)
- Diana – Roman goddess of the hunt
- Dima – “Downpour” (Arabic)
- Dinka – Sudanese ethnic group
- Dola – “Fate” (Swahili)
- Dominique – “Of the Lord” (French)
- Donna – “Lady” (Italian)
- Doria – “Gift” (Greek)
- Dorothea – “Gift of God” (Greek)
- Dua – “Prayer” (Arabic)
- Dunia – “World” (Swahili)
- Durra – “Pearl” (Arabic)
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E
- Ebele – “Mercy” (Igbo)
- Eden – Biblical garden
- Efiya – “Born on Friday” (Akan)
- Efia – “Born on Friday” (Akan)
- Ege – “Fragile” (Yoruba)
- Ekin – “Harvest” (Turkish)
- Elana – “Oak tree” (Hebrew)
- Elewa – “Understanding” (Swahili)
- Elise – “God’s promise” (French)
- Ella – “Fairy maiden” (English)
- Elodie – “Foreign riches” (French)
- Elsa – Famous lioness from “Born Free”
- Emani – “Faith” (Swahili)
- Emberly – “Burning light” (English)
- Emem – “Peace” (Ibibio)
- Enzi – “Power” (Swahili)
- Erika – “Eternal ruler” (Norse)
- Eshe – “Life” (Egyptian)
- Esi – “Born on Sunday” (Akan)
- Eva – “Life” (Hebrew)
F
- Fadila – “Virtuous” (Arabic)
- Fahari – “Pride” (Swahili)
- Fajra – “Dawn” (Arabic)
- Falala – “Luck” (Arabic)
- Fara – “Joy” (Persian)
- Faraja – “Comfort” (Swahili)
- Fathia – “Victory” (Arabic)
- Fatima – “Captivating” (Arabic)
- Faye – “Fairy” (French)
- Felicity – “Happiness” (Latin)
- Femi – “Love me” (Yoruba)
- Fiona – “Fair” (Scottish)
- Fola – “Wealth and honor” (Yoruba)
- Folami – “Respect and honor me” (Yoruba)
- Frida – “Peace” (German)
- Fumiko – “Child of treasured beauty” (Japanese)
- Fundi – “Skilled person” (Swahili)
- Furaha – “Happiness” (Swahili)
- Fuschia – Flower name
- Futura – “Future” (Latin)
G
- Gabi – “God is my strength” (Hebrew)
- Gabrielle – “God is my strength” (Hebrew)
- Gaia – Greek goddess of the earth
- Galadriel – Character from “Lord of the Rings”
- Gamba – “Warrior” (African)
- Gamila – “Beautiful” (Arabic)
- Genet – “Paradise” (Ethiopian)
- Gia – “God’s gracious gift” (Italian)
- Giada – “Jade” (Italian)
- Ginger – Spice name
- Giselle – “Pledge” (French)
- Gloria – “Glory” (Latin)
- Golda – “Gold” (Yiddish)
- Grace – English virtue name
- Gracie – Diminutive of Grace
- Greta – “Pearl” (German)
- Gwen – “White, holy” (Welsh)
- Gyana – “Knowledge” (Sanskrit)
- Gyasi – “Wonderful” (Ghanaian)
- Gzifa – “Black beauty” (African)
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H
- Habiba – “Beloved” (Arabic)
- Hadiya – “Gift” (Arabic)
- Hafsa – “Lioness” (Arabic)
- Haika – “Beginning” (Swahili)
- Halima – “Gentle” (Arabic)
- Hana – “Flower” (Japanese)
- Hani – “Happy” (Arabic)
- Hannah – “Grace” (Hebrew)
- Harka – “Energy” (Hindi)
- Harlow – “Army hill” (English)
- Harmony – English word name
- Harper – “Harp player” (English)
- Haven – English word name
- Hawa – “Life” (Arabic)
- Heba – “Gift” (Arabic)
- Hera – Greek goddess of marriage
- Hermione – “Messenger” (Greek)
- Hessa – “Destiny” (Arabic)
- Hinda – “Grain” (Swahili)
