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Africa

♀ Girl

Pronounced AF-rih-kah /ˈæf.rɪ.kə/Medium

Meaning: Both the continent name and a genuine old Spanish/Catalan given name (Africa/Africa), tied to Nuestra Senora de Africa and to the Roman name Afra, 'from Africa'. Both given honestly and respectfully.Low

In 30 seconds: A bold, rooted name: Africa is the continent and an old Spanish name from Afra (said 'AF-rih-kah'). Warm and heritage-rich.

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Origin MediumSpanish, Latin

MeaningBoth the continent name and a genuine old Spanish/Catalan given name (Africa/Africa), tied to Nuestra Senora de Africa and to the Roman name Afra, 'from Africa'. Both given honestly and respectfully.

U.S. rank (2024)#15287 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1972

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,034

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Africa reads as the continent name and as an established Spanish/Catalan name from the Roman Afra. It carries warmth and heritage — rare in the U.S. (said 'AF-rih-kah').

In the U.S. it appears only rarely. Rare, bold, and heritage-rich.

Did you know? Africa is both the continent name and a genuine old Spanish/Catalan given name, tied to Nuestra Senora de Africa and the Roman Afra, 'from Africa'; both routes are given honestly and respectfully — a bold, heritage-rich name (said 'AF-rih-kah').

Overall data confidence 46%

References — Africa — continent name; old Spanish/Catalan from Roman Afra

Variations

AfricahAfrikaAfra

Nicknames

AfriRica

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Africa…

Afra— the Roman name behind it

Ireland— a like place-name pick

Asia— a like continent name

Paloma— a like warm Spanish name

Explore names like Africa

By themeheritage spanish place-name bold

By meaningGift / Blessing Truth

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Africa mean?

Africa is the continent name and also a genuine old Spanish/Catalan name, tied to the Roman Afra, 'from Africa'.

How do you pronounce Africa?

It's said AF-rih-kah /ˈæf.rɪ.kə/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Africa a boy or girl name?

Africa is a girl's name.

How popular is Africa?

Africa is a rare name in the U.S.