- Hope – English virtue name
I
- Ida – “Industrious” (German)
- Ife – “Love” (Yoruba)
- Ifrah – “Joy” (Arabic)
- Iman – “Faith” (Arabic)
- Imani – “Faith” (Swahili)
- Imara – “Firm” (Swahili)
- Inaya – “Help” (Arabic)
- India – Country name
- Indira – “Beauty” (Sanskrit)
- Inez – “Pure” (Spanish)
- Inna – “Strong water” (Russian)
- Iola – “Violet-colored dawn” (Greek)
- Ira – “Watchful” (Hebrew)
- Iris – Flower name and Greek goddess
- Isa – “Salvation” (Arabic)
- Isabis – “Devoted to God” (Egyptian)
- Isha – “Protection” (Sanskrit)
- Isla – “Island” (Scottish)
- Ivy – Plant name
- Iya – “Mother” (Yoruba)
J
- Jade – Precious stone
- Jaha – “Dignity” (Swahili)
- Jamila – “Beautiful” (Arabic)
- Jana – “Flower” (Sanskrit)
- Jasmine – Flower name
- Jemima – “Dove” (Hebrew)
- Jena – “Juniper” (Arabic)
- Jendayi – “Thankful” (African)
- Jenna – “Fair phantom” (Welsh)
- Jermaine – “Brother” (French)
- Jesse – “Gift” (Hebrew)
- Jetta – “Jet black” (English)
- Jewel – English word name
- Jia – “Beautiful” (Chinese)
- Jina – “Name” (Swahili)
- Jocelyn – “Joyful” (French)
- Johari – “Jewel” (Swahili)
- Jolene – “Pretty” (English)
- Jua – “Sun” (Swahili)
- Judith – “Praised” (Hebrew)
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K
- Kacela – “Hunter” (African)
- Kadija – “Trustworthy” (Arabic)
- Kaida – “Little dragon” (Japanese)
- Kala – “Art” (Sanskrit)
- Kalila – “Dearly loved” (Arabic)
- Kamaria – “Moonlight” (Swahili)
- Kamilah – “Perfect” (Arabic)
- Kamla – “Lotus” (Sanskrit)
- Kara – “Beloved” (Italian)
- Karima – “Generous” (Arabic)
- Kashi – “Shining” (Sanskrit)
- Kaveri – Indian river name
- Keira – “Little dark one” (Irish)
- Kesi – “Born in troubled times” (African)
- Khadija – “Early baby” (Arabic)
- Kiana – “Divine” (Hawaiian)
- Kiara – “Bright” (Italian)
- Kimberly – “From the royal fortress meadow” (English)
- Kira – “Sun” (Persian)
- Kisha – “One who is born at night” (Swahili)
L
- Laila – “Night beauty” (Arabic)
- Lana – “Light” (Hawaiian)
- Lark – Bird name
- Latifa – “Gentle” (Arabic)
- Layla – “Night” (Arabic)
- Leah – “Weary” (Hebrew)
- Lena – “Bright” (Greek)
- Leona – “Lioness” (Latin)
- Lerato – “Love” (Sesotho)
- Lia – “Bearer of good news” (Hebrew)
- Lila – “Night” (Arabic)
- Lilith – “Of the night” (Assyrian)
- Lima – “Lemon” (Arabic)
- Lindi – “Protector” (Swahili)
- Lindiwe – “Awaited” (Zulu)
- Loba – “Love” (African)
- Lola – “Sorrows” (Spanish)
- Luna – “Moon” (Latin)
- Lupe – “River of the wolf” (Spanish)
- Lyra – Constellation name
M
- Maha – “Beautiful eyes” (Arabic)
- Malaika – “Angel” (Swahili)
- Mandisa – “Sweet” (Xhosa)
- Mara – “Bitter” (Hebrew)
- Mariam – “Wished-for child” (Hebrew)
- Maya – “Water” (Hebrew)
- Mbali – “Flower” (Zulu)
- Mesi – “Water” (Egyptian)
- Mia – “Mine” (Italian)
- Mika – “Who is like God?” (Hebrew)
- Milani – “Gentle caress” (Hawaiian)
- Mina – “Port” (German)
- Miriam – “Wished-for child” (Hebrew)
- Misha – “Who is like God?” (Russian)
- Moana – “Ocean” (Polynesian)
- Moraya – “Rain” (African)
- Mosi – “First born” (Swahili)
- Mpho – “Gift” (Tswana)
- Munira – “Luminous” (Arabic)
- Mwezi – “Moon” (Swahili)
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N
- Nadia – “Hope” (Russian)
- Nahla – “First drink of water” (Arabic)
- Nairobi – Capital of Kenya
- Nala – “The Lion King” character
- Nalah – “Successful” (Arabic)
- Namid – “Star dancer” (Native American)
- Nandi – “Sweet” (Zulu)
- Naomi – “Pleasantness” (Hebrew)
- Nashira – “Bringer of good news” (Arabic)
- Nasrin – “Wild rose” (Persian)
- Nava – “Beautiful” (Hebrew)
- Nea – “Godly” (Finnish)
- Neema – “Born in prosperous times” (Swahili)
- Neith – Egyptian goddess of war
- Nia – “Purpose” (Swahili)
- Niara – “One with high purpose” (Swahili)
- Nina – “Little girl” (Spanish)
- Nita – “Bear” (Native American)
- Nuru – “Light” (Swahili)
- Nyah – “Purpose” (Arabic)
O
- Oasis – English word name
- Odette – “Wealthy” (French)
- Odila – “Fortunate” (German)
- Olga – “Holy” (Russian)
- Olivia – “Olive tree” (Latin)
- Oluchi – “God’s work” (Igbo)
- Olympia – “From Mount Olympus” (Greek)
- Omara – “Speaker of truth” (Arabic)
- Oni – “Born on holy ground” (Yoruba)
- Onyx – Gemstone name
- Opal – Gemstone name
- Ophelia – “Help” (Greek)
- Ora – “Light” (Hebrew)
- Oriel – “Golden” (French)
- Orla – “Golden princess” (Irish)
- Ororo – “Beauty” (African)
- Osaze – “God chooses” (African)
- Oshun – Yoruba goddess of love
- Oumou – “Mother” (African)
- Oya – Yoruba goddess of wind
P
- Paloma – “Dove” (Spanish)
- Pamela – “All sweetness” (Greek)
- Panther – Big cat name
- Pearl – Gemstone name
- Penda – “Love” (Swahili)
- Peponi – “Paradise” (Swahili)
- Perla – “Pearl” (Spanish)
- Petra – “Rock” (Greek)
- Phoenix – Mythical bird name
- Pia – “Pious” (Italian)
- Pili – “Second born” (Swahili)
- Piper – “Flute player” (English)
- Poko – “First born” (African)
- Poppy – Flower name
- Portia – “Offering” (Latin)
- Priya – “Beloved” (Sanskrit)
- Ptolema – “Aggressive” (Greek)
- Puma – Big cat name
- Purity – English virtue name
- Pyra – “Fire” (Greek)
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Q
- Qadira – “Powerful” (Arabic)
- Qadri – “Capable” (Arabic)
- Qamra – “Moon” (Arabic)
- Qiara – “Black” (Arabic)
- Qadesh – “Sacred” (Hebrew)
- Qiana – “Silk” (African American)
- Qismah – “Destiny” (Arabic)
- Qori – “Golden” (Quechua)
- Quanah – “Fragrant” (Native American)
- Quanna – “Sweet-smelling” (Native American)
- Quartz – Mineral name
- Queen – English word name
- Questa – “Quest” (Latin)
- Quetzal – Bird name
- Quia – “Who” (Latin)
- Quilla – “Moon goddess” (Incan)
- Quinlan – “Descendant of Caoinlean” (Irish)
- Quinta – “Fifth” (Spanish)
- Quita – “Little” (Spanish)
- Quy – “Precious” (Vietnamese)
R
- Radha – “Success” (Sanskrit)
- Rae – “Grace” (Hebrew)
- Rahma – “Mercy” (Arabic)
- Raina – “Queen” (Slavic)
- Raisa – “Rose” (Yiddish)
- Ramla – “Prophetess” (Arabic)
- Rani – “Queen” (Sanskrit)
- Rashida – “Righteous” (Arabic)
- Raven – Bird name
- Raya – “Friend” (Arabic)
- Rehema – “Compassion” (Swahili)
- Rena – “Peaceful” (Hebrew)
- Rhiannon – “Great queen” (Welsh)
- Ria – “Singer” (Spanish)
- Riona – “Queenly” (Irish)
- River – English word name
- Rogue – English word name
- Roma – “Strong” (Romani)
- Ruby – Gemstone name
- Ruka – “Bright blue flower” (Japanese)
S
- Sabah – “Morning” (Arabic)
- Sadie – “Princess” (Hebrew)
- Safiya – “Pure” (Arabic)
- Sahara – Desert name
- Saida – “Happy” (Arabic)
- Sakina – “Tranquility” (Arabic)
- Salma – “Peace” (Arabic)
- Samara – “Guardian” (Arabic)
- Sanaa – “Brilliance” (Arabic)
- Sapphire – Gemstone name
- Sara – “Princess” (Hebrew)
- Sarabi – “The Lion King” character
- Savanna – Grassland ecosystem
- Selena – “Moon” (Greek)
- Seraphina – “Fiery ones” (Hebrew)
- Serengeti – African plain
- Shakira – “Grateful” (Arabic)
- Shani – “Marvelous” (Swahili)
- Shasa – “Precious water” (African)
- Siku – “Day” (Swahili)
T
- Tabitha – “Gazelle” (Aramaic)
- Tahira – “Pure” (Arabic)
- Takara – “Treasure” (Japanese)
- Tallulah – “Leaping water” (Native American)
- Tamara – “Palm tree” (Hebrew)
- Tana – “Fairy queen” (Celtic)
- Tanda – “Fire” (African)
- Tani – “Born second” (African)
- Tanya – “Fairy queen” (Slavic)
- Tara – “Star” (Sanskrit)
- Taraji – “Hope” (Swahili)
- Taya – “Young” (Aboriginal)
- Thalia – “To bloom” (Greek)
- Thema – “Queen” (African)
- Themba – “Trust” (Zulu)
- Thora – “Thunder” (Norse)
- Tia – “Aunt” (Spanish)
- Tiisetso – “Mercy” (African)
- Tora – “Tiger” (Japanese)
- Tufa – “Storm” (African)
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U
- Uadjet – Egyptian cobra goddess
- Uba – “Flower” (African)
- Ufuoma – “Peace” (African)
- Uhura – “Freedom” (Swahili)
- Uji – “Ray of sunlight” (Japanese)
- Ula – “Jewel of the sea” (Celtic)
- Ulani – “Cheerful” (Hawaiian)
- Ulu – “Pearl” (Hawaiian)
- Uma – “Nation” (Sanskrit)
- Umay – “Mother goddess” (Turkish)
- Umeko – “Plum blossom child” (Japanese)
- Umm – “Mother” (Arabic)
- Una – “Lamb” (Irish)
- Unity – English word name
- Upendo – “Love” (Swahili)
- Urbi – “City” (Latin)
- Urenna – “Father’s will” (Igbo)
- Ursula – “Little bear” (Latin)
- Uschi – “God is my strength” (German)
- Uzuri – “Beauty” (Swahili)
V
- Vada – “Rule” (German)
- Vadoma – “Knowing” (African)
- Valda – “Power” (German)
- Valencia – “Strength” (Latin)
- Valerie – “Strong” (Latin)
- Vanna – “Butterfly” (Slavic)
- Vara – “Blessing” (Sanskrit)
- Vashti – “Beautiful” (Persian)
- Veda – “Knowledge” (Sanskrit)
- Vega – Star name
- Velma – “Determined protector” (German)
- Venus – Roman goddess of love
- Vera – “Faith” (Russian)
- Veronica – “True image” (Greek)
- Vesper – “Evening star” (Latin)
- Victoria – “Victory” (Latin)
- Vida – “Life” (Spanish)
- Violet – Flower name
- Viva – “Life” (Latin)
- Vixen – “Female fox” (English)
W
- Wachira – “Many people” (African)
- Wafia – “Faithful” (Arabic)
- Wambui – “Singer” (African)
- Wanda – “Wanderer” (Slavic)
- Wangari – “Leopard” (African)
- Warda – “Rose” (Arabic)
- Wasa – “Hunt” (Native American)
- Wayna – “Young” (Quechua)
- Wema – “Goodness” (Swahili)
- Wendy – “Friend” (English)
- Wezi – “Moon” (African)
- Whisper – English word name
- Wilder – “Untamed” (English)
- Willow – Tree name
- Winnie – “Holy peacemaking” (English)
- Winter – Season name
- Wisdom – English word name
- Wren – Bird name
- Wynn – “Fair” (Welsh)
- Wyonna – “Firstborn daughter” (Native American)
X
- Xena – “Hospitable” (Greek)
- Xenia – “Welcoming” (Greek)
- Xeraphina – “Dry” (Greek)
- Xia – “Summer” (Chinese)
- Xiang – “Fragrant” (Chinese)
- Ximena – “Listener” (Spanish)
- Xina – “Hospitable” (Greek)
- Xiomara – “Ready for battle” (Greek)
- Xiu – “Elegant” (Chinese)
- Xochitl – “Flower” (Nahuatl)
- Xola – “Stay in peace” (African)
- Xolani – “Peace” (African)
- Xandra – “Defender of mankind” (Greek)
- Xanthe – “Golden” (Greek)
- Xenobia – “Hospitable” (Greek)
- Xerxes – “Ruler over heroes” (Persian)
- Xian – “Immortal” (Chinese)
- Xinyi – “Heart of joy” (Chinese)
- Xyla – “Wood” (Greek)
- Xylia – “From the forest” (Greek)
Y
- Yaa – “Born on Thursday” (African)
- Yael – “Mountain goat” (Hebrew)
- Yajna – “Sacrifice” (Sanskrit)
- Yakira – “Precious” (Hebrew)
- Yalda – “Born” (Persian)
- Yamka – “Blossom” (Native American)
- Yana – “God is gracious” (Slavic)
- Yara – “Water lady” (Arabic)
- Yasmin – “Jasmine flower” (Persian)
- Yejide – “Mother has come again” (Yoruba)
- Yemaya – “Mother whose children are fish” (Yoruba)
- Yennefer – “Juniper” (Welsh)
- Yesenia – “Flower” (Spanish)
- Yeva – “Life” (Ukrainian)
- Yoko – “Positive” (Japanese)
- Yolanda – “Violet flower” (Greek)
- Yuki – “Snow” (Japanese)
- Yuma – “Son of the chief” (Native American)
- Yuri – “Lily” (Japanese)
- Yvette – “Yew tree” (French)
Z
- Zada – “Prosperous” (Arabic)
- Zahara – “Blooming flower” (Swahili)
- Zahra – “Flower” (Arabic)
- Zaina – “Beautiful” (Arabic)
- Zalika – “Well-born” (Swahili)
- Zama – “Try” (Zulu)
- Zara – “Blooming flower” (Arabic)
- Zaria – “Dawn” (Swahili)
- Zena – “Hospitable” (Greek)
- Zendaya – “To give thanks” (Shona)
- Zenobia – “Life of Zeus” (Greek)
- Zera – “Seed” (Hebrew)
- Zeruja – “Fragrant” (Hebrew)
- Zia – “Light” (Arabic)
- Zina – “Guest” (Russian)
- Zinnia – Flower name
- Zion – “Highest point” (Hebrew)
- Ziva – “Bright/Radiant” (Hebrew)
- Zola – “Quiet” (African)
- Zuri – “Beautiful” (Swahili)
Conclusion
In conclusion, the perfect lioness name is one that resonates with you, captures the essence of the lioness it describes, and perhaps even teaches us something about the diverse cultures and languages that have been inspired by these remarkable animals throughout history